Thousands of video poker players diligently look for the best video poker games. They learn and regularly practice the proper strategy for the games and pay tables that are available. They do everything they can to maximize each video poker session they have in a casino. 

Most casino video poker players, however, simply want to relax a little and have some fun playing video poker. They may have heard that video poker has higher returns than standard slots so they choose to play video poker. 

They expect to lose, since casinos have the edge. They just want a shot at winning something without a lot of effort. 

Previous articles covered simple video poker strategies for Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker, as well as Double Bonus Poker. This article is for those casual players who like to play Joker Wild. It shows a very basic video poker playing strategy which will help the player win more than a random player. With fewer and much simpler lines, it can be easily learned and mastered.

Contents

1. What this simple Joker Wild strategy is and what it is not
2. How to use this simple Joker Wild video poker playing strategy 
3. Definition of terms
4. Video poker games that this strategy applies to
5. The simple Joker Wild video poker strategy chart
6. Summary

What this simple Joker Wild strategy is and what it is not

The simple Joker Wild video poker strategy presented in this article is:

• A real, mathematically developed, video poker strategy that shows the best holds in the proper sequence that allow the player to win more.
• It is simple to learn and remember when playing in a casino. A short (several minute) review of the strategy before playing in casino games should be sufficient for most players to master it.
• As with any video poker game, always play the maximum of five credits per hand. The royal flush will then pay 800-for-1 (4,000-for-5) rather than 250-for-1 if less than five credits are bet.

This simple Joker Wild video poker strategy is not:

• A strategy that will get the highest possible return. It will get a reasonably good return with very little effort required to learn the strategy.

How to use this simple Joker Wild video poker playing strategy

This strategy works in the same way as more complex strategies used by advanced video poker players. The strategy is in two parts: hands with a joker and hands without a joker.

• Start at the top line of the strategy section (With/Without Joker).
• If the hand that was dealt is described by that line, hold the cards indicated.
• If the dealt hand is not described by the line, move to the next lower line in the strategy and repeat the previous step.
• If you reach the last line and it does not describe the dealt hand, do not hold any of the cards dealt. Draw five new cards.

Definition of terms in the strategy

To properly use the strategy, the player must know the terminology used.

• Royal flush: the Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 of the same suit – (Spades, Clubs, Diamonds or Hearts). They can be in any sequence. 
• 5 of a kind: because the Joker can be any card, a 4 of a kind with a joker becomes a 5 of a kind.
• Straight flush: Five cards of the same suit that are sequential (but not necessarily in order). E.g. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of hearts or 9, 5, 7, 8, 6 of clubs.
• Flush: five cards of the same suit – e.g. 3, 6, 9, 10, jack of diamonds.
• Straight: cards of different suits that are in sequence (though not necessarily in order).
• High cards: Ace, King, Queen, Jack (but not 10 or less)
• If less than five cards of the hand, there can be gaps in the sequence but the sequence must be able to be completed with five cards.
• Natural Royal Flush: a suited ace, king, queen, jack, and 10.
• Joker Royal Flush: four cards of a royal flush along with the joker.
• There is one Joker in the deck. It can represent any suit or rank. For example, with a 4, 6, 7, and 8 of hearts along with the joker, the joker becomes the 5 of hearts for a straight flush.

Video poker games that this strategy applies to

This simple strategy applies to Joker Poker games with the following pay table. It could also work as well with similar pay tables.

Example pay table:

The simple Double Bonus strategy chart

Hands with the Joker:

1. 3 of a kind or higher – except always hold a 4-card royal flush 
2. Any 4-card straight flush
3. Any 4-card flush with an A and/or K
4. Any 3-card royal flush
5. High pair – W-K or W-A (hold W-A if dealt W-K-A)
6. Any 3-card straight flush
7. Any 4-card flush
8. Any 4-card open straight – no gaps
9. Joker (W) only

Hands without the Joker:

1. Any paying hand – except always hold a 4-card royal flush 
2. Any 4-card straight flush
3. Any 3-card royal flush
4. Any 4-card flush
5. Low pair (2-2 thru Q-Q)
6. Any 3-card straight flush (e.g. 4, 7, 8 of diamonds)
7. Any 4-card open straight – no gaps
8. Any 2-card royal flush with A and/or K
9. Unsuited A-K
10.  Lone A or K
11.  Any 2-card royal flush
12.  Draw five new cards

Summary 

Not every video poker player is willing to spend a great deal of time learning and practicing video poker strategy.

There are thousands of recreational video poker players who just want to play the game without spending a lot of time and effort. This article presents a simple strategy for Joker Poker that is easy to learn and use in a casino. Users may not achieve the same return as those players who use a more complex strategy, but they will do better than the masses who simply go with their gut.

If you are one of these casual players who likes to play Joker Poker, consider trying this simple strategy. It will not take long to learn – and you may be very pleased with the results.

If this article interests you, keep reading. Alternatively, explore other topics like how to win at slots. Other topics that might interest you include blackjack strategy and roulette strategy.

Video poker players who are fairly new to the game (or who play infrequently) regularly send me questions about all facets of video poker play. One of the more common questions involves when to hold a “kicker” of a 2, 3, or 4 when the dealt hand contains two or three Aces. This article explores that question.

Contents

1. What a “kicker” is and what it does
2. Video poker games where Aces with a kicker matter 
3. When to hold and when not to hold a kicker
4. Summary

What a “kicker” is and what it does 

A kicker is a card that, when added to specific four-of-a-kind hands, greatly increases the amount won. In most games that have kickers, a hand with a four of a kind along with a kicker will pay two to five times what the same four of a kind without a kicker pays.

For example, in most games that have kickers:

• A hand containing four Aces would require a kicker of a 2, 3, or 4 to win the higher payout.
• A hand containing four 2s, 3s, or 4s would require a kicker of an Ace, 2, 3, or 4 to win the higher payout.

