Gambling Online

Online Video Poker

Video poker is an outrageously fun game to play. There is little doubt in my mind why the game has built up a fantastic following in the years since its inception.

I can’t speak for all other players, but the first thing I do when I enter a casino is to check out the banks of video poker machines that are available. The same thing is true with online video poker. If I open a casino and the software is new to me, the very first thing I do is to check out the different types of video poker games are made available for me to play.

Now, that said, there is a strategy that must be followed to play video poker at optimum levels. Of all the hands that will be potentially dealt, there will be about 80% or so that will be losing hands. This is important to know because that means the other 20% +/- will be winners, or potential winners based on the choices of the person playing the game.

The odds of any video poker machine will vary greatly, depending on the actual game chosen. The best payouts by far, and the most consistent in my opinion is the 9/6 Jacks or Better machine. What this means, is that the machine will payout 9 coins for every one that you bet for a full house, and 6 for a flush. Take note that there is a difference in that the machine will payout 8/5 if you choose a progressive machine in most cases.

You always have to remember to play the maximum coins in order to gain the greatest returns. If you are playing a progressive machine, the same holds true. If you are playing progressive video poker, and do not play the maximum bet, and the Royal Flush pops into your hand, you will NOT be paid the progressive jackpot, and instead you will get the much lower payout for the video poker royal flush.

One HUGE mistake that people make when playing any video poker is to think that the Ace is the most important card, or even the King, but in reality, the best strategy will have you saving the Jack as opposed to any other when playing optimum video poker strategy.

Some tips to remember:

·         NEVER hold a pair with a kicker. It reduces your overall odds by about 5%

·         Never break a winning hand unless you are drawing one card for a royal flush

·         Never break a flush to try for a straight flush, unless it is the royal flush you are trying to get

·         If you have 2 face cards, and one is a Jack, hold the Jack every time

·         Never try for a straight flush when you have a straight