Video poker is one of the most popular casino games that blends both skill and luck. Unlike traditional slot machines, video poker requires a deeper understanding of strategy, as players are given the opportunity to make decisions that influence their outcomes. A key tool that can significantly improve a player’s chances of winning is a Video Poker Strategy Chart.
This article will explore the concept of video poker strategy charts, why they are essential, how they work, and how to effectively use them to improve your game. We will also look at the most commonly played variations of video poker and the specific strategies for each.
What is a Video Poker Strategy Chart?
A video poker strategy chart is a visual aid that outlines the optimal decision-making process for various hands in video poker. The chart details the correct choices for holding or discarding cards based on the type of hand you have and the game variant you are playing. It essentially serves as a cheat sheet, offering the most mathematically sound approach to maximizing your expected returns.
The goal of using a video poker strategy chart is to reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning or achieving a higher payout. It takes into account the paytable (the payout structure for each winning hand) and the probability of drawing specific cards to help you make the best possible decision.
How Does a Video Poker Strategy Chart Work?
Video poker strategy charts provide a systematic approach to making decisions after the initial cards are dealt. Each time you are dealt a hand, you must decide which cards to hold and which to discard in hopes of improving your hand after the next draw. The chart gives you a clear recommendation on what action to take based on the cards you hold.
The chart typically breaks down the possible decisions into a grid format, with rows representing different types of hands and columns showing the action to take for each hand based on the cards in play.
For example, if you are dealt a pair of jacks and three low cards, the strategy chart would recommend that you hold the pair of jacks and discard the remaining cards. If you were dealt a four-card flush with an additional low card, the chart might suggest that you keep the four cards of the flush and discard the low card to give you the best chance at drawing a flush.
Types of Video Poker and Their Strategy Charts
There are several popular variants of video poker, and each has its own strategy chart. The most common forms include:
1. Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most basic and popular video poker game. The objective is to form a winning hand starting with a pair of jacks or higher. The paytable typically offers the highest payouts for a Royal Flush, followed by a Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, and so on.
Strategy for Jacks or Better
The strategy chart for Jacks or Better focuses on holding onto any winning combinations and discarding the lowest cards. Key hands to focus on include:
- Royal Flush: Hold all five cards.
- Straight Flush: Hold the five cards that form the Straight Flush.
- Four of a Kind: Hold the four cards of the same rank.
- Full House: Hold the three-of-a-kind and the pair.
- Three of a Kind: Hold the three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Hold both pairs.
- One Pair of Jacks or Better: Hold the pair and discard the remaining cards.
2. Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is another highly popular video poker variant. In this game, the 2s (or deuces) act as wild cards, meaning they can represent any other card in the deck. This increases the chances of forming a winning hand, but it also changes the strategy significantly.
Strategy for Deuces Wild
The strategy chart for Deuces Wild advises players to use the wild cards (deuces) to complete high-paying hands, such as:
- Five of a Kind: Hold all five cards.
- Straight Flush: Hold the five cards of the flush, using deuces as needed.
- Four of a Kind: Hold the four matching cards, using a deuce to complete the hand if necessary.
- Full House: Hold the full house.
- Flush or Straight: Hold the cards that complete the flush or straight.
- Any Deuce: Always hold onto any deuce, as it offers the potential to form a higher-paying hand.
3. Joker Poker
Joker Poker is similar to Deuces Wild, but it adds a Joker card to the deck, which is wild. In this game, the Joker can be used as any card, increasing the likelihood of hitting a big hand.
Strategy for Joker Poker
The strategy for Joker Poker focuses on maximizing the potential of the wild Joker. Key recommendations include:
- Royal Flush: Hold all five cards.
- Five of a Kind: Hold all five cards.
- Straight Flush: Hold the cards that form the flush.
- Four of a Kind: Hold the four matching cards.
- Full House: Hold the full house.
4. Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is a variation of Jacks or Better but with a different paytable. It offers higher payouts for certain hands, such as Four of a Kind. For instance, you may receive a larger payout for four 10s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings, as opposed to other lower-ranked Four of a Kinds.
Strategy for Bonus Poker
The strategy for Bonus Poker is similar to Jacks or Better, but the higher payouts for specific hands should influence your decisions:
- Four of a Kind (10s or better): Hold all four cards for a big payout.
- Full House: Hold the full house.
- Straight: Hold the straight.
How to Read and Use a Video Poker Strategy Chart
A video poker strategy chart is designed to be easy to follow, but understanding how to read it is essential to getting the most out of it. Here’s how to effectively use the chart:
Step 1: Know the Hand You Have
Once the initial hand is dealt, assess the cards you hold. Identify the pairs, three-of-a-kinds, flushes, straights, or any other potential winning combinations.
Step 2: Refer to the Strategy Chart
Compare your hand to the strategy chart. The chart will provide instructions on whether to hold certain cards or discard others. It will also highlight the best combinations to prioritize, like full houses, straights, or flushes.
Step 3: Make Your Decision
Using the chart as a guide, make your decisions. For example, if you have a pair of jacks and three low cards, the chart will recommend holding the jacks and discarding the low cards.
Step 4: Draw the New Cards
Once you’ve made your decision, draw the new cards as per the game’s rules. If you’ve followed the chart correctly, your chances of forming a winning hand will be higher.
Why Use a Video Poker Strategy Chart?
The primary reason to use a video poker strategy chart is to maximize your expected return. Video poker is a game of skill, and the decisions you make directly impact the outcome. By adhering to an optimal strategy, you can reduce the house edge and increase your long-term profitability.
Benefits of Using a Video Poker Strategy Chart:
- Improved Decision-Making: The chart helps you make better choices, avoiding common mistakes that can cost you money.
- Reduced House Edge: By following the optimal strategy, you lower the house edge, which improves your chances of winning.
- Increased Confidence: Having a strategy chart on hand provides you with confidence that you’re making the best decisions.
- Maximized Payouts: The chart can help you make decisions that result in the highest possible payouts for your hand.
Limitations of a Strategy Chart:
- No Guarantee of Winning: While a strategy chart improves your chances of winning, video poker still relies heavily on luck, and there’s no way to guarantee a win.
- Requires Memory: Some charts, particularly for more complex variants like Deuces Wild, may be more difficult to memorize.
- Specific to Variants: Strategy charts are specific to the variant you’re playing. A chart for Jacks or Better won’t work for Deuces Wild, so be sure to use the correct chart for the game you’re playing.
Conclusion
A Video Poker Strategy Chart is an essential tool for any serious player looking to improve their game. By providing a systematic approach to decision-making, these charts help maximize the potential for winning hands and minimize mistakes. Each video poker variant has its own chart, and understanding how to read and apply it is key to long-term success.
Whether you are playing Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, or any other variation, the strategy chart can guide your decisions and help you make the most of each hand. While luck still plays a role in video poker, using a strategy chart will give you the best possible chance to reduce the house edge and maximize your profits.
