1. Always Hold Paying Hands
The one exception to this rules is a paying hand that also has potential of becoming a Royal Flush. This is the highest paying hand at video poker by far, and all smaller earnings should be risked if at least four cards are lined up to form a Royal. An example of this hand would be a suited 10, Jack, King, King (unsuited), and Ace. Although the pair of kings is a winning hand, all that is needed for a Royal Flush is a Queen of the same suit. Therefore, the unsuited King should be discarded.
2. Never Risk Earnings in the High Card Showdown Bonus
Playing the high card showdown is a dangerous practice, and is based strictly on luck. A players winnings will be lost more times than the promise of double winnings actually manifesting. Players who are chasing losses often get caught playing the high card bonus, in hopes of doubling their earnings. Players should rather follow a disciplined money management strategy, and not let themselves become tempted by greed.
Aside from following the aforementioned 200 coin stakes strategy, (or one of similar substance) and the above tips during all video poker machines the following card strategies are useful at individual machines:
Jacks or Better
Always hold the following cards, discarding all others:
A potential straight flush, meaning there is at lest three cards of the same suit not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
A potential royal flush, meaning there is at lest three individual face cards 10 or Ace of the same suit.
A potential flush, meaning there are at least four cards of the same suit.
All low pairs (10 and below) - in hopes of hitting a three of a kind.
A potential straight, meaning there are at least four consecutive cards not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
All high cards (10 thru Ace) of the same suit, or any two high cards of dissimilar suit, or any lone high card.
Jack, Queen and/or King of dissimilar suits as well as a suited 10 with a Jack, Queen or King.
Deuces Wild
Always hold all deuces. Hold the following hands, discarding all others:
A four card potential royal flush, even if the hand is already a smaller win, such as a high pair.
A three card potential royal flush, meaning there are no other inherent winning hands and at least three cards (10 thru Ace) of the same suit.
A potential straight flush, meaning there is at least three cards of the same suit not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
A potential flush, meaning there are at least four cards of the same suit.
A potential straight, meaning there are at least four consecutive cards not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
Any Pair as well as any two suited cards ranging from 10 thru King.
Jokers Wild (Kings or Better)
Always hold all Jokers. Hold the following hands if the Joker is in the hand:
A four card potential royal flush, even if the hand is already a smaller win, such as a high pair.
A three card potential royal flush
All three of a kinds
A potential high straight flush that includes four consecutive cards of the same suit with at least a King or an Ace.
A potential three-card straight flush, meaning three cards of the same suit are not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
Any High Pair ( King or Ace)
A potential flush, meaning there are at least four cards of the same suit (excluding Kings and Aces)
A potential straight, meaning there are at least four consecutive cards not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
In hands without the Joker, hold the following hands, discarding all others:
A four card potential royal flush, forfeiting all smaller paying hands.
A potential two-card royal flush, composed with at least two suited cards, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.
A potential straight flush with at least three consecutive cards of the same suit, separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
A potential royal flush, meaning there is at lest three individual face cards 10 or Ace of the same suit.
A potential four-card flush
All pairs (2 thru Queen), in hopes of hitting three of a kind.
A potential straight, meaning there are at least four consecutive cards not separated by more than five card values from high to low card.
Ace or King of dissimilar suits as well as a solitary Kings and Aces