Not all video poker games in a casino have winning hands that include a kicker. Some examples of jacks or better-based video poker games where no winning hands have a kicker:

• Jacks or Better
• Bonus Poker
• Bonus Poker Deluxe
• Double Bonus Poker
• Royal Aces Bonus
• Triple Bonus Poker
• Super Double Bonus
• Aces and Faces
• Double Aces and Faces

It takes a special class of video poker casino game that offers substantial winnings for certain hands before a kicker becomes part of the winningest hands. These games include:

• Double Double Bonus
• Super Double Double Bonus
• Triple Double Bonus
• Double Double Aces and Faces

In general, only games whose names include two multipliers (for example, double double or triple double) have kickers.

Video poker games where Aces with a kicker matter

The actual number of games that have kickers is very small compared to the total number of video poker games. 

This article covers only games video poker strategy that can be commonly found. There are four of them:

• Double Double Bonus
• Super Double Double Bonus
• Triple Double Bonus
• Double Double Aces and Faces

When to hold and when not to hold a kicker

Regardless of the game played, a kicker is never held with only two of a four of a kind in the dealt hand. 

Each game will be examined separately and, in the order presented above.

Double Double Bonus

This is the most common game currently available in casinos. The typical partial pay table for four-of-a-kinds (5 credits bet):

The only three-of-a-kind hands for this game that would qualify for holding a kicker would be Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s. 

Three Aces and a 2, 3, or 4 dealt – example hand As Ac Ah 4d 8s:

• Holding As Ac Ad returns 62.44 credits on average for five credits played. 
• Holding As Ac Ad 4d returns 59.14 credits.
• Holding As Ac Ah 4d 8s returns 33.61 credits.

Holding three Aces without the kicker is superior because of the additional possibilities of getting four Aces and a kicker. Holding the 4 kicker limits the possibilities to one as there is only one card left in the deck that complete the hand – the Ace of diamonds. Without the 4, however, the additional kickers of 2, 3, and 4 can come into play – an additional 11 cards.

 

Super Double Double Bonus

The typical Super Double Double Bonus partial pay table for four-of-a-kinds (5 credits bet):
 

The only three-of-a-kind hands for this game that would qualify for holding a kicker would be Aces, Jacks, Queens, Kings, 2s, 3s, or 4s. 

Three Aces and a 2, 3, or 4 dealt – example hand As Ac Ah 4d 8s:

• Holding As Ac Ad returns 70.71 credits on average for five credits played. 
• Holding As Ac Ad 4d returns 58.51 credits.
• Holding As Ac Ah 8s returns 32.97 credits.

Holding three Aces without the low kicker is superior because of the additional possibilities of getting four Aces and a kicker. Holding the 4 kicker limits the possibilities to one as there is only one card left in the deck that complete the hand – the Ace of diamonds. Without the 4, however, the additional kickers of 2, 3, 4, J, Q, and K can come into play – an additional 23 cards.

Three Aces and a J, Q, or K dealt – example hand As Ac Ah Jd 8s:

• Holding As Ac Ad returns 71.08 credits on average for five credits played. 
• Holding As Ac Ad Jd returns 50 credits.
• Holding As Ac Ah 8s returns 32.97 credits as in the first example.

Holding three Aces without the high kicker is superior because of the additional possibilities of getting four Aces and a kicker. Holding the Jack kicker limits the possibilities to one as there is only one card left in the deck that complete the hand – the Ace of diamonds. Without the Jack the additional kickers of 2, 3, 4, J, Q, and K can come into play – an additional 23 cards.

If this article interests you, keep reading. Alternatively, explore other topics like how to win at slots. Other topics that might interest you include blackjack strategy and roulette strategy.

Triple Double Bonus

The typical Triple Double Bonus partial pay table for four-of-a-kinds (5 credits bet):

The only three-of-a-kind hands for this game that would qualify for holding a kicker would be Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s. Notice that the pays for four of a kinds with a kicker pay much better than in either of the previous two games. Is this an indication that holding a kicker with three Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s might be the proper play? Let’s see.

Three Aces and a 2, 3, or 4 dealt – example hand As Ac Ah 4d 8s:

• Holding As Ac Ad returns 78.31 credits on average for five credits played. 
• Holding As Ac Ad 4d returns 97.12 credits.
• Holding As Ac Ah 8s returns 29.04 credits.

For this game, holding three Aces with the kicker is superior because of the much higher pay for four Aces with a kicker.

Double Double Aces and Faces

This game is not as commonly available in casinos. The typical partial pay table for four-of-a-kinds (5 credits bet):

The only three of a kind hands for this game that would qualify for holding a kicker would be Aces, Js, Qs, or Ks. 

Three Aces and a J, Q, or K dealt – example hand As Ac Ah Jd 8s:

• Holding As Ac Ad returns 62.44 credits on average for five credits played. 
• Holding As Ac Ad Jd returns 59.14 credits.
• Holding As Ac Ah Jd 8s returns 33.61 credits.

It should come as no surprise that the results for this game are the same as for Double Double Bonus. The pay table is the same. The only difference is J, Q and K replace the 2, 3, or 4 as a kicker.

Summary 

There should be little question among video poker players of the “Two Multiplier” games. Except for Triple Double Bonus, never hold a kicker with three dealt Aces.
 

Not everyone has the bankroll to play at high stakes, purchase a new Rolex, get front-row seats, order bottle service, or dine on some of the absolute best cuisine around while on a trip to Las Vegas.

Sin City isn’t the bargain it once was, but there are still a few lower-cost options to consider when heading to gamble a bit, take in a show, or grab a bite to eat.

Whether you’re working on your blackjack strategy, want to take a few spins on the roulette wheel, or just hanging out for a few days with friends, here’s a quick look at some bargains available in fabulous Las Vegas.

Stay and Play

Gamblers definitely need a place to stay while in Las Vegas. You may have booked a room, but the price definitely isn’t set in stone. The dreaded resort fee, which supposedly includes the pool, phones, gym, and other amenities, is charged right when checking in.

Resort fees can run more than $50 per day and really add to the rate – but aren’t listed in the price you’ll be quoted at the time of booking. Beware of this fee and the hotel’s location when trying to save a few bucks.

