VP strategy

 

Video poker is definitely one of the most popular casino games these days. Its popularity is mainly due to the fact that under the right circumstances, and with perfect strategy, some of the Video Poker games can yield a return of over 100%, that is, they can achieve positive expected value.

 

There are many different VP variants, and all of them require different strategies to master. If you’re going to play Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better strategy won’t do. Here are a few elements which are similar in all VP strategy, regardless of the variant you’re playing:

There’s only one element in all VP that involves a strategic choice on the part of the player, and that is the discarding of the cards. Discarding should always be done in a manner that will guarantee the hand in question the highest possible return from a mathematical perspective.

While there are many ways to play a hand (32) there’s always a single, well-defined optimal way to do it. Optimal VP strategy points out this ‘correct’ way to play.

Video poker strategy comes in the shape of charts (much like basic Blackjack strategy) that direct players towards the optimal choices in various situations.

 

Whenever you play VP in a live casino, you should always become a slot club member. This way, the comp points that you earn will provide a significant boost to your EV.

 

Play on full pay VP machines only. Only such full pay machines can provide the best possible EV. Some VP strategy articles advise you to take full advantage of comped drinks. While they do indeed mean value and thus they do indeed increase your EV, drinking just to get the EV going might not be the wisest choice for all. If you’re a non-drinker and cocktails make you sick, there’s not much point in increasing your EV this way.  Also be aware of the fact that drinking too much alcohol will cloud your judgment, and that will cost you much more in EV than what you gain through the drinks.

 

If you’re a good poker player, forget about regular strategy like bluffing, keeping good kickers and so on. They’ll do you no good in VP whatsoever.