After the video poker deal select any cards you'd like to hold on to for the second draw, if any, by clicking on those card(s) in the main hand. After you decide and click DRAW, see what you've won! Keep playing 247 Video Poker.org until you reach millions or you lose your chips. Video poker actually shows you the game's financial return and your theoretical odds of winning. Why take chances with video and spinning reel slots when you can learn to recognize the best odds at a glance and train to be a winner? Superstitions – Video poker is full of old wives' tales and myths about how the games work and how to play. Video poker players can learn the proper strategy for video poker or refine their skills by using BVS Video Poker for Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8.x. Each variation of video poker has its own individual winning strategy and taking the time to learn your game means better payoffs.
Video Poker is one of the best games you will find in the casinos. It's a much better game to play than a slot machine and there are two main reasons for this:
Video poker strategy isn’t easy like baccarat or craps, where you can learn a few different bets and play perfectly. Instead, you need to know how to play a lot of different scenarios / hands. But part of the fun is the process when you learn video poker. If you enjoy skill-based gaming, then you’ll appreciate the journey it takes to becoming a. Video Poker training. For those users of virtual casinos in Australia who have decided to learn to play video Poker but can not make a choice between a card game and video slots, a unique competition has appeared today – video Poker. This is a gambling slot with a card competition.
- You can tell what a video poker machine is programmed to pay back by simply looking at its paytable. This can never be done for a slot machine.
- Slot machines are games of pure luck, while video poker is a game of skill. So the better you are at playing your hands in video poker, the higher the return you will achieve on the game!
Learn Video Poker Strategy
One of the best ways to improve your skills is to use video poker software. By practicing with software you will easily be able to identify the best-paying machines in any casino, plus you willbe able to practice playing those games so you can play at a near-perfect level.
Additionally, some programs will allow you to print out strategy cards that you can take with you into the casino.
Recommended Video Poker Software Programs
Below is information on our favorite video poker software programs available on the market today. Click on the name of each software program to learn the benefits of each and its price.
These are priced between $18-50. All of the software have a trial version you can download for free.
Optimum Video Poker Software - Mac/Windows Version
(see our review here)
Winpoker Software
Winpoker: WinPoker 6 is a training program that points out strategy as you go along. It gives you guidance that covers every single hand you could be dealt. Available here.
Video Poker for Winners: Software built on the strategies of video poker legend, Bob Dancer. This features over 20 video poker variations. You play within the software and choose which playmode you want: Test, AutoHold, Warn, Show, and None. Available here.
BVS Video Poker
BVS Video Poker: This program gives guidance for 40 video poker games. It has three play modes:Normal, Auto-hold, and Auto-play. Available here.Video poker has long been popular among casino players because it gives you a
realistic chance to beat the house.
realistic chance to beat the house.
Of course, if you’re just starting to learn video poker, then you need to
learn both the basics and strategy before conquering the game.
learn both the basics and strategy before conquering the game.
That said, let’s discuss several important concepts that beginners must know,
along with how you can become a winning player.
along with how you can become a winning player.
Video Poker for Beginners – How to Play, Available Games & More
Introduction to Video Poker
If you’re completely new to video poker, don’t worry because thousands of
players start out with the game every day. And you’ll find that the playing
process is really simple.
players start out with the game every day. And you’ll find that the playing
process is really simple.
Here are the steps for playing video poker:
- Choose how many coins to bet from 1-5.
- Click Deal.
- Choose what cards to hold; the remainder will be discarded.
- Click Draw.
- If your hand qualifies for a payout, you’ll be paid according to the
paytable.
As you can see, playing video poker is easy. And once you nail down the
video poker basics, the next step is executing proper strategy.
video poker basics, the next step is executing proper strategy.
Video Poker Games
When you first begin to learn video poker, you may be shocked at how many
different games are available. In fact, there are well over 100 variations, with
each game featuring multiple paytables.
different games are available. In fact, there are well over 100 variations, with
each game featuring multiple paytables.
This is overwhelming for new players, which is why you should stick to the
following games in the beginning:
following games in the beginning:
Of these, Jacks or Better is the best introduction to video poker because it
has a simpler paytable than other games. Furthermore, most video poker variants
are based on Jacks or Better, which makes it easier to learn other games in the
future.
has a simpler paytable than other games. Furthermore, most video poker variants
are based on Jacks or Better, which makes it easier to learn other games in the
future.