Those with smaller budgets may want to choose wisely. Anthony Curtis, owner and publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor, says those heading to the Strip should expect higher prices.

“Doing anything – from staying in a room to buying a beer – will cost more on the Strip,” he says. “There's still a lot of frugal options in Vegas, but they're mostly downtown and in the outlying locals casinos and bars. If you want to stay in a room close to the action, check out the second-tier places like Harrah's and Flamingo.”

Downtown Las Vegas has some old-school charm many gamblers appreciate. The area is also great for people watching.

To avoid some of those resort fees, gamblers are left with limited options. The Four Queen remains the only downtown Vegas casino without the fee, although Las Vegas Advisor members can use a coupon at the Grand for five days without a fee. These kinds of deals can help and some properties waive the fees if players reach a certain rewards status.

On the Strip, only the Best Western at Casino Royale doesn’t have a resort fee. For some other lower-cost options off the Strip, Curtis recommends the Rio or Gold Coast to the west and Tuscany or Silver Sevens to the east. Non-casino hotels located around the city can also be value options.

Showtime in Sin City

Vegas has some of the best live entertainment options around – from magicians and comedians to dance troupes and consents. There is something for everyone, but those tickets can come with some sticker shock.

Some casinos offer nice free or discounted shows and bar entertainment. Visitors looking for nice shows at a value price may want to head to the north end of the Strip. The Strat offers several value shows and experiences like iLuminate, Rouge, the L.A. Comedy Club, and more. Curtis says the property offers bargain prices compared to the average show price and features quality productions.

Heading to a day show is another way to save money as many properties offer lower-cost matinee prices. Buying online or at one of the ticket outlets along the Strip will also usually benefit ticket buyers with lower costs than buying at the box office.

Of course there are numerous other free entertainment options around Las Vegas. Simply walking along the Strip and downtown offers a chance to check out the sites and sounds of the casinos themselves.

The Bellagio fountains show is also always free and worth checking out. For some amusement park fun, the New York, New York roller coaster and The Linq High Roller ferris wheel are fairly inexpensive and can be quite a thrill.

There are many excellent entertainment options around Sin City, many of which won’t break the bank. As Curtis notes: “Prices are up everywhere, but you can still find deals.”

Hitting the (Dinner) Table

It’s no secret there is some great cuisine available in Las Vegas – that can range from quick-bite meals to fine dining. The budget conscious may just want to research a bit – seeking out more modest meals and splurging occasionally on something truly magnificent.

Again, heading downtown offers the chance to experience some fine meals without busting your bankroll. There are not only some great casino dining and cocktail options, but there are also some excellent restaurants and bars throughout Fremont Street and beyond.

“Downtown has lots of good things,” Curtis says. “You can just float from place to place for lower limits and food and drink prices. There’s a great bar scene on Fremont Street east of El Cortez and the Arts District, the area directly south of Charleston.”

Look for cheaper drinks and beer in the Fremont area and visitors can casino hop with that beverage in tow. Even a few budget meals and drink options can be found in the Strip area. The Casino Royale may not have $1 beer anymore, but $3 is not too bad for those looking to beat the Vegas summer heat.

Many Strip properties have happy hours as well, offering cheaper booze at certain times of day. The Stage Door Casino, located across from Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s) on Flamingo Road, features a dive bar amobiance and still offers $1 bottles of Budweiser and $3 bottles of Corona.

A personal favorite that isn’t too crazy is Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, located in the “party alley” adjacent to The Linq. This filling fish meal is fantastic and worth waiting in line for.

Curtis says players can’t do better than Ellis Island, which is located just off the Strip and offers a great steak dinner for as low as $9.99 at the Village Pub & Cafe. Simply join the rewards club to take advantage. The eatery is open 24/7 so you can carve up that steak at any time of day.

Get Some Gambling Going

The great thing about today’s Las Vegas is that gambling doesn’t always have to be on the menu. However, if you’re looking to work on your craps strategy, be aware that the days of $5 craps are over.

Look for cheaper gaming options downtown and on the outskirts of the city in general for lower-stakes games. Properties like the Excalibur, Luxor, Circus Circus, and Slots of Fun on the Strip may even occasionally offer some $5 and $10 blackjack.

In the sportsbook, making a few bets on a few games is a low-cost way to grab a drink with friends and check out some action on the big screens. Slots players will be in luck in most properties in Vegas and can usually easily find penny machines.

When it comes to poker, look for plenty of $1/$3 cash game action and possibly even $1/$2, depending on the location. There are numerous low buy-in nightly and daily tournaments that can be a lot of fun as well.

Planning that next Veags trip has never been easier, but a little strategy can help make sure you come back with all of your wallet intact.

In a casino, or online, there are many ways to enjoy the experience. It could be blackjack or the roulette wheel, or other games. Perhaps learning some craps strategy or discovering methods that may help show how to win at slots can improve the experience.

Video poker has consistently been the choice of serious players for several reasons, the primary being the low house edge of the game. To properly play video poker, however, the player must be aware of specifics.

 In video poker, a dealt three of a kind does not happen frequently. It is a decent-paying hand as it generally pays 3 for 1. While this is a nice return, players hope to improve upon it. Exactly how much of an improvement should a video poker player expect? Read on to find out.

Contents

1. How often does a dealt three of a kind occur?
2. Ways the hand can improve, how often, and by how much
3. Overall expectations for improvement
4. Summary

How often does a dealt three of a kind occur?

As mentioned in the introduction, a hand containing three cards of the same rank does not happen very often. When it does occur, the player’s anticipation level increases. The hand is a definite winner. Just how often does a dealt three of a kind occur?

In a non-wild card game, out of a possible 2,598,960 possible hands, a three of a kind occurs 59,912 times. The odds against drawing a three-of-a-kind are about 46-1/3 to 1 on average. For a regular video poker player who plays 500 hands per hour, that amounts to about 10 dealt three of a kinds per hour.

For the casual video poker player playing closer to 200 hands per hour, there would be only about four. That amounts to one dealt three of a kind every 15 minutes – certainly not a common occurrence.

