Video Poker is all about strategy. The ability to discard means the player must know which cards to keep and which cards to get rid of.
First of all here is some information about the different types of Video Poker Games.
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is a common wild card Video Poker game. A standard 52-card deck is used. Its unique feature is that the four 2's are wild cards, capable of being any card.
This increases the chance of a payout but in return the payout is less. There are also new payouts such as five of a kind.
The volatility of Deuces Wild is more than the regular game.
Jacks or better
Jacks or better has become the classic form of the game. It is by far the most popular.
Jacks or better will give you a 99.54% expected return when played correctly.
But whenever playing a type of Video Poker you are unsure of, check the rules and the payout structure. In some game the minimum hand is a pair of Jacks, in others it's a pair of Kings and in Deuces Wild it is three of a kind.
Now that you know the different types of games lets take a look at varying Video Poker strategy.
Joker's Wild
Joker's Wild uses a standard 52-card deck with a joker thrown in as well. The presence of the joker makes the minimum winning hand two pair.
Deuces Wild Strategy
You want to try and see as many twos as possible so discard cards for the hope that a deuce will fall. So do not keep two pairs as getting rid of three cards may bring three of a kind which is a better payout then two pair.
Jokers Wild Strategy
Try and play the video poker machines which payout seven times for a full house and five for a flush.
Don't be scared about holding the joker and discarding four other cards.
General Strategic Mistakes
You want a five card hand. Kickers are meaningless. You are not playing against anyone so a kicker is just a waste.
Do not draw to an inside straight where you only have one out. Only look for a straight when it is open ended.
Don't hold three cards looking for a flush. Runner-runner flushes can happen but more often than not they won't.
Hints and Tips
Play progressive machines which pay jackpots. Do this especially if the machine is showing 80% of the payoff amount.
Always keep a pair instead of a keeping a high card.
Always keep a high pair instead of a open straight, four-card flush or possible royal.
