How To Win At Video Poker

By: Matt Mcgraw

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Every gambler should learn how to win at video poker. Video poker is one of the most popular games available today at casinos. The game offers players some of the best odds available in a casino and allows players to use strategy to improve odds and increase winnings. It is, however, important to learn how to properly play video poker machines to increase your odds of a big payout.

  1. Find an available video poker machine that offers good odds. All video poker machines are not equal. You are looking for a full pay machine. A full pay video poker machine will pay nine coins for a full house and six coins for a straight assuming you are playing with a single coin. This type of machine is also known as a 9/6 machine.
  2. Determine your gambling budget. You should sit down at a video poker machine and assume you will lose. Therefore, determine before playing how much you are willing to lose. Set a limit before you sit down and stick to it. Always walk away from the video poker machine if you reach your preset limit. 
  3. Study the pay tables on the machine you have selected and refer to the table throughout your play. Use the table to determine which cards to keep. The overall strategy with video poker is to sacrifice a small gain for a chance to win a larger jackpot. 
  4. Memorize a video poker strategy chart. You can find many charts available for free on the internet. Use the chart to determine which cards to discard and which cards to keep. Start from the top of the chart and work your way down. The chart will teach you which cards to discard for every possible hand. 
  5. Practice online. It is a good idea to perfect your skills and work on chart memorization before gambling in a casino with real money.
Posted on: Jun. 22, 2010