Ways the hand can improve, how often, and by how much

As an aside, for a better understanding of how the odds are calculated; before going into improving dealt three of a kinds, let’s look at other hands. For certain hands, I like to know what the odds are against completing them, rather than improving them. I keep track of the number of times I am dealt the following four-card hands as well as the number of times the hand is completed: 

• four cards of straight (separate counts for inside and open-ended) 
• four cards of a flush
• four cards of a straight flush (separate inside and open-ended counts)
• four cards of a royal flush 

Based on the hand dealt, the number of cards left in the deck that will complete the hand are:

• Inside straight – four cards (one card in each suit)
• Open straight – eight cards (two cards in each suit)
• Flush – nine cards
• Inside straight flush – one card
• Open straight flush – two cards
• Royal flush – one card

From here, determining the odds is straightforward. Since five cards of 52 cards in the full deck have been dealt in the initial hand, there are 47 cards left in the deck. Please note that in wild card-based video poker games, the numbers would be dramatically different. The odds of completing these hands in standard video poker are:

• Inside straight – four in 47 or about one in 12 (11-3/4)
• Open straight – eight in 47 or about one in six (5-7/8)
• Flush – nine in 47 or about one in five (5-2/9)
• Inside straight flush – one in 47
• Open straight flush – two in 47 or one in 23-1/2
• Royal Flush – one in 47

Overall expectations for improvement

Now for the specifics about improving dealt three of a kind hands. The math is quite straightforward. 

Since three cards are being held, there are two open positions for the final hand. The original deck of 52 cards has the five cards of the dealt hand removed. That leaves 47 possible cards for the first open slot and 46 possible cards for the last open spot. The formula to calculate the number of possible hands is:

• Number of cards available for the first open slot times the number of cards available for the second open slot divided by the number of slots (47 * 46 / 2).
• Inserting the specific numbers for this calculation produces the following: 47 * 46 = 2,162. 
• Next the final calculation: 2,162 / 2 = 1,081. 

The math says that there are 1,081 possible different hands when holding three cards.

We next must determine how many hands of each type are included in these 1,081 hands. These totals are:

• Full house – 66
• Four-of-a-kind – 46
• No improvement (the original three-of-a-kind) – 969

Most of the possible hands offer no improvement. The odds of improving the hand are 66 + 46 = 112 out of 1,081. Putting this in the simplest terms, about one in 10 – actually, a little better than one in ten. On average, the dealt three of a kind will be improved once every 9.65 times.

Keep in mind, this number is an average. The hand will not be improved after each 10 hands. The number of unimproved hands between improved hands can vary significantly. There may be 10 hands between improved hands, 50 hands, 5 hands, 0 hands (back-to-back improved hands), or 100 hands. In the long run, however, the average will be very close to one in 9.65 hands.

Summary 

There are many different games available. Video poker is the choice of many players due to its low house edge (and the fact that the knowledgeable player can determine it). Math is front and center in video poker. The more a player knows about the math of the game, the better that player will do. 

A dealt three of a kind is a relatively uncommon occurrence. It happens only about once in every 46 hands. It is a profitable hand because it will normally (depending on the pay table) return not less than 3-for-1. 

There is also a decent chance of improving the three of a kind to something more profitable and exciting – either a full house or a very nice four of a kind. On average, a dealt three of a kind will be improved once every 9.65 hands. No wonder players become excited when a three of a kind is dealt.

If this article interests you, keep reading. Alternatively, explore other topics slot machine strategy.

Many video poker players – especially casual video poker players are not at all concerned about spicing up their play. They get all the fun and excitement they need by simply playing the game in the casino. 

This article is directed at regular and frequent video poker players. Those players who play video poker a few times a year or more often, for several hours at a time, end up playing tens or scores of thousands of hands a month.

Those who play at this level can start to develop a sort of relationship with video poker play. Anything that takes up such a large portion on someone’s life can easily become part of a comfortable routine.

The key word is “routine.” No matter how much enjoyment there is initially, after a while almost anything can become stale. While certainly not at the same level, it can become like a marriage. It is exciting at first, but after years with hundreds and thousands of interactions can it lose its luster. The relationship needs something to spice it up when it comes to how to play video poker.

This article offers suggestions to help spice up video poker player’s routine and keep it fresh.

Contents

1. The normal routine for serious video poker players
2. The downside of “routine” video poker play
3. How to keep video poker play fresh and exciting
4. Summary

The normal routine for serious video poker players

Serious video poker players have a very different approach to casino games. Rather than just plunking themselves down at the closest video poker game, they scout the casino for the game with the lowest house edge.

They can tell with a glance at the game’s pay table. They have previously done research and know which games and pay tables are available. They have chosen one or more game(s)/pay table(s) they like and learned the proper video poker strategy for those they will play. They have practiced the strategy or strategies until they can successfully play it or them correctly. 

They go to casinos several times a year and play for several hours each time they visit. They log scores (or hundreds) of thousands of hands played each year. They are happy when they win, but they expect to do well each time they visit.

In short, the entire casino routine is very different from the average gambler. With so much time and effort expended, the excitement gradually turns lukewarm and eventually becomes routine.

For further reading, check out 888casino's how to win at slots guide. 

The downside of 'routine' video poker play

The allure of casino gambling for most people is the excitement generated by the unfamiliar casino atmosphere; the unfamiliar eating, drinking, and sleeping patterns; and the possibility of suddenly becoming flush with cash. 

However, the more time players spend playing in the casino:

• The less unfamiliar the atmosphere becomes. 
• The less unfamiliar the eating, drinking, and sleeping patterns become.
• The more the patterns of winning and losing become routine.

In short, the entire experience becomes quite familiar. While the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt may go a bit too far, it is close to what ultimately happens.

When the experience becomes too familiar for players, their focus and concentration can be reduced. This jeopardizes efficient play – and therefore the return from their efforts.

How to keep video poker play fresh and exciting

When playing video poker in a casino environment becomes too routine, there are several things a player can do to spice up the experience. 

