Video Poker Strategy: Play Like a Reno Pro
Video poker is one of the most popular games in casinos because the player controls the pace and gets to use strategy.
Unlike slots where you hit the button once and rely on pure luck, video poker gets you to thinking, “There’s gotta be a smarter way to play these machines,” and you’re right.
Here’s some essential video poker strategy and help to choose the best machine for you.
Why Is Video Poker Hot?
Reno locals and visitors flock to video poker because they like:
- Better odds. Many versions of video poker offer some of the best returns in the casino, if you pick the right machine.
- Control. Unlike slots, your decision matters. Knowing which cards to hold or discard makes or breaks a hand.
- Pace. Play fast or slow at your own pace. There is no dealer and no pressure from the antsy player next to you.
- Variety. From Jacks or Better to Double Double Bonus poker, there’s a game style for every person.
That combination of luck, skill, and different games is why video poker has such a loyal following.
How Video Poker Works
At its core, video poker is just a digital version of five-card draw. You insert B Rewarded players card and your credits, press “deal,” and get five cards. From there:
- Choose which cards to hold.
- Press “draw” to replace the cards you did not hold.
- Your final hand determines your payout, based on the machine’s pay table.
Sounds simple, right? It is, but the details matter. Choosing the right cards to hold and the machine that fits your preferences for play makes all the difference.
Read the Machine’s Pay Table
Every video poker machine has a pay table that shows you what you need to have in a hand to receive a payout and how much that would be. This is the first thing you should look at before you ever start to play a machine.
Take Jacks or Better, as an example, the classic version also called Jacks of Better 9/6. A full-pay often looks like this:
- Royal Flush – 4,000 credits (with max bet)
- Straight Flush – 250
- Four of a Kind – 125
- Full House – 45
- Flush – 30
- Straight – 20
- Three of a Kind – 15
- Two Pair – 10
- Jacks or Better – 5
Why It Matters
- That “9/6” means a full house pays 9 to 1 and a flush pays 6 to 1. If you see 8/5 instead, the machine pays less over the long run.
- Always play max credits if you can. That unlocks the highest payout of a 4,000-credit royal flush jackpot. Betting fewer credits dramatically shrinks the top prize.
The pay table tells you a lot about a machine’s potential, so don’t skip reading it.
Different Types of Video Poker Machines
Here in Nevada, you’ll find a wide variation of video poker. Each type tweaks the payouts and changes the strategy. Let’s look at the most popular types.
Jacks or Better: The original and simplest version of video poker
- Win with a pair of Jacks or higher.
- Low volatility.
- steady payouts.
- Great for beginners.
Bonus Poker
- Same as Jacks or Better, but Four of a Kind hands pay more.
- Example: four Aces might pay a premium compared to other fours.
- Slightly riskier, but more exciting.
Double Bonus Poker
- Cranks up higher rewards for Four of a Kind.
- You’ll see bigger wins, but some smaller combinations of cards pay less.
- More volatile, so expect dry spells, but the wins feel great when they hit.
Double Double Bonus Poker
- One of the most popular Reno video poker types.
- Huge payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands with “kickers” (like four Aces plus a 2, 3, or 4).
- High risk, high reward.
- Perfect if you like chasing jackpots.
Deuces Wild
- All twos are wild cards.
- Leads to some crazy hands, so the pay table is adjusted.
- Best for players who enjoy unpredictable variety and wilder outcomes.
Joker Poker
- Adds the Joker as a wild card into the deck.
- Fun twist, but the payout structure varies a lot.
Video Poker Strategy Basics
You don’t need to be a math genius to play smarter. You just need a few solid guidelines. Here are some core video poker tips:
- Play max credits. If your bankroll allows, always go max to qualify for the Royal Flush jackpot.
- Know the hand rankings. Don’t throw away a Full House chasing a longshot flush.
- Don’t break up a winning hand. If you’re dealt a straight or flush, keep it.
- Chase the Royal carefully. If you’ve got four to a Royal Flush, keep them, even if it means ditching a made hand like a low pair.
- Use a strategy card. Many players keep a small, laminated card in their wallet to remind them of the optimal plays for their chosen game.
The biggest mistake new players make is guessing. With just a bit of practice, you can get close to perfect play, and that’s where the real edge comes in.
Pick Your Playing Style
Just like with slot machines, video poker games have different volatility.
- Low volatility (Jacks or Better): Frequent smaller wins, steady bankroll. Great for longer playing sessions.
- High volatility (Double Double Bonus): Less frequent wins, but much bigger when they land. Suited for players chasing excitement and big payouts.
Think about your playing style. Do you want hours of steady entertainment, or are you here for the thrill of a big score? Let that guide your choice.
Baldini’s Is the Hot Spot for Video Poker in Reno/Sparks
Northern Nevada has always been the hotspot for video poker, and Baldini’s is the bullseye. We pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of machines, from classic Jacks or Better to action-packed Double Double Bonus.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been perfecting your strategy for years, you’ll find
- the right machine
- the friendliest staff
- the best B Rewarded players club
- and most affordable good food
here.
Putting It All Together: Your Video Poker Strategy
Winning more often at video poker isn’t about blind luck. It’s about playing smart, making good decisions, and choosing games that match your style. Here’s the formula:
- Pick the right machine. Look for full-pay versions when you can.
- Bet max credits. Don’t short yourself on the jackpot.
- Use strategy. Don’t play on instinct. Learn to hold smart cards.
- Manage your bankroll. High-volatility games are fun, but don’t chase them with money you can’t afford to lose.
- Practice. The more you play, the more strategy becomes second nature.
Final Thoughts: Play Like a Pro
Video poker a casino game where knowledge really matters. Once you understand the pay tables, learn the different versions, and practice solid strategy, you’ll play with confidence and enjoy yourself more.
So next time you walk into Baldini’s, head to the video poker section. Whether you stick with Jacks or Better or go for the high-stakes action of Double Double Bonus, you’ll know exactly what you’re doing. That’s the difference between just playing and playing like a pro at Baldini’s, where the best things happen.