FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How To Play Those Tricky Hands

Video poker is the best slot game to play on the casino floor. Period. With returns of over 100%, when playing perfect strategy on some games, it’s amazing to me that more people don’t play this great video slot. However, making poor holds can decimate your bankroll and bring that payback percentage down by 10-25%, easily.

Playing optimum strategy on every hand, and on every video poker game, plus knowing the changes to the strategy between a one-line, multi-line or specialty game, is not easy. We’ve all been there pondering two or more potential holds staring us in the face on the deal. How many times have you said or heard someone else at the casino say, “Hmm, what should I hold in this situation?”

Well, if you want to be one step closer to becoming an expert video poker player then let’s take a closer look at some of those sticky situations and make sure you are using perfect strategy (and not hunches) on all those holds. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Should I hold the kicker when I’m playing Triple Double Bonus Poker if I’m dealt three Aces and a 2, 3, or 4?

Yes! A resounding yes! The long term mathematical advantage, the return to player (RTP), is much higher when the kicker is held. Most people want two chances to get an Ace back on the draw, which is why they discard the kicker. However, this is the worst video poker mistake to make. Always make sure to hold a kicker card with any three dealt twos, threes and fours as well when playing Triple Double Bonus Poker.

Do I have to hold the kickers when playing Double Bonus or Double Double Bonus Poker?

No! Only hold the three-of-a-kinds in these games. The reason that the kicker is held in Triple Double Bonus and not these poker games is because the four-of-a-kinds are bonused. For example, in Triple Double Bonus Poker, the four Aces with a kicker pays the exact same win as the Royal Flush!

Why do I feel like I’m discarding all five cards frequently when I’m playing Deuces Wild?

Because you are! Using basic strategy, you will be discarding all five cards almost 20% of the time, so be aware and try not to get frustrated. Just know that discarding all five cards will yield wins over 6% of the time!

What do I hold if I m dealt a wild Royal Flush with three deuces or a five

Hold the wild Royal Flush and hold the five kind. Yes, it may be very tempting to go for the four deuces, but it s a losing play in the long run. Especially, when you are playing a deuces game that bonuses certain five-of-a-kinds.

If I’m playing a straight up video poker game like Jacks or Better and I’m dealt a four card flush with three cards to the Royal, what do I hold?

The correct play, with the highest expected value, is to hold for the Royal Flush.

If I’m dealt a full house of three Aces and a pair, do I hold the full house if I’m playing Triple Double Bonus Poker? No. Drop the full house and only hold the three Aces (and one kicker if dealt a two, three or four). Make sure to hold all other dealt full houses. Furthermore, never hold two dealt pairs if one of the pairs are Aces. Hold just the Aces and drop the other pair. Hold all other dealt pairs.

If I’m playing Ultimate X, and I’m dealt a straight or a flush with three high cards to the Royal, do I hold the three high cards or do I hold the straight or flush for the big multipliers on the following hand?

This is a difficult and complex question with many answers which depend on the dealt hand. However, in most situations, you want to play for the multipliers, so you would hold these dealt hands. $

By Al Moe