Costly Video Poker Mistakes Players Make

Video poker is the most profitable casino game, only bettered by blackjack. That’s because using a cunning strategy can reduce the house edge to less than 1% or even 0.50%. But unfortunately, beginner players often commit expensive video poker mistakes.

So, what are some of these common blunders that players keep on making without knowing? Read on to learn the most frequent video poker goofs and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1. Not Checking the Paytables

Well, they say look before leaping, and that’s especially true in video poker. Although there are tens of video poker variations out there, these games come with varying paytables. It’s here that players learn all the vital information about the game.

Take Jacks or Better, for example. When a gamer plays at a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine (9 for full house and 6 for flush), the long-term RTP is 99.54% assuming you use an optimal strategy. On the other hand, a 7/5 table reduces the RTP to around 96.15%. Now that’s approximately a $3 loss for every $100 played.

Mistake #2. Not Playing the Right Game

The best live casinos offer players a chance to play multiple poker variations. Typically, gamers can play Jacks or Better, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, Deuces Wild, and so on. But while this might sound tantalizing on paper, it might make a straight choice somewhat tricky for beginners.

So, which is the best online poker game to enjoy? With a basic strategy and playing at the right table, Jacks or Better can give a lowly 0.46% house edge. Deuces Wild and Joker Poker are other excellent options, giving players a 0.71% and 0.64%, respectively. Avoid games like Caribbean Stud, which gives the house a whopping 5.22% advantage.

Mistake #3. Not Daring Enough

If you’re a keen observer at the live casino, you’ll notice most gamers varying their wagers between 1 and 5 coins. In other words, only a few daring players are willing to use a maximum of 5 coins per hand.

But what these players don’t know is that using less than the maximum coins per hand reduces the RTP by 1%. So, sticking with the 9/6 Jacks or Better table, using five coins gives players a 99.54% RTP, whereas using fewer coins guarantees only 98.37%. So, go big and qualify for the jackpot.

Mistake #4. Not Practicing Enough

To claim the video poker jackpot, hone your skills first. With that in mind, give your brain a boost by playing free video poker games online. Usually, these games are playable using free chips, so there is nothing to lose here.

Another option is to purchase new cards and practice at home over the weekends with your buddies. And of course, it’s also possible to invest in a professional video poker trainer, although this may need a modest budget.

Mistake #5. Not Knowing Your Casino

Finally, most players make little effort to learn a thing or six about their favored casino. But here’s the thing; different live casinos have varying paytables. Also, some casinos may offer better gaming conditions, although they may adjust the comps accordingly.

In addition to these hidden truths, check if the casino offers games supplied by reliable brands like Evolution, Ezugi, Playtech, and so on. Usually, games provided by renowned brands provide better odds and are more transparent.

Conclusion

Are you prone to making these video poker mistakes on the casino floor? Don’t worry because even pros fail to understand this complex casino game at times. The thing is to get enough practice and choose a suitable video poker game to play. And yes, create a bankroll and have fun!