Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Tool for Correct Decisions: Strategy charts
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Use a Chart: Every hand
- Biggest mistake: Skipping higher-ranked hands on the list
- Pro tip: Always read the chart from top to bottom
What a Video Poker Strategy Chart Is
A strategy chart is:
- a ranked list of possible hands
- ordered by expected value
- specific to one variant and paytable
It tells you exactly what to hold for any deal—no guessing required.
Why Strategy Charts Are Ranked
The key concept is priority.
When you’re dealt a hand:
- multiple possible holds may exist
- only one hold is optimal
- the chart ranks them from best to worst
You always choose the highest-ranked option that applies to your hand.
How to Read a Strategy Chart Step by Step
- Look at your dealt hand
- Start at the top of the chart
- Check if your hand matches that rule
- If yes, follow it and stop
- If not, move down the list
Never skip ahead or mix rules.
Example: Why Order Matters
Imagine your hand contains:
- four cards to a flush
- a low pair
Even though a pair feels safe, the chart may rank:
- four to a flush higher than a low pair
If you ignore order and hold the pair, you lower RTP.
Why Charts Feel Counterintuitive
Strategy charts often:
- break pairs
- discard made hands
- chase draws that look risky
This happens because charts are based on long-term math, not short-term comfort.
Matching the Chart to the Correct Game
This part is critical.
Strategy charts are:
- variant-specific
- paytable-specific
Using the wrong chart:
- introduces constant errors
- quietly reduces RTP
- defeats the purpose of strategy
Always confirm:
- game type
- paytable values
before relying on a chart.
Strategy Charts and Multi-Hand Play
In multi-hand formats:
- one decision affects multiple hands
- errors multiply instantly
This makes correct chart usage even more important in multi-play games.
Why Charts Don’t Change Odds
Charts don’t:
- improve probabilities
- change RNG behavior
- guarantee wins
They simply ensure your decisions align with expected value.
Common Strategy Chart Mistakes
Players often:
- skim the chart
- cherry-pick rules
- use memory instead of checking
Even one skipped rule can cause repeated errors.
Printed Cards vs Digital Charts
Printed strategy cards:
- are legal
- allowed in casinos
- slow the game slightly
Digital charts:
- are easier to update
- work well online
- reduce memorization pressure
Both are valid if used correctly.
Learning a Chart Without Overwhelm
Best approach:
- learn one variant at a time
- focus on top-ranked hands first
- practice without money
Accuracy matters more than speed.
Why Professionals Trust Charts
Experienced players:
- don’t rely on intuition
- follow the chart consistently
- review mistakes regularly
Charts remove emotion from decisions.
Strategy Charts vs “Feel-Based” Play
Feel-based play:
- reacts to streaks
- chases losses
- ignores math
Chart-based play:
- stays consistent
- respects variance
- protects RTP
One leads to discipline. The other leads to drift.
FAQs on Video Poker Strategy Charts
Do Strategy Charts Really Work?
Yes. They’re based on expected value math.
Can I Memorize a Chart?
Eventually—but checking is better than guessing.
Do Charts Change Online?
No. The math is the same.
Are Charts Different for Each Paytable?
Yes. Even small changes matter.
Should Beginners Always Use Charts?
Absolutely.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know how to read a video poker strategy chart, the next step is understanding why casinos actually allow players to use them.
Next Article: Why Video Poker Strategy Cards Are Legal and Encouraged (article #17)
Next Steps
If you want multi-hand context, read: Understanding Multi-Hand Video Poker (article #15)
If you want legality and casino behavior next, read: Why Video Poker Strategy Cards Are Legal and Encouraged (article #17)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
Gridzy Hockey is Shurzy’s daily NHL grid game where you pretend you’re “just messing around” and then suddenly you’re 15 minutes deep arguing with yourself about whether some 2009 fourth-liner qualifies as a 40-goal guy.
If you think you know puck, prove it. Go play Gridzy right now!
