Video Poker Mistakes That Cost Players Money

Video poker is a popular casino game that combines elements of slot machines with traditional poker strategy. While the game seems straightforward, even experienced players can make mistakes that reduce their chances of winning and cost them money. Understanding these errors and learning how to avoid them is essential for both beginners and seasoned players looking to improve their results.

This guide covers the most common video poker mistakes, why they happen, and strategies to play smarter.

1. Ignoring the Paytable

• Every video poker machine has a unique paytable, which shows payouts for different hands.

• Mistake: Many players assume all video poker games offer the same payouts and strategy.

• Consequence: Playing a machine with poor payouts decreases the expected return, even if you use a perfect strategy.

Tip: Always check the paytable and choose machines with higher return percentages, such as “full pay” Jacks or Better.

2. Playing Without a Strategy

• Video poker is not purely luck—correct decisions on which cards to hold or discard are crucial.

• Mistake: Drawing randomly or holding the wrong cards.

• Consequence: Suboptimal plays reduce your chances of hitting high-paying hands, costing money over time.

Tip: Learn basic strategy charts for the variant you’re playing and practice until decisions become automatic.

3. Overlooking Bankroll Management

• Mistake: Betting too much per hand or playing for too long without limits.

• Consequence: Players can lose significant sums quickly, especially on higher-stakes machines.

Tip: Set a bankroll for each session and stick to it. Bet amounts should be proportional to your total bankroll to withstand variance.

4. Chasing Losses

• Mistake: Increasing bets to recover previous losses.

• Consequence: This often leads to even bigger losses, as video poker outcomes are independent and random.

Tip: Stay disciplined. Treat each hand as a separate event and avoid emotional decision-making.

5. Ignoring Promotions and Bonuses

• Many casinos offer bonuses for video poker, including free play, cashback, or deposit matches.

• Mistake: Playing without using these offers.

• Consequence: Missing out on added value that could extend your play and improve your long-term results.

Tip: Take advantage of casino promotions and loyalty programs to maximize your expected returns.

6. Playing Low-Paying Variants

• Mistake: Choosing video poker games with lower payout percentages or inferior paytables.

• Consequence: Even a perfect strategy can’t overcome a poor return rate.

Tip: Stick to games like Jacks or Better (full pay), Deuces Wild, or Double Bonus Poker with high return percentages.

7. Mismanaging Maximum Bets

• Mistake: Not betting the maximum coins on machines that offer a jackpot for a royal flush.

• Consequence: You may miss out on the largest payouts, which significantly affect expected returns.

Tip: Always check if the game has a progressive jackpot or bonus for max coins and bet accordingly if it fits your bankroll.

8. Failing to Practice

• Mistake: Jumping straight into real-money games without practice.

• Consequence: Mistakes in card selection and timing can be costly, especially in high-stakes games.

Tip: Use free-play modes or low-stakes tables to refine your strategy before committing large sums.

9. Playing While Distracted

• Video poker requires attention and focus.

• Mistake: Playing while multitasking or under the influence of alcohol.

• Consequence: Missed decisions, incorrect holds, and impulsive plays can reduce winnings.

Tip: Play in a quiet environment, stay focused, and take breaks if needed.

10. Not Understanding Variance

• Video poker has short-term swings. Some hands pay more than others, and long dry spells are normal.

• Mistake: Expecting consistent wins every session.

• Consequence: Frustration or impatience can lead to poor decisions and chasing losses.

Tip: Understand the game’s variance and set realistic expectations. Focus on long-term strategy rather than short-term results.

Conclusion

Many video poker mistakes are avoidable with proper knowledge, focus, and discipline. Ignoring paytables, playing without strategy, chasing losses, or mismanaging bankrolls are common errors that cost players money. By understanding these pitfalls and implementing smart strategies, players can significantly improve their results and enjoy the game responsibly.

Key takeaways include:

• Always check the paytable before playing.

• Learn and use basic strategy charts.

• Manage your bankroll carefully.

• Avoid chasing losses and stay disciplined.

• Take advantage of bonuses and promotions.

• Practice in free modes to refine your skills.

By avoiding these mistakes, video poker can be both enjoyable and potentially profitable, making every session more rewarding for players of all levels.