• Take regular breaks. They do not have to be long. Simply get up and walk around the casino for a bit. Better yet, go outside to walk around. The fresh air and (possibly) sunlight can do wonders to restore the emotional juices.
• Do not play at a constant speed. Periodically try to play a little faster or a little slower for a short while. It does not have to be much and the player should never try to push playing speed so far that mistakes are made. Vary the speed just enough to break the usual rhythm of play.
• Set benchmarks for stopping play on the current game or machine – for example, when the machine credit total hits a certain low point. When that happens purposely switch games on the machine you are currently playing to another game you know.
• Alternatively, move to another machine that has the same game (and pay table) that is currently being played. Switching games or machines will change the environment just enough help keep the interest piqued.
• Make sure to enter any special events being offered. These can be considered (and, in reality, are) a casino bonus. They will also help spice up the experience – usually at no additional cost.  

Consider playing a completely different game while at the casino. They may not spice up video poker play, but they can spice up the casino experience when the main activity is playing video poker:

• Play blackjack. Learn blackjack strategy. Practice a little at home until you become comfortable with it. Play short sessions at table minimum. Do not worry too much about having the strategy memorized, most casinos allow blackjack players to refer to cards that help. In fact, many casinos even sell these cards in their gift shops.
• Learn how to play roulette. The game can seem complicated, and there is a little bit of table etiquette that should be learned and practiced. Possibly search for a roulette strategy, though just looking for general betting advice should be enough. Again, play short sessions at table minimum. 

The whole idea is to change things up a bit to spice up the overall casino experience.

Summary 

Players who spend too much time playing video poker in a casino can begin to lose the feeling of excitement they once felt. Over time this can lead to reduced enjoyment and returns.

There are several things a player can do to spice up the experience. They include:

• Taking breaks to walk around and get the juices flowing.
• Varying the speed of play slightly – just enough to break the routine.
• Periodically switching video poker games or machines to mix it up a bit.
• Playing some of the other low limit games available such as blackjack or roulette. Again, this is to mix it up to increase the excitement.

The reader may not be experiencing what the target audience of this article is, but it is good to be alert that it might happen and know what can be done about the situation. 

In this article I’m going to explain why roulette is the king of casino table games. And why I think players could feel like casino kings if they master the predictive skills of roulette games. 

But after reading, I want you to decide if the game of roulette should be crowned the king of casino table games.

What is the game of roulette all about?

Most casino card games including blackjack rely on luck and to some degree skill. Roulette on the other hand is all about your predictive powers. 

“No one can predict where the roulette ball is going to land!” I can hear the blackjack army and many of you say. 

But prediction is what the game of roulette is all about, i.e. to predict where the ball might land. 

Go into any casino and read the rules or ask casino staff how to play the game. They’ll say, in order to win at roulette, you have to predict where you think the ball might land. And you’ll find out the same about roulette online too.

Why roulette is different from other casino games?

Apart from poker games played against other players, roulette is the only casino game where any player can place bets once the game has started. As the ball is spinning around the roulette wheel you can use your predictive skills to decide where you think the ball might land. 

You may not be right on every game and a jumpy ball could work for or against you. But you only have to be correct slightly — albeit consistently more than your average Joe — at predicting the outcome to have an edge over the house. And if you bet big by increasing your stakes on some roulette games and continue to call it right, you could be quids in!

Is it possible to predict where the roulette ball might land?

That's fine you might say, but with the moving parts, (the ball spinning in one direction and the wheel rotating in another) you’d have to be superhuman or a time traveller to guess the drop zone. Moreover, the landing into a pocket probably won’t be a smooth transition because of all those deflectors and dividers. 

Roulette prediction questions include:

• How is it possible to predict where a roulette ball might land? 
• Surely only in fiction … like a James Bond movie, right?
• By using computer technology perhaps?

Before I get into the details of how to predict roulette outcomes, I’ll go over some points about why roulette is the most popular casino game.  

What is the most popular casino table game? 

I want to point out that if you visit any casino, you’ll probably find a lot more players on roulette live tables than blackjack tables. This is my experience of visiting many casinos over the years, especially at peak times. 

And then there are gamblers using terminals in land-based casinos to wager on casino table games. They’re betting on roulette games about 95 percent of the time with baccarat accounting for most of the remaining percentage.  

Thus, it’s clear to me that the game of roulette is more popular than blackjack. And this holds true in online casinos too i.e. I think the majority of internet players flock to roulette tables including:

• live online roulette
• roulette air wheels
• roulette with computer generated random outcomes

But the above information alone doesn’t mean that roulette is the king of casino games.

The two great casino games on the battlefield for the throne

I think you’ll find blackjack and roulette armies fighting it out to be crowned the king of casino table games. Very different games, right? Most people think the contest boils down to the decision-making skills of blackjack. 

This 21-casino game has a low house edge — that’s even possible to reduce somewhat—versus; the sheer luck of roulette outcomes as many people believe you can only win at roulette if you’re lucky.

Two points to consider about house edges and luck:

A lower house edge is not enough for a game to be regarded as king of casino table games. The best blackjack players are not always likely to win more times than averagely good roulette players. 

• Roulette is a physics problem thus winning isn’t based on pure chance. Roulette strategy can be very important.
• The reality about advantage players betting on blackjack  

I know blackjack has a huge card counting following. I don’t look to diminish the hype, (that still exists in a strong form) on the internet among card counting fans who think of ‘beating the casinos.’

However, with card counting results not always guaranteed to deliver an advantage in blackjack, the same holds true playing basic strategy especially when:

• There are more decks in use.
• Casinos use constant shuffle machines. 
• Players get paid lower amounts on blackjack winning outcomes.

The things that can go wrong for players in blackjack include:

• The decisions of other players can mess things up for you.
• You bust trying to gain a higher value hand.
• The dealer beats your hand.
• Draws with your high value hand.

But suspend judgement because the lines are blurred and if you read on, you’ll find out why I suggest there are more practical decision-making skills involved in roulette. 

Oh, and about that mysterious thing they call luck — I say this, “luck is the camouflage of random outcomes you bet on resulting in a win or a loss.” 