The other three variations on this list have more-complex paytables than
Jacks or Better. But they’re still on the lighter side regarding how many extra
payouts they include.
Jacks or Better. But they’re still on the lighter side regarding how many extra
payouts they include.
As a beginner, you want a paytable with as few payouts as possible for two
reasons:
reasons:
- It cuts down on the number of payouts you have to understand.
- It makes strategy easier because you’ll have fewer choices to make.
When you learn Jacks or Better and the other games in the list above, you’ll
have less trouble transitioning to other video poker variants.
have less trouble transitioning to other video poker variants.
Video Poker Tournaments
You don’t need to worry about tournaments when you’re just starting to learn
video poker for beginners. After all, you should learn the fundamentals first
before you worry about the more-advanced games.
video poker for beginners. After all, you should learn the fundamentals first
before you worry about the more-advanced games.
But once you become an experienced player, video poker tournaments, are
definitely fun to play. Here’s how some of the different tourneys work:
definitely fun to play. Here’s how some of the different tourneys work:
- Video Poker TournamentsThese events can be set up in one of two ways: hand limits or
time limits. A hand limit sees the tournament last a specific amount of
hands (i.e. 250), while a time limit sees the tournament last for a certain
number of minutes (i.e. 20 minutes). In either case, the winner is
determined by who has the most credits (points) at the end. - ChallengesYou can
invite other players to a video poker challenge, where you face off
one-on-one or against a group. You, or whoever issues the challenge,
determines the hand or time limit. Oftentimes, challenges have fun
achievements that you can unlock too. - ContestsA video
poker contest works like a tournament, where the top point earners share in
a prize pool. But the difference is that the top score is based on who has
the best score in a single session. Video poker contests cap the number of
sessions you can play in a single day (i.e. 5).
How Video Poker Compares to Slot Machines
Video poker and slots often compare because they’re the two most-popular
forms of machine-based gaming.
forms of machine-based gaming.
When it comes to
video poker versus slot machines, the key distinction is
that video poker features intricate strategy that influences the long-term
outcome.
video poker versus slot machines, the key distinction is
that video poker features intricate strategy that influences the long-term
outcome.
Every decision you make will either improve or lessen your chances of
winning
winning
Compare this to slots, where you spin the reels over and over while
hoping that luck goes your way.
hoping that luck goes your way.
But slots also have an advantage in that they offer fun themes, bonuses, and
more features than video poker games. This is an alluring prospect for players
who are looking to be entertained, rather than use stimulating strategy.
more features than video poker games. This is an alluring prospect for players
who are looking to be entertained, rather than use stimulating strategy.
The same comparison can be made between video poker and some of the new
electronic pull tab games that are being released.
electronic pull tab games that are being released.
As you may know, pull tab games are like a hybrid between the lottery and
slots, where you insert money into a slot-like machine, then receive tickets.
But modern pull tab games are more colorful and include some of the same
entertainment features as slots.
slots, where you insert money into a slot-like machine, then receive tickets.
But modern pull tab games are more colorful and include some of the same
entertainment features as slots.
In the end, whether you choose video poker or slots & electronic pull tabs
depends upon what you value the most: using strategy to influence the results,
or being amused with bonuses and special features.
depends upon what you value the most: using strategy to influence the results,
or being amused with bonuses and special features.
Video Poker Terms
It’s easier to understand video poker when you know some of the terms
associated with the game. You can consult this video poker glossary for the full
range of terms, but here are the most important ones:
associated with the game. You can consult this video poker glossary for the full
range of terms, but here are the most important ones:
- Aces and EightsGame
where four aces or 8s earns you a bonus payout. - CreditsHow many
coins you have in the machine. Also refers to how many coins you bet. - CycleAverage number
of hands that must be played before you get a certain winning hand. - Deuces WildGame
where 2s are wild. - DiscardsCards that
you elect not to keep during the draw round. - DrawWhen you draw
for replacements cards after deciding what cards to hold. - HoldThe cards you
keep during the draw round. - JackpotOften refers
to a royal flush payout, although it can also indicate a progressive
jackpot. - Jacks or BetterGame
where payouts start at a pair of jacks or better. - Random Number
GeneratorProgram that determines random video poker results through
number combinations. - Royal FlushTop hand
in video poker, featuring 10, jack, queen, king, and ace of the same suit. - Strategy ChartShows
what hands to keep in order of importance. - Triple PlayGame
that lets you play three hands per turn. - Video Poker TrainerSoftware that alerts you when you’ve made a strategy mistake.
