Video poker is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino video games. There are many reasons for this:
The house edge is relatively low – and in some cases, the player can even gain an edge.
Unlike traditional table games, no one comments on your play.
Compared to regular slot machines, video poker offers a major advantage:
The paytable, which determines the house edge and volatility, is always visible.
You have direct input in the game – your decisions influence the results.
There are numerous strategies you can use to maximize your winnings.
And with so many platforms offering the chance to play video poker online, this game becomes even more accessible and engaging from the comfort of your home.
But despite all these advantages, many players – perhaps most – lose more than they should at video poker. They tend to take too many risks and make not just one but often multiple avoidable mistakes.
To become an effective and successful video poker player, you must stop gambling and start treating video poker seriously.
Know exactly which game you want to play. Ideally, choose one with a low house edge and low variance. Good examples include full-pay games like Jacks or Better or “Not So Ugly” Deuces Wild. A low house edge means fewer factors are working against you. Low variance helps minimize fluctuations in your bankroll.
Once you’ve chosen your preferred game variant(s), learn the correct video poker strategy. Practice it using an app on your computer, tablet, or smartphone until you are comfortable. Remember: every wrong move you make gives your money to the casino – and that’s the opposite of effective play.
Find the best possible machine for your game in the casino – one that you’ve practiced and are familiar with.
Casinos offer countless video poker machines, including Jacks or Better, Double Bonus Poker, and Deuces Wild. Don’t trust the machine’s label. Just because it says Jacks or Better and displays a 9/6 payout doesn’t mean it’s a full-pay game. It could be something entirely different.
The only way to know for sure is to check the full paytable.
Casinos often place identical-looking machines side-by-side – but their payout tables may differ. Always double-check the paytable before you sit down.
Be smart. Play the best machine. Don’t fall for the casino’s tricks.
Most importantly: if you can’t find a machine with the low house edge you’re looking for, don’t play. Walk away. Don’t be a gambler – because gambling is not effective video poker play.
Preparation and observation won’t help if you’re not alert.
A few tips:
Stick to your regular daily routine if possible. Casinos are full of distractions – don’t let them throw you off.
Keep your sessions at a reasonable length. Long sessions lead to fatigue and mistakes. Take a break at least once an hour – and even sooner if you start making errors. Leave the casino and take a short walk to recharge.
Don’t play when you’re tired. Tired players make mistakes and are more likely to gamble recklessly.
Be cautious with alcohol – it clouds your judgment and dulls your senses.
As Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter once said in an interview, “Any distraction can get in the way of an effective gangster.” The same applies to a video poker player.
Using all available resources efficiently is a great way to boost your effectiveness.
Take full advantage of casino bonuses and always use your player card when you play. Earn points for free play, meals, and even cashback. Your play may qualify you for free rooms, drinks, shows, or other perks. Many casinos also offer cashback programs, promotions, bonus point days, and free tournaments.
These extras increase your overall returns and make your play more effective.
Few casino experiences are worse than losing your entire video poker bankroll within the first hour or two of a three-day trip. The good news? It’s totally avoidable.
To play effectively, you need a dedicated bankroll – money set aside solely for casino play. It should not come from your food, car insurance, mortgage, or emergency savings.
When your finances are in order, you can focus on playing well – instead of stressing about money.
When you have the advantage over the house, more hands mean more profits. In this case, speed is your friend – but only if you're well-prepared.
If you're making mistakes because you're rushing, slow down. Playing perfectly is far more effective than playing quickly.
The business guru Peter Drucker once advised: “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
After every session, take time to reflect: What did you do right? What did you do wrong? Be honest.
Once you’ve answered those questions, make a plan to build on what worked and correct what didn’t. That’s how you become a truly effective video poker player.