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Video poker has exploded in popularity over the last few decades, combining the immediate gratification of slot machines with the strategy involved in poker. While many casual players simply insert their money and hope luck is on their side, there are a number of tips and techniques you can use to boost your payouts and truly master the game.

In this comprehensive guide we provide pro tips to help you play video poker at Lucky Ones Casino like an expert, covering everything from basic strategy charts to bankroll management. Follow these essential pointers and watch your winnings add up.

Study Optimal Video Poker Strategy Charts

All video poker games are based on 5-card draw poker. Unlike slots where outcomes are entirely random, video poker introduces a skill element since you can decide which cards to hold and which to replace to form the best possible hand.

This means there are optimal strategies for each variation that tell you the mathematically best way to play in every possible situation. Strategy charts show you exactly which cards you should hold or discard depending on what you’re initially dealt.

While casual players often simply hold anything that looks like a promising poker hand, that approach leaves a lot of money on the table. By rigorously following video poker strategy charts you’ll maximize your payouts over the long run.

Here’s a short snippet of an optimal strategy chart for Jacks or Better:

Study Pay Tables Closely

The pay tables on a video poker machine tell you the payouts for various winning hands. While a basic Jacks or Better game may pay out 800-1 for a Royal Flush and 250-1 for Four of a Kind, pay tables can vary widely across casinos.

It pays to seek out the best pay tables in town to maximize your payouts. A good rule of thumb is to look for pay tables that offer over 100% payouts in aggregate. This means the machine pays back more than $1 for every $1 wagered over the long haul if you play with optimal strategy.

You should also understand nuances like whether or not the machine pays out bonuses for Four Deuces or Four Aces with a kicker which is covered in the pay table. Study and understand the pay tables before investing significant money so you can compare and contrast your options.

Use Proper Bankroll Management

Even if you master video poker strategy charts and seek out good pay tables, you can lose everything quickly through poor bankroll management. Set aside a dedicated video poker bankroll and stick to it, rather than dipping into your rent money hoping to score a quick jackpot.

A general bankroll guideline is to have at least 100 big bets at the maximum coin size you intend to play. If you plan to play quarter machines, have at least $25 set aside. If you intend to play $1 machines, set aside at least $100.

Many experts also recommend moving down machines if you lose your entire bankroll rather than chasing losses by adding more funds. This requires discipline but prevents you from losing more than you can afford.

Take Advantage of Comps and Loyalty Programs

If you plan to play video poker regularly rather than just casually, be sure to join the casino’s loyalty program. Most casinos offer comps and perks to frequent video poker players just like they do for regular slot players.

You can often earn discounted dining, free hotel stays, free slot play and other nice perks by playing on your loyalty card. Over time these comps can add up to significant savings to help offset some of your losses.

You should focus on finding machines with good pay tables first and foremost but if given the choice between two equal machines, choose the one where you have a loyalty card so your play gets tracked and rewarded.

Use Max Coins to Qualify for Royal Flushes

Nearly all video poker machines require you to play max coins in order to qualify for the top royal flush payout. If you play anything less than max coins, the payout for hitting the top jackpot plummets dramatically.

Be sure to always check the pay table placard on the front of the machine to understand the implications of betting less than the max. The difference in potential payouts is usually so significant that there’s no reason to play fewer than max coins.

While you should bet max coins, that doesn’t mean you need to play $1 or $5 machines if that doesn’t fit your bankroll. Most casinos offer video poker machines at denominations from pennies all the way to $100. Play max coins on whatever machine best fits your budget.

Mastering video poker requires understanding basic strategy charts, seeking out good pay tables, managing your bankroll properly and taking advantage of casino loyalty programs. Follow these pro tips and watch your skills and winnings rise over time through diligent practice.