Why roulette should be crowned the king of casino table games

Since to win at roulette players should predict where the ball might land the obvious conclusion is to ask how this is done. 

How to predict where the roulette ball might land explained 

1. The roulette predicting human gadget 

That’s right, no lasers or microcomputers nor any other nonhuman technology. To beat roulette the player must use only human abilities i.e. mental intuition.  

2. Roulette quantum thinking and the flashpoint explained 

When trying to predict the outcome of a roulette game using quantum thinking, it’s the “flashpoint” the mind figures out the drop zone to be. Your eyes and brain are doing the mental focus. A bit like how a digital SLR camera operates the mechanical shutter mechanism that regulates light reaching the sensor. And at the moment a picture is taken is what I call the flashpoint.

3. How to predict where the roulette ball might land 

The method of predicting where a roulette ball might land involves predicting three things.

(a) Ball and ball track

When the ball is spinning around the ball track, as it slows with still about five or 10 passes left, I try to estimate how many more revolutions it will make before it leaves the ball track. 

(b) Wheel rotor

I clock where the wheel rotor is in relation to the ball. I focus on the ball and on the numbers at the outer edge of the rotor. Where I think the ball will leave the ball track in the future is at a point where I think certain numbers on the rotor will be. 

(c) Human gadget roulette outcome predicting flashpoint 

Then I have my flashpoint. That number will stand out in my mind where I think in that future event the ball will land onto.

Betting on roulette numbers after the cerebral clocking process 

It’s best to bet on neighbors of the flashpoint number. Neighbors by 5, meaning the target number plus 2 numbers each side of it. But it’s always best to wager a bit more on the target number and bet on a wider area of that sector of the wheel as a back-up bet should you get close, but not close enough. 

There’s some margin of error, I might be a few pockets off, but sometimes I hit on the target number.

By hedging my bets somewhat — mitigating against a near miss — I could recover losing target wagers.

So, is roulette the king of casino table games? 

It’s possible to predict where the ball might land and be consistent at calling it right. Niko Tosa (not his real name) did it and won big (£1.3m) in 2004 in the Ritz casino in London starting with only a few thousand pounds. 

Predicting roulette outcomes is done by practice and focus. Aside from Tosa, others do it too, but it’s a secret world where you don’t want casinos to know you’re good at it. Alas, I’ve just blown my cover! 

Because of Tosa, roulette game manufacturers redesigned some wheels so that balls travel more on the rotor and or bounce more.   

It’s possible to have the ability to practice and master this skill. And you can still find the traditional-style wheels in use. To be good at predicting where the ball might land in roulette you have to be a consistent winner. That’s the only way you know you are good at it.

If this article interests you, explore other topics at 888casino like How to Play Roulette.

The island of Macau has become the largest casino market in the world and often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Asia.” The island, located right off the Chinese mainland, is the only legalized casino market in China and attracts wealthy gamblers from the mainland as well as other parts of Asia.

However, Macau’s focus on gambling may be changing in the coming years. A major slowdown in gambling revenue has led to China’s leaders to rethink the island’s focus on casino gaming and some are looking to diversify the economy.

"At present the overall situation in Macau is stable, but the internal and external environment is undergoing profound changes," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a celebration in December celebrating 25 years of Chinese rule. "Efforts should be made to promote moderate economic diversification ... focus on cultivating new industries with international competitiveness."

History of Macau

Macau had been part of China through the 16th Century, but Portugal began leasing the island as a trading post in 1557 as a key point for merchants shipping from west to east. The country eventually began treating the island as a de facto colony before finally reaching a deal with China in 1887 officially making it part of Portuguese territory.

AfterHong Kong became a British territory in 1842, that island became a more important trading region. Macau responded by legalizing gambling in 1847 and the industry flourished on the island, becoming a key source of revenue.

“By the 1850s, Macao had over 200 ‘fan tan’ [a Chinese gambling game] stalls in operation,” the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists notes. “The gaming industry began to thrive in the late 19th Century, and gaming taxes became the government's primary source of revenue. Since then, Macao has become well-known for its casino industry, earning the nickname ‘Monte Carlo of the Orient.’”

Several companies were granted monopoly considerations to operate full-scale casinos for much of the 20th Century with the legislative assembly noting in a 1986 law that “the number of concessions granted shall be limited to a maximum of three.Despite that, underground gambling remained and in the 1990s, the island saw rival gangs battle over the island’s underground gambling market with more than 100 people killed in the violence. 

That monopolistic approach to gaming changed after the island was officially handed back to China in 1999. The area was treated as a special administrative region (SAR) in a similar way as Hong Kong – a “one country, two systems” approach.

In 2001, the island enacted new laws to expand the industry on the island, allowing for multiple casino operators and large gaming resorts.

Macau and Casino Gambling

After approving a law for casino bids, Macau received proposals from major gaming operators from around the world including American-based gaming giants like MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn Resorts as well as Asian-based firms like SJM Holdings and Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Numerous casino resorts then began being built around the island throughout the 2000s, with the island reaching 42 casinos by 2021. Players could easily hit the roulette wheel or practice their blackjack strategy, Gambling has not only been a boon to the island, but also to the overall Chinese economy.

Once a quiet island, Macau has seen some huge changes over the last 25 years and has become a major tourist destination. The casino industry has led to an economy valued at about $6.5 billion in 1999 to $46 billion in 2023, according to the Associated Press. Many locals have found jobs in the industry and others appreciate the  $1,240 annual payments made to residents from gaming taxes.

However, things certainly took a downturn during the COVID pandemic, when China limited travel to the island. Revenue dried up almost overnight on the island. Chinese authorities also began cracking down on junket operators that provide services for the country’s wealthy high rollers to gamble. 

Gamblers on junkets regularly use borrowed funds to gamble and then repay these loans on mainland China. The industry has faced more scrutiny in recent years. Chinese officials alleged that some operators became involved in operating or owning part of overseas casinos outside of the country.

Revenue Revival After COVID

Travel and junket restrictions led to major revenue declines and the industry struggled. Things began to finally change in 2023. By December of that year, the island saw casino gross income numbers totaling $2.3 billion, an increase of 433% from December 2022, according to the island’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.

