I used to think video poker was just a flashier slot machine. Hit a few buttons, hope for a royal flush, and move on. Nope.
It’s one of the rare games where knowing your stuff changes everything. You don’t need a poker face or a fancy system. You just need to understand the hands, pick the right version, and play smart. Luckily, I’ve made the switch from guessing to winning—read on to see how.
To try video poker somewhere solid, head over to Bodog Online Casino. What grabbed me was their welcome deal—CA$600 and 50 free spins on your first deposit. You can also snag a crypto bonus worth up to CA$900 plus 100 extra free spins. Plus, their poker section is stacked, and the interface is clean.
What Is Video Poker, Really?
In video poker, you are against the machine—no dealers, no players, no stress. You get five cards, pick which ones to keep, and the rest get replaced. If your hand matches a winning combo, you get paid.
It’s based on five-card draw, but faster. What makes it better than slots? You control the outcome. Not fully, but enough to shift the odds your way.
How to Start Playing It Smartly
Know the Hands First
You can’t win if you don’t know what wins. Seriously.
The best hands—like royal flushes and straight flushes—don’t come often, but they pay big. Most of the action happens with smaller hands like pairs, trips, and straights. In games like Jacks or Better, you’ll need at least a pair of face cards to get paid.
That last one’s key. Most games pay only if you hit Jacks or Better. Holding a pair of tens? Don’t get too excited.
Pick the Right Game
Game variants aren’t equal. Some give better odds. Some make you feel like a genius—until you realize they pay less for full houses or flushes.
Start with Jacks or Better. It’s the most balanced. You’ll learn the rhythm without crazy twists.
Feeling adventurous? Try:
- Deuces Wild – All 2s act as wilds and can fill in for any other card. Big fun, but tricky.
- Double Bonus – Pays extra for four aces or face cards. High-risk, but juicy.
And this is big: check the paytable before you play. You want a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine. That means 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush. If it’s lower, skip it.
Use a Simple Strategy
The first time I got four cards to a royal flush, I panicked and held the pair of Jacks instead. Painful.
Don’t overthink it. Here’s what I follow (especially in Jacks or Better):
- Have a high pair? Keep it.
- Four to a straight or flush? Hold those.
- Three to a royal flush? Yup, go for it.
- If you have nothing? Keep a Jack or higher.
Avoid holding low pairs or chasing weird hands. If you’ve got Jack-Ten-Nine-Eight of the same suit, that’s four to a straight flush. Keep those. Ditch the random low pair.
Best thing? There are free strategy charts for each game available online. And sites like FreeSlots99 even let you practice hands for free before you go for real-money play. That helped me iron out dumb mistakes without burning cash.
Bankroll Tips That Actually Help
Forget the usual “don’t play more than you can afford” stuff. Here’s what helped me:
- I play slower, not cheaper. That’s it.
- I never rush through hands. I pause, think, and click.
- I pick fewer, smarter sessions over long grinds. One 20-minute game where I stay sharp beats three hours of autopilot.
Also, if there’s a progressive jackpot, I go max bet. That’s usually five coins. Anything less, and you won’t qualify.
Online vs Real-Life Video Poker
I used to play at casinos in person. But once I switched to online, I didn’t look back.
- You get more game types
- You can play lower bets
- Best of all—you can check the paytable at your own pace
In real life, people hover or look over your shoulder. Online, it’s just you and your logic. Plus, if you mess up, no one sees.
Just one thing—stick with licensed sites.
Common Mistakes I See All the Time
Here’s what I’ve done (and seen others do) that tanks your chances:
- Holding low pairs instead of high cards. Don’t keep 4s and ditch a Queen.
- Chasing inside straights. Like keeping 5-7-9. Don’t.
- Skipping max bet on jackpots. I learned the hard way—hit a royal once and got a regular payout. Could’ve been 800x.
- Not reading the paytable. Always double-check. Just because it says “Jacks or Better” doesn’t mean it pays fairly.
- Clicking too fast. It’s not a race. You’re not impressing anyone.
Final Hand: Make It Count
Video poker is a solo game where your choices matter. You don’t need to memorize 50 moves or track odds in your head. Just know the basics, pick your spots, and don’t rush.
Once I treated each hand like a puzzle instead of a spin, I started winning more. And even when I didn’t win? I knew why, and that helped me level up for next time.
So once you crack the rhythm, it’s a pretty great ride.
