Video Poker Strategies
Video poker game only lasts two rounds
Always keep in mind that a video poker game only lasts two rounds. You should, therefore, carefully analyze the cards dealt in the first round.
It's usually a good idea to keep a couple. If that pair is already making a profit, anyway. However, even if it is a lower pair than the required "Jacks or Better." Eventually, your chances of scoring a full house, a two pair, a threesome or a poker in the following (and last) round will increase.
Then there is usually a high jump in payout rates when you play with the maximum bet. It is also worth taking note of this.
If you have four cards of the same suit (i.e. diamonds, spades, hearts, or clubs), it's best to hold them. It is not important whether there is a low pair next to it. The same is true if you have received three or four cards that make up part of a royal flush. Why? Because in these two cases, it's worth taking the risk. Sure, you could lose on these cards too, if the right card is not dealt in the second round. But the chance to win here makes it worthwhile to risk the loss.
If you don't have a pair, see if you have four cards that could lead you to a straight and hold them. Almost every one of these combinations has eight cards in the deck that turn your four cards into a straight. Let's say you have cards 4, 5, 6, and 7; now, a 3 and an 8 could get you straight. And both the 3 and the 8 come in four colours. This results in 8 cards and a sufficiently high chance of winning. However, don't follow this strategy if the missing card is in the middle. If you have 4, 6, 7 and 8, only a 5 could help you. However, this only exists 4 times in the card deck.
If there is absolutely no combination that we've discussed here, you can hold a high card and hope it will be completed in the next round.