Winning all the time is not a realistic expectation if you play video poker at online casinos. In fact, it’s an unrealistic expectation no matter what you want to play. Today’s text is going to explore some of the best-known tactics for potentially (key word here!) improving your odds of winning more. No guarantees, but I think these strategies are best used at some generous casino with a big welcome bonus. That way, you will have plenty of funds for testing everything out and really finding your footing. Also, note that the strategies should be applicable to both physical machines and video poker games at web casinos.
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Strategy Number 1 – Martingale
The Martingale is a negative progression betting system. After any loss, you boost your bet 2 times for the next hand. After a win, you revert to your original base bet. The theory is that a win will eventually occur, recouping all previous losses in that sequence plus a profit equal to the original bet. For example, betting $1: Lose (-$1), bet $2: Lose (-$3 total), bet $4: Win (+$1 net profit).
The key target audience for today’s first tactic is players with a very large bankroll relative to their base bet and a higher tolerance for risk. It appeals to those seeking a structured approach to recouping losses quickly if they hit a win before hitting table limits or busting. It’s psychologically attractive subsequent to small losses but somewhat dangerous.
| Playing WITH Martingale | Playing WITHOUT Martingale | |
| Bet Size | Doubles after every loss, resets after win. | Typically consistent bet per hand. |
| Goal | Recoup losses + small profit after a win. | Win based on hand outcome & strategy. |
| Bankroll Risk | Extremely High. Rapid depletion possible. | Moderate/Managed. Based on bet size. |
| Win Streaks | Minimal profit (only base bet per win). | Steady accumulation. |
| Loss Streaks | Catastrophic. Bets escalate rapidly. | Predictable loss rate per hand. |
| Table Limits | Major Pitfall. Can prevent doubling needed. | No impact beyond max bet allowed. |
| Long-Term | Does not alter house edge. High risk of ruin. | House edge remains, but bankroll lasts longer. |
Strategy Number 2 – Reverse Martingale (Paroli)
Martingale was a negative, so its reverse is a positive progression system. Subsequent to a win, you double your bet for the next hand. After a loss, you revert to your base bet. The goal is to capitalize on winning streaks (“ride the wave”) while limiting losses during downturns. For example, bet $1: Win (+$1), bet $2: Win (+$3 total), bet $4: Win (+$7 total), then reset to $1.
This one is attractive for players looking to maximize short-term wins during hot streaks while protecting their bankroll more than the classic Martingale. It suits players who enjoy letting profits ride for potentially bigger payouts but want a defined reset point (after a set number of wins, often 3, or any loss). Also worth noting: it’s way less bankroll-intensive than Martingale.
| Playing WITH Reverse Martingale | Playing WITHOUT Martingale | |
| Bet Size | Doubles after each win, resets after loss. | Typically consistent bet per hand. |
| Goal | Maximize profit during winning streaks. | Win based on hand outcome & strategy. |
| Bankroll Risk | Moderate/Controlled. Resets on loss. | Moderate/Managed. Based on bet size. |
| Win Streaks | Potentially Large Profits. Compounded. | Steady accumulation. |
| Loss Streaks | Limited to base bet per hand after reset. | Predictable loss rate per hand. |
| Table Limits | Limits potential max win during long streak. | No impact beyond max bet allowed. |
| Long-Term | Does not alter house edge. Limits downside. | House edge remains, steady play. |
Strategy Number 3 – High Stakes Only
This strategy involves only playing video poker at the highest denomination machine available (e.g., $1, $5, $25 per credit) or max-coining on high-denomination machines. The rationale is that higher-stakes machines sometimes (but not always) have better pay tables (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better instead of 8/5) and that the major progressive jackpots (like the Royal Flush) are only achievable with max coins.
This is ONLY for players with substantial bankrolls who can comfortably absorb the variance of high-stakes play. It’s essential for those chasing the top progressive jackpots. Players skilled at identifying machines or games with genuinely superior pay tables at higher denominations benefit most. High rollers seeking bigger action.
Players serious about mathematical approaches might also explore Play New Slot Games 2025, where understanding RTP and variance mathematics applies similar analytical thinking to different game types.
| Playing HIGH STAKES ONLY | Playing LOWER STAKES | |
| Bet Size | Highest denomination/max coins possible. | Lower denomination, potentially fewer coins. |
| Goal | Access best paytables & max jackpots. | Longer playtime, manage bankroll. |
| Bankroll Risk | Very High. Hands cost significantly more. | Lower. Bankroll depletes slower. |
| Potential Win | Massive Jackpots possible (Royal). | Smaller wins, jackpots proportionally smaller. |
| Variance | Extremely High. Long droughts likely. | Lower variance, more consistent play. |
| Pay Table | Potentially better (must verify!). | Often worse than high-limit options. |
| Long-Term | Better paytable = lower house edge if found. | Worse paytable = higher house edge often. |
Strategy Number 4 – Using Probability and Math (Optimal Strategy)
This is the only strategy that genuinely lowers the house edge and improves long-term expected value. It involves memorizing and applying the mathematically optimal play for every possible starting hand dealt in the specific video poker variant you are playing (e.g., Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild). Charts dictate which cards to hold to maximize the expected return based on the paytable.
This number 4 requires discipline and study, but can benefit all serious video poker players. This is fundamental.
| Playing WITH Optimal Strategy | Playing WITHOUT Optimal Strategy | |
| Decision Basis | Mathematical expected value charts. | Gut feeling, hunches, basic poker logic. |
| Goal | Maximize long-term Return to Player (RTP). | Hope for wins, enjoy the game casually. |
| Bankroll Risk | Lowest Possible. Minimizes house edge. | Significantly Higher. Increases house edge. |
| Skill Level | Requires study, practice & discipline. | Easy to play casually. |
| Long-Term RTP | Can reach 99.5%+ on best full-pay games. | Often 96-98% or worse due to errors. |
| Mistake Cost | Errors still happen but minimized. | Frequent costly errors reduce RTP. |
| Essential For | Chasing positive expectation games. | Not applicable. |
