Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Way to Improve RTP: Optimal strategy
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Learn Strategy: Before playing real money
- Biggest mistake: Playing by instinct instead of math
- Pro tip: One wrong decision per hand compounds faster than you think
What “Optimal Strategy” Actually Means
Optimal strategy doesn’t mean:
- guessing better
- following gut feelings
- copying what someone else does
It means choosing the mathematically best play for every possible hand, based on:
- the game variant
- the exact paytable
- long-term expected value
Each hand has a best decision, even if it feels counterintuitive.
Why Strategy Matters More in Video Poker Than Other Games
In most casino games:
- outcomes are locked
- decisions don’t change odds
In video poker:
- the initial deal is random
- your choices shape the final hand
- mistakes directly lower RTP
That’s why video poker rewards discipline instead of intuition.
How Much Strategy Can Affect RTP
Small errors feel harmless. They’re not.
For example:
- holding the wrong card
- breaking a paying hand
- chasing the wrong draw
Each mistake might cost fractions of a percent. Over thousands of hands, that becomes real money.
Optimal Strategy Assumes the Correct Paytable
Strategy charts are:
- paytable-specific
- variant-specific
Using a chart for the wrong paytable:
- introduces hidden errors
- lowers expected return
- defeats the purpose of strategy
Always match your strategy to the machine you’re playing.
Why “Good Enough” Strategy Isn’t Enough
Many players think:
- “I’m close enough”
- “That was a small mistake”
But video poker math is unforgiving. Games with higher RTP are often less forgiving of errors. The closer the RTP is to 100%, the more every decision matters.
Strategy vs Variance: Don’t Confuse Them
Playing optimally:
- doesn’t eliminate losing streaks
- doesn’t smooth short-term swings
- doesn’t guarantee winning sessions
What it does:
- improves expected value
- reduces long-term losses
- keeps results aligned with the math
Variance still exists. Strategy just keeps it honest.
Why Optimal Strategy Feels Unnatural at First
Optimal plays often:
- break small pairs
- ignore “pretty” hands
- prioritize expected value over emotion
This is why new players struggle. Strategy isn’t intuitive—it’s mathematical.
The Role of Strategy in Different Variants
Some games:
- are more forgiving (Jacks or Better)
- punish mistakes lightly
Others:
- are volatile (Double Bonus, Deuces Wild)
- punish mistakes heavily
Choosing the right variant matters just as much as learning strategy.
Strategy Cards and Charts: Why They Work
Strategy cards:
- list the correct play for every hand
- remove guesswork
- are legal and encouraged
They’re not cheating. They’re tools designed to help players approach the game correctly.
How Professionals Think About Strategy
Skilled players:
- focus on long-term results
- accept variance
- track mistakes
- review hands
They don’t chase wins. They minimize errors.
Common Strategy Mistakes Players Make
Some frequent errors include:
- chasing inside straights incorrectly
- holding low pairs too often
- breaking paying hands unnecessarily
These mistakes feel small but add up fast.
Why Strategy Requires Focus
Optimal play requires:
- attention
- patience
- emotional control
Fatigue and distraction lead to sloppy decisions, which is why video poker isn’t ideal for autopilot play.
Learning Strategy Without Overwhelm
You don’t need to memorize everything at once.
Start with:
- one variant
- one paytable
- one strategy chart
Consistency matters more than speed.
How Strategy Connects to Bankroll Management
Good strategy:
- reduces expected loss
- slows bankroll drain
- helps weather variance
But it doesn’t replace bankroll discipline. Both work together.
FAQs on Optimal Video Poker Strategy
Does Strategy Really Change Outcomes?
Yes. It directly affects long-term RTP.
Is Perfect Strategy Required?
No—but closer is always better.
Can Strategy Eliminate Losses?
No. It reduces them, not removes them.
Are Strategy Charts Reliable?
Yes, if matched to the correct paytable.
Should Beginners Use Strategy Cards?
Absolutely.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand why optimal strategy matters, the next step is learning why betting structure—specifically max coins—can affect payouts.
Next Article: Why Playing Max Coins Is Often Required for Top Payouts (article #10)
Next Steps
If you want RTP context, read: Understanding Return-to-Player in Video Poker Variants (article #8)
If you want payout structure next, read: Why Playing Max Coins Is Often Required for Top Payouts (article #10)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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