This marked the industry’s second-largest total since before the COVID pandemic and began what would slowly become a return to normal.

In December 2024, the Macau casino industry accounted for $28.4 billion in gaming revenue, up almost 24% from 2023 levels. This was another good sign as that topped government estimates of almost $27 billion.

That still was short of the pre-pandemic level of $36.5 billion from 2019. The pandemic showed just how reliant the island of just over 700,000 people had become and the Chinese government has set out to make changes.

Transitioning Economy

The first part of that was seeing new leadership on the island. Former judge Sam Hou Fai was elected in an uncontested vote as Macau's chief executive-designate in 2024 and became the island’s first leader born on mainland China. Fai is determined to diversify the island’s economy.

The new leader hopes to do this by improving the island’s overall business conditions and supporting small business, including using public funds to stimulate business sectors outside of gaming.

“Sam has promised to accelerate the current government’s plan to boost tourism and other sectors such as traditional Chinese medicine, finance, exhibitions and commerce,” the Associated Press reports. “However, the city will still need to rely on the gambling industry for government revenues to support the city’s welfare and accomplish other goals laid out by Beijing.”

Xi has said that Macau must move away from being so heavily reliant on the casino industry, which accounts for about 80% of regional tax revenue.

“At present the overall situation in Macau is stable, but the internal and external environment is undergoing profound changes,” Xi said. “Efforts should be made to promote moderate economic diversification… focus on cultivating new industries with international competitiveness.”

However, the gaming industry will remain a major part of the island’s future. More and more Chinese gamblers continue flocking to the island, but recent reports note that the island has seen some changes in who heads to the casinos. Post-COVID, the properties are relying more on middle-income gamblers than well-heeled high rollers. But some headwinds still remain for the island’s gaming industry.

“In a note, analysts Praveen Choudhary, Gareth Leung and Stephen Grambling (with Morgan Staey) said they maintain their mass GGR (gross gaming revenue) forecast assumption at 118% of 2019 levels, representing a 5% increase over 2024,” Inside Asian Gambling reports, “but expect lower EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) than originally expected due to increased reinvestment costs, including in non-gaming capex requirements under operators’ current 10-year concession deals.”

Things are definitely looking up for Macau since the pandemic. The analysts project “slight but steady growth” for the rest of the year.

Nobody likes losing money to casinos. But most of us put up with the financial beatings, accepting that they inevitably happen when you risk cash in games where the other side has the best of it. Some of us find legal ways to turn the tables. Maybe we card count or hole card or seek out lingering bonuses on slot machines. 

But even playing with an edge, no matter how much the casinos despise it, will get us only so far. Hell, I once sat next to hole-carding maestro James Grosjean at a blackjack table. He literally told me the dealer’s hole cards and I still managed to lose money. Decent sized edges do not lead to guaranteed profits. 

Then there are the players so desperate to win that they will risk prison terms in order to do so. They are casino cheaters, people who devise and deploy ingeniously devious techniques to get over on the house. Never mind that such moves often entail enough work and training that the time, better spent, could have led to legal, long-running, profitable occupations.

Cheating Casinos by Being a Magician

A guy who goes by the pseudonym of Dustin Marks told me about becoming a crack sleight of artist to get over on the house. He would land dealing gigs in casinos and use his magic skills to rig decks and deal winning hands to collaborators at the tables. 

Marks' partners played as if they were ordinary gamblers. But they generated wins that were extraordinary. 

He told me about one scam, involving a couple-dozen partners, in which he and his crew played with a 50% advantage. As Marks explained it, he dealt and his collaborator sat at first base. Before the opening hand was divvied out, Marks flashed what the first hit card would be. That prevented the guy from ever going over. Then, as he corralled cards at the hand’s conclusion, Marks flashed his compadre’s first card, and that dictated a bet size for the coming hand.

Asked why he did it, he told me, “I was never fond of gambling. I always wanted a sure thing.”

Getting Over on Slot Machines

Luckily for Marks, he exited the shady game before getting caught. Tommy Glenn Carmichael was less fortunate. A TV repairman turned slot-machine cheat, Carmichael was a wizard when it came to creating devices that triggered unwarranted payouts from slot machines. 

As explained in the Paris Review, Carmichael used a guitar string and a piece of metal shaped like a nine to essentially hotwire machines into making consistent payouts that added up. 

Working with various teams, Carmichael, now deceased, is said to have been a two-armed bandit who illegally extracted millions of dollars from the one-armed bandits. 

It was going great until a fateful day in a Las Vegas branch of Denny’s. Carmichael was plying his trade on a vulnerable machine, when police swarmed the casual dining spot and arrested him. As a result, Carmichael did time in a federal penitentiary.

Sprung five years later, he returned to his craft with a vengeance. Using enhanced equipment – primarily, light wands that tricked the machines – Carmichael earned $1,000 per day.

He described his increasingly high-tech gambits as “credit cards that never ran out.” In the end, though, he was arrested again, went broke, and traded in his black hat for a white one. Carmichael turned to creating anti-cheating devices that were sold to gambling entities.

Marked Cards & Bogus Chips

Others lacked the ingenuity of Carmichael and enjoyed no second acts after the whip came down from law enforcement. 

There were the card-markers who glued grains of sand to their fingertips and altered the backs of cards used in the game of Casino War. Others, including a Chinese gang nicknamed the Jade Blades, employed tiny razor blades under their fingernails. 

And it’s not only games in the pit that get flimflammed. A poker player by the name of Christian Lusardi played a poker tournament at Borgata in Atlantic City and brought his own chips – never mind that the whole point of a poker tournament is that players start with set amounts of chips that are for the tournament only. When Lusardi sensed the heat on him intensifying, he flushed bogus chips down the toilet, clogged the pipes, and wound up getting busted. The next place he played poker was in prison, stuck with a five-year-long sentence.

The Card Eater!

Then there’s at least one baccarat scammer who foiled the cheater catchers. The guy was part of a team that made a habit of slipping an 8-denomination card in and out of the game, Considering that it is a key card in baccarat, the team played with a significant advantage. 