How to Learn Video Poker Strategy
Once you’ve moved past the introduction to video poker and feel comfortable
with the game, the next step involves learning strategy. The closer you are to
using optimal strategy, the better your chances are of beating casinos.
with the game, the next step involves learning strategy. The closer you are to
using optimal strategy, the better your chances are of beating casinos.
What’s nice is that you have several options when you’re trying to learn
video poker, including the methods covered below.
video poker, including the methods covered below.
Strategy Charts
The easiest way to sharpen your
video poker skills is by grabbing a strategy
chart for the specific game you’re playing.
video poker skills is by grabbing a strategy
chart for the specific game you’re playing.
These charts rank what hands to keep in terms of importance. Here’s an
example:
example:
- You’re playing Jacks or Better and you have four cards to a flush.
- You also have a low pair (10s or lower).
- You keep the four cards to a flush because this hand is ranked
higher on the strategy chart.
If you’re totally new to video poker strategy, this is a great way to improve
because you merely need to compare hands on the chart.
because you merely need to compare hands on the chart.
The only catch is that you won’t find strategy charts available for
more-obscure video poker variations. In these cases, you’ll want to look for
training software (discussed later).
more-obscure video poker variations. In these cases, you’ll want to look for
training software (discussed later).
Learning from Video Poker Experts
If you want to rapidly go from the video poker for beginners stage to playing
like a pro, then you need to consult the experts. And the good news is that
there are more than enough gurus to learn from.
like a pro, then you need to consult the experts. And the good news is that
there are more than enough gurus to learn from.
Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite video poker experts and what they
bring to the table:
bring to the table:
Bob Dancer
As the
author of the most-catchy video poker book ever, Million Dollar Video Poker,
Bob Dancer has shot to the top of the authority rankings. The book is based
on how Dancer’s made $1 million within a six-month period playing video
poker. But he has more-sustainable advice too, especially when it comes to
taking advantage of promotions and finding the best games.
author of the most-catchy video poker book ever, Million Dollar Video Poker,
Bob Dancer has shot to the top of the authority rankings. The book is based
on how Dancer’s made $1 million within a six-month period playing video
poker. But he has more-sustainable advice too, especially when it comes to
taking advantage of promotions and finding the best games.
Jean Scott
Creator of theFrugal Video Poker program, Jean Scott is an excellent resource to
consult for the best bankroll management strategies. Frugal Video Poker lets
you create customizable strategy for 54 different games, and figure out what
size of bankroll you need.
consult for the best bankroll management strategies. Frugal Video Poker lets
you create customizable strategy for 54 different games, and figure out what
size of bankroll you need.
John Grochowski
John Grochowski has been around the gaming world for a long time, dispending
knowledge on both slots and video poker. He’s published hundreds of articles
and several books, making him one of the best to learn from.
knowledge on both slots and video poker. He’s published hundreds of articles
and several books, making him one of the best to learn from.
Free Video Poker
Learn Poker Free
Once you’ve learned enough video poker strategy, the next step is to put your
knowledge into practice. And one of the easiest ways to do this is through free
video poker.
knowledge into practice. And one of the easiest ways to do this is through free
video poker.
The obvious advantage to playing for free is that you can make mistakes
without hurting your bankroll. This is perfect for when you’re trying to
recognize strategy patterns and develop a rhythm.
without hurting your bankroll. This is perfect for when you’re trying to
recognize strategy patterns and develop a rhythm.
Another perk to free video poker is that you don’t have to look far to find
it.
it.
Every online casino lets you play for free as long as you have an account.
Some casinos don’t even require that you create an account – you just choose the
desired game and play it through your PC or mobile device.
Some casinos don’t even require that you create an account – you just choose the
desired game and play it through your PC or mobile device.
You can also find free video poker at various websites.
Many of these programs are rudimentary and only feature a handful of popular
games like Jacks or Better. But these sites are worth mentioning in case you’re
looking to play for fun without visiting an online casino.
games like Jacks or Better. But these sites are worth mentioning in case you’re
looking to play for fun without visiting an online casino.
Video Poker Training Tools
While free video poker is nice, the problem is that it doesn’t identify any
of the mistakes you make. This is where training software becomes useful because
it alerts you to mistakes so you can avoid them in the future.
of the mistakes you make. This is where training software becomes useful because
it alerts you to mistakes so you can avoid them in the future.
