Video poker is a popular casino game that combines the excitement of slot machines with the strategy of poker. Unlike traditional poker, players don’t have to worry about bluffing or reading their opponents’ faces. Instead, they must rely on their knowledge of poker hands and probability to make the best decisions.
One of the most important decisions that players must make in video poker is which cards to hold. In this article, we’ll discuss what cards you should hold in different situations to increase your chances of winning.
Before we dive into specific scenarios, let’s review the basic hand rankings in video poker:
– Royal flush: 10, J, Q, K, A all of the same suit
– Straight flush: Any five consecutive cards of the same suit
– Four of a kind: Four cards of the same rank
– Full house: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank
– Flush: Any five cards of the same suit
– Straight: Any five consecutive cards (not all of the same suit)
– Three of a kind: Three cards of the same rank
– Two pair: Two pairs of different ranks
– Jacks or better: A pair of jacks or higher
Now let’s explore some common scenarios in video poker and what cards you should hold:
1. You are dealt a royal flush or straight flush:
Congratulations! You have been dealt one of the best hands in video poker. In this case, you should always hold all five cards and hope for a big payout.
2. You are dealt four of a kind:
Again, congratulations! This is an excellent hand that will almost guarantee a payout. Hold all four cards and replace the fifth card in hopes for another four-of-a-kind or even a higher hand like a straight flush.
3. You are dealt three-of-a-kind:
In this scenario, it’s best to hold onto your three-of-a-kind and replace the other two cards. The chances of getting a four-of-a-kind or a full house are higher if you keep the three cards.
4. You are dealt two pair:
Hold onto your two pairs and replace the fifth card. The only exception is if you have a pair of jacks or better in which case, you should hold all four cards.
5. You are dealt one pair:
If you have jacks or better, hold onto your pair and replace the other three cards. If not, replace all five cards and hope for a better hand.
6. You are dealt three to a royal flush:
Hold onto your three cards that could potentially make a royal flush (10, J, Q, K, A) and replace the other two cards.
7. You are dealt four to a straight flush:
Hold onto your four cards that could potentially make a straight flush and replace the fifth card.
8. You are dealt four to a flush:
Hold onto your four cards that could potentially make a flush and replace the fifth card.
9. You are dealt four to an outside straight (a straight with gaps at either end):
Hold onto your four cards that could potentially make an outside straight and replace the fifth card.
10. You are dealt three to a straight flush with one gap:
Hold onto your three cards that could potentially make a straight flush with one gap and replace the other two cards.
11. You are dealt two suited high cards (10 or higher):
Hold onto your two high suited cards and replace the other three cards in hopes for a high paying hand like flush or royal flush.
12. You are dealt one high card (10 or higher):
If you have no pairs then hold on to your highest card otherwise hold on to that pair!
In conclusion, knowing what cards to hold in video poker can greatly increase your chances of winning big payouts. It’s important to understand hand rankings and probability to make the best decisions. Remember to always play within your budget and have fun!
