Simple Video Poker Strategy That Actually Works

Stop Wasting Hands: Play Smarter, Not Harder

Ditch the Guesswork

Video poker might look like a game of luck, but spend five minutes next to someone who really knows what they’re doing, and you’ll notice. They play differently. They don’t hesitate, they’re deliberate, and somehow, their credits seem to last a lot longer than yours. The reason is they’re not just playing, but they’re playing with video poker strategy.

Most people just tap “deal,” keep a couple of cards they like the look of, and cross their fingers. But the problem with that is that’s not how you win. Hope doesn’t pay the bills. Knowing what to hold and what to throw away is what makes video poker one of the few games in the casino where you can actually cut the house edge down. If you’re ready to see what smart play feels like, BetUS video poker is a solid place to practice.

Here’s how you can sit down and play like you’ve done this before, even if you haven’t.

Slots are simple because you merely press the button and hope for the best. Video poker isn’t like that. Every hand you’re dealt comes with a choice. What you keep changes everything. What you throw away can cost you. That’s why a proper video poker strategy matters, and it puts you back in control of your outcome.

People always ask: What’s the best strategy to play poker on a machine? And honestly, it depends on which version you’re playing, but the principle’s the same no matter what. Always make the move that pays more in the long run, even if it feels boring.

Let me show you how that works with the two most common games you’ll find.

If you’ve never touched a video poker machine before, start with Jacks or Better. It’s simple and forgiving. All you need to win is a pair of Jacks or higher.

A good Jacks or better video poker strategy goes something like this:

• Keep any pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. No-brainer, because it’s already a winner.

• If you’ve got four to a straight or a flush, hold them — even if you already have a lower pair.

• If you’re one card away from a royal flush? Drop whatever else you have and go for it.

• Just one high card? Hang on to it and ditch the rest.

If you’re worried about making mistakes, grab a video poker strategy chart. It’s just a printed list that tells you what the best move is for every hand. Doesn’t get much easier than that.

Once you’ve got the basics down, try Deuces Wild. Here, all the 2s count as wild cards — meaning they can be whatever you need. Sounds great, but you need stronger hands to win, so it’s more of a ride.

Here’s a quick deuces wild video poker strategy:

• Never, and I mean never, throw away a deuce.

• Got two or more deuces? Aim big: straight flush, five of a kind, something worth it.

• One deuce? Keep it and pair it with your best cards.

• No deuces? Then play it straight — chase flushes, straights, full houses.

It feels tricky at first, but once you get the hang of how the wild cards change things, it’s one of the most exciting ways to play.

Even pros keep a video poker strategy chart handy sometimes. Not because they don’t know what to do, but because it’s easy to slip up when you’re tired or distracted. Once you’ve played enough, you’ll start to remember the common plays. Until then its probably best to keep the chart nearby.

Knowing what to keep and what to throw is half the battle. The other half is playing smart with your money and time.

• Select machines with good paytables — some offer significantly higher payouts than others.

• Set a budget and stick to it. Walk away if you need to.

• Practice online before you risk real money in a casino.

• Don’t rush. Think through your moves.

At the end of the day, the point is to enjoy yourself, and it’s a lot easier to have fun when you’re not broke.

So what’s the best strategy for video poker? Know your game. Stick to the right plays, and don’t get emotional. Whether you stay with the steady payouts of Jacks or Better or go for the wild swings of Deuces Wild, what matters is playing smart every single hand.

When you’re ready to try it out, jump into a game at BetUS video poker and see what happens when you play with a plan. You don’t need years of experience to start playing like you’ve been doing this all along. Just remember that a little strategy goes a long way.