Basically, video poker training is like an unseen virtual teacher who offers
you a free education on the game. Rather than watching video poker tutorials and
/ or pouring over strategy charts, you can just play and find out what you’re
doing right and wrong.
you a free education on the game. Rather than watching video poker tutorials and
/ or pouring over strategy charts, you can just play and find out what you’re
doing right and wrong.
Here’s an example:
- You’re playing 9 / 6 Jacks or Better and are dealt As, Qs, Kh, Ad,
2s. - You choose to keep the As, Kh, Ad.
- The video poker trainer alerts you to the mistake, pointing out that
you should only keep Asand Ad in this situation.
The idea behind using trainers is to train yourself to make the correct
decisions in every situation. Once you see enough situations and learn how to
play them, using the right strategy will eventually become automatic.
decisions in every situation. Once you see enough situations and learn how to
play them, using the right strategy will eventually become automatic.
Learn Video Poker For Beginners Dummies
You can either use free video poker trainers, which are found across the
internet, or you can purchase a program.
internet, or you can purchase a program.
Ideally, the free trainers will cover your desired video poker game. But the
problem is that most free programs only cover popular variants like All
American, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker.
problem is that most free programs only cover popular variants like All
American, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker.
If you’re trying to beat positive expectation games – i.e. full-pay Deuces
Wild, 10 / 7 Double Bonus, and 10 / 6 Double Double Bonus – then you’ll need to
buy a program, which is discussed next.
Wild, 10 / 7 Double Bonus, and 10 / 6 Double Double Bonus – then you’ll need to
buy a program, which is discussed next.
Buying a Video Poker Training Program
As just mentioned, purchasing a training program is ideal when free programs
don’t cover your desired variation.
don’t cover your desired variation.
Buying trainers is especially wise if you’re an advantage player looking to
win long-term profits through a positive expectation game.
win long-term profits through a positive expectation game.
One example is WinPoker, which offers the following features:
- Hard Hand feature,
where the program only deals difficult hands. - Alerts you when
mistakes are made. - Choose from 23
different games. - Error Log Mode, where
you continually practice hands you got wrong. - Play up to 10 hands
per turn.
Obviously these features are great when you’re trying to become a skilled
video poker player. But the catch is that you’ll pay $30 or more for video poker
trainers.
video poker player. But the catch is that you’ll pay $30 or more for video poker
trainers.
Checking Amazon.com, the cheapest price for WinPoker is currently $34.74. If
you’re just learning strategy for fun, then dumping $35 into a trainer isn’t an
appealing idea.
you’re just learning strategy for fun, then dumping $35 into a trainer isn’t an
appealing idea.
But the upside is that this one-time cost can save you lots of money in the
long run. Here are some theoretical examples:
Example 1long run. Here are some theoretical examples:
You play
10 / 7 Double Bonus, which has 100.17% payback with perfect strategy. – You
make some mistakes while playing and the payback drops to 99.0%. – You bet
$5,000 total, which leaves you with a theoretical loss of $50.
Example 210 / 7 Double Bonus, which has 100.17% payback with perfect strategy. – You
make some mistakes while playing and the payback drops to 99.0%. – You bet
$5,000 total, which leaves you with a theoretical loss of $50.
You play
10 / 7 Double Bonus. – You rarely make mistakes and achieve payback of
100.1%. – You bet $5,000 total, which leaves you with a theoretical profit
of $5.
10 / 7 Double Bonus. – You rarely make mistakes and achieve payback of
100.1%. – You bet $5,000 total, which leaves you with a theoretical profit
of $5.
Thanks to practicing with the video poker trainer, you’ve now swung a $50
loss into a $5 profit – a difference of $55.
loss into a $5 profit – a difference of $55.
And while this is just a made-up example, it shows how training programs can
quickly pay for themselves.
quickly pay for themselves.
Common Video Poker Errors
Given how in depth video poker strategy is, new players can make a lot of
mistakes in the beginning. But it’s important to know
the most common video poker mistakes because these cost you lots of money when repeated.
mistakes in the beginning. But it’s important to know
the most common video poker mistakes because these cost you lots of money when repeated.
