Video poker continues to be one of the most popular types of online casino games for the simple fact it is easy to play. Most online casinos around the world have video poker listed on their games to play list. Most of them will list the Jacks or Better machine and many players in the world prefer that game to all others so I will concentrate on it today. Here are some tips for Jacks or Better video poker that will hopefully help you play longer and make more money over time.
There are many things to keep in mind when playing video poker and that includes the Jacks or Better variety. Usually we want to keep it simple, so here are some things to keep in mind. Unless you are drawing for a Royal or for a straight flush you are better off keeping the high pair. The same principle applies when you hold any type of hand that pays off. You are better keeping it unless you are drawing for the big hand of a Royal or a straight flush. There are times you want to break up the low pair and that is if you are drawing to a Royal or if you have a 4-card flush draw, or a straight flush draw.
Here is one tip for everyone looking for the big score. Throw away that 4-card flush or open-ended straight draw in favor of a 3-card Royal draw. Obviously it is more likely you are going to hit a flush or a straight, but you are looking for the big kill, and throwing away that extra card gives you an extra chance at hitting the jackpot.
Another tip is to always go for the flush over the straight. It will pay more in the long run. Another tip is to not fall in love with the Ace. The better card to hold that gives you more options is actually the Jack. The Ace only gives you a King to help your straight while the Jack gives you a Queen or a 10. Let’s say you get an Ace, a Queen and a Jack. Normally people are going to hold the Ace and the Queen, or just the Ace. The proper thing to do, however, is to hold the Queen and the Jack. Your chances of a straight are much better that way. You also want to throw that Ace away when it is not likely to help you. If you already have a pair and have an Ace as well, throw it away. It is not going to help you in the long run.
Another thing to remember is that about 30 percent of your hands are not going to have much of anything, just a high card. Remember that only about 20% of your hands will be paying hands and the rest will have you facing decisions.
If you can make the proper decisions when playing video poker you can increase your winning percentage, have a much better chance at jackpots, and stay in the game far longer. Remember that the longer you stay in the game the better your chance of hitting the big score, and that is the ultimate goal.