Video Poker is all-too-often confused with slots. Simply because they are graphically-driven games, video poker requires far more thought and strategy. Some good rules of thumb to improve your odds of success are:
1. You can apply a different strategy to each machine, so when you find a machine you like, stick with it. The longer you play, you will become more comfortable and be able to develop a strategy that works best for you.
2. Resist the temptation to hold on to a Kicker. Holding an unpaired card with a pair adds no value to your hand.
3. Drawing an outside straight (_5,6,7,8_) is far and away easier than waiting to draw an inside straight (5,6,_,8,9). Allowing yourself to wait for a draw on an outside straight allows you to complete your hand by getting the card you need on either end.
4. Jacks or Better has an easy-to-understand strategy that makes it the game best suited to players new to Video Poker.
5. Higher payouts such as 9/6 for Jacks or Better and 9/5 for Deuces Wild offer the best payouts for players.
6. Before you discard, remember that the probability of a Royal Flush in Jacks or Better Video Poker is approximately 1 in every 40,000 hands.
7. Never hold three cards in an attempt to get a straight or flush.
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