That said, here are common errors you want to avoid:
- Mistake #1:Playing
Low-paying Games – The video poker world is filled with different games and
paytables. But you should never play a video poker variant until you’ve
check how much it pays back. - Mistake #2:Not Making
Max Bets (5 Coins)- If you want to achieve top payback in any video poker
game, you need to bet the 5-coin maximum on each hand. The reason why is
because you can only win the top royal flush payout (4,000 coins) on a max
bet. - Mistake #3:Not
Studying Strategy-We’ve preached how video poker strategy will help you
achieve the top payback. And there’s no way that you can play perfectly if
you don’t study strategy. - Mistake #4:Using the
Wrong Strategy on a Game- Every video poker game features slightly different
strategy from the next due to paytable differences. That said, you need the
correct strategy for each game to succeed. - Mistake #5:Playing
Too Long without Breaks- Even skilled players make mistakes when they play
too long without taking a breather. You should take a 5-10 minute break for
every hour you’ve been playing video poker - Mistake #6:Underestimating Bankroll Needs- Given the top-heavy payouts in video poker,
this game has a lot of variance. And you need a large bankroll to survive
the downswings until you hit big payouts. How many tourist visit las vegas each year. - Mistake #7:Not
Signing up for the Slots Club – If you want to get video poker rewards in
brick-and-mortar casinos, then you need to sign up for the slots club. You
can do so online or in the casino.
How to Find the Best Video Poker Games
You can learn all of the strategy in the world, but you’re guaranteed to lose
when playing the wrong video poker games.
when playing the wrong video poker games.
This is why it’s important to know the highest-paying video poker variations
along with where you can find them.
along with where you can find them.
Let’s first look at the top-paying games:
- Full-pay Deuces Wild – 100.76% payback
- Full-pay Joker Poker – 100.64% payback
- 10 / 7 Double Bonus – 100.17% payback
- 10 / 6 Double Double Bonus – 100.07% payback
- All Aces (online) – 99.92% payback
- 9 / 6 Jacks or Better – 99.54% payback
Learn How To Play Poker
This list doesn’t cover every obscure video poker variation that offers high
payback. But these games do represent your most-realistic chance for beating
video poker in land-based and online casinos.
payback. But these games do represent your most-realistic chance for beating
video poker in land-based and online casinos.
Now, let’s look at methods for finding these top-paying versions:
- Visit vpFREE2 (Land-based Casinos)The best way to find top video poker variants in
brick-and-mortar casino is to search vpFREE2. This site lets you search
casinos in different areas of Canada and the United States to find the best
games. Las Vegas is the only place we’ve found with games offering over 100%
payback. But you can still find solid games in other parts of the US and
Canada. - Look at Paytables in Casinos (Land-based and Online Casinos)If you’re already at a casino, you
can look at paytables to ensure that you’re paying the best-possible version
(a.k.a. full pay) of a video poker game. But this isn’t the most-efficient
method because it requires already being at the casino and visiting
different games / machines. - Search for Reviews of Software Providers (Online Casinos)A good method for finding high-paying
online video poker games is to search by individual software providers. Many
reviews discuss what kind of video poker payback each software provider
offers. We found that All Aces (listed above) offers 99.92% payback by
looking at a review of Microgaming’s software. Once you know payback for an
individual provider, you can look up what casinos they serve.
Apps To Learn Poker
Conclusion
Video poker strategy isn’t easy like baccarat or craps, where you can learn a
few different bets and play perfectly. Instead, you need to know how to play a
lot of different scenarios / hands.
few different bets and play perfectly. Instead, you need to know how to play a
lot of different scenarios / hands.
But part of the fun is the process when you learn video poker. If you enjoy
skill-based gaming, then you’ll appreciate the journey it takes to becoming a
successful player.
skill-based gaming, then you’ll appreciate the journey it takes to becoming a
successful player.
Once you get the basics of video poker down (i.e. playing, understanding
paytables), we recommend that you progress through the channels of learning
strategy in the following order:
paytables), we recommend that you progress through the channels of learning
strategy in the following order:
- Get the correct strategy chart for the game you’re playing.
- Consult experts.
- Use a video poker trainer and practice with free online games.
- Purchase training software.
- Search casinos for the best video poker variations.
Learn Video Poker Strategy
This might seem like a lot of work, but the game is a breeze once you learn
the strategy. From then on, it’s all about playing your best video poker and
hopefully earning profits!
the strategy. From then on, it’s all about playing your best video poker and
hopefully earning profits!