Video Poker Basics for Success

Online video poker is becoming increasingly popular among casino games. Not all professional poker players play Texas Hold’em. Some poker players make a living playing video poker; it can be just as profitable as Texas Hold’em. In fact, one can learn to always make the proper move in video poker for maximum profits.

Video poker is an automated version of five-card draw poker, with one difference: In five-call draw, you play against other players, with the best hand winning. In video poker, you don’t play against anyone else, not even the “house” as in blackjack. You simply play hands, one after the other and win when you form a good hand and lose when you form a bad hand. It’s just that simple, which is why it is one of the most popular games in casinos.

The basic strategy for playing winning video poker is always hold a royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, three of a kind, or two of a pair. Your goal is to make the best hand of the five cards you are dealt. Do this by discarding and replacing cards that benefit you.

Developing a good video poker strategy is the only way to maximize your paycheck. While no all encompassing video poker strategy exists, there are a few fundamentals that lay the groundwork for knowing what to hold and when to fold. If your goal is to maximize your winnings, you’ll need a fair amount of practice and a decent memory. You can get practice from free video poker games. No-bet machines let you perfect your strategy without breaking the bank.

Video poker balances skill with luck, providing an exciting combination of challenges and surprises.