Eventually, though, casino security realized what was going on, surrounded the card man and tackled him to the ground. Before he could be fully apprehended, the cheat folded his card, swallowed it and foiled casino officials.

“He ate the evidence!” a source told me. “It was brought before the Gaming Commission. They said, ‘You have no proof. Pay the man. Have a nice day.’”

‘World’s Greatest Casino Cheat’

Fake slot machine tokens, bribed dealers, and fast fingers for introducing 10s and aces into blackjack games (credit that gambit to a woman nicknamed the Vegas Vixen) all worked until they didn’t. 

Same for the moves engineered by notorious Richard Marcus. Anointing himself the “world’s greatest casino cheat,” Marcus ran a team that made its bones with a ploy known as past-posting. They would surreptitiously swap chips in and out of betting circles, depending on the outcome of the hand. If he won, he’d slip in $10,000 via a pair of $5,000 chips. If he lost, it would just cost him $110, via a black $100 chip and two five below.

Like Dustin Marks, he retired from the cheating life when peril seemed to loom – but before it struck. Also, like Marks, Richard Marcus managed to avoid jailtime. Unlike the rogue magician, though, he found a second career after giving up on scamming the house. He wrote books such as American Roulette and consulted with casinos to catch others of his ilk. 

Hence, as Marcus and Carmichael prove, there is little honor among casino cheats

There are hundreds, even thousands, of video poker players who diligently look for the best video poker games. They learn and regularly practice the proper playing strategy for the games and pay tables that are available. They practice strict money management, and basically do everything they can to maximize each video poker session they have in a casino. 

Most casino video poker players are not this diligent, however. They simply want to relax a little and have some fun playing video poker. They may have heard that video poker has higher returns than standard slots so they choose to play video poker.

They expect to lose, since casinos have the edge. They just want a shot at winning something without a lot of effort. 

This article is for those players. A very basic video poker playing strategy for Jacks or Better or Bonus Poker is given which will help the player win more than a random player. And, with only 12 lines, it can be easily learned and mastered.

Contents

1. What this simple Jacks or Better strategy is and what it is not
2. How to use the simple Jacks or Better video poker playing strategy 
3. Definition of terms in the strategy
4. Video poker games that this strategy applies to
5. The simple Jacks or Better video poker strategy chart
6. Summary

What this simple Jacks or Better strategy is and what it is not

The simple Jacks or Better video poker strategy presented in this article is:

• A real, mathematically developed, video poker strategy that shows the best holds in the proper sequence that allow the player to win more.
• It is very simple to learn and remember when playing in a casino. A short (several minute) review of the strategy before playing in a casino should be sufficient for most players to master it.
• As with any video poker game, always play the maximum of five credits per hand. The royal flush will then pay 800-for-1 (4,000-for-5) rather than 250-for-1 if less than five credits are bet.

This simple Jacks or Better video poker strategy is not:

• A strategy that will get the highest possible return from play. It will get a reasonably good return with very little effort required to learn the strategy.

How to use the simple Jacks or Better video poker playing strategy

This strategy works in the same way as more complex strategies used by advanced video poker players. To use the strategy:

• Start at the top line of the strategy.
• If the hand that was dealt is described by the line, hold the cards indicated.
• If the dealt hand is not described by the line, move to the next lower line in the strategy and repeat the previous step.
• If you reach the last line and it does not describe the dealt hand, do not hold any of the cards dealt. Draw five new cards.

Very straightforward. Very simple.

Definition of terms in the strategy

To properly use the strategy, the player must know the terminology used.

• Royal flush: the Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 of the same suit – (Spades, Clubs, Diamonds or Hearts). They can be in any sequence. 
• Straight flush: Five cards of the same suit that are sequential (but not necessarily in order). E.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of hearts or 9, 5, 7, 8, 6 of clubs.
• Flush: five cards of the same suit – e.g. 3, 6, 9, 10, jack of diamonds.
• Straight: cards of different suits that are in sequence (though not necessarily in order).
• High cards: Ace, King, Queen, Jack (but not 10 or less)
• If less than five cards of the specified hand are present, there can be gaps in the sequence but the sequence must be able to be completed with five sequential cards.

Video poker games that this strategy applies to

Due to the very simple nature of this strategy, it can apply to more than one game and pay table. This strategy works equally well on Jacks or Better (9/6* or 8/5*) or 8/5* Bonus Poker. * 9/6 means 9-for-1 for a full house and 6-for-1 for a flush, 8/5 means 8-for-1 for a full house and 5-for-1 for a flush.

Example pay tables:

 

 

Make sure the pay table of the selected game matches one that this strategy applies to. 

The simple Jacks or Better strategy chart

• Any paying hand – except always hold a 4-card royal flush 
• Any 4-card straight flush
• Any 3-card royal flush
• Any 4-card flush
• Low pair (22 thru TT)
• Any 4-card straight – no gaps
• Any two suited high cards (e.g. K, J of spades)
• Any 3-card straight flush (e.g. 4, 7, 8 of diamonds)
• Three high cards – different suits
•  Two high cards – different suits
•  Suited KT, QT, JT
•  Lone A, K, Q, or J

Only 12 lines in the strategy. If the dealt hand is not defined in one of those lines, draw five new cards.

Summary 

There are hundreds, even thousands of serious video poker players who are willing to take the time and expend the effort to get every last nickel they can from their video poker play.

There are many times more recreational video poker players that are not willing to spend the time and effort for the same results. This article presents a simple strategy (only 12 lines) that is simple to learn and use in a casino for these casual players. They may not get as high a return as those players who use a more complex strategy, but they will do better than the masses who simply go with their gut.

If you are one of these casual players, consider trying this simple strategy. You may be very pleased with the results.

There are hundreds, even thousands, of video poker players who diligently look for the best video poker games. They learn and regularly practice the proper playing strategy for the games and pay tables that are available. They practice strict money management. They do everything they can to maximize each video poker session they have in a casino. 

Most casino video poker players simply want to relax a little and have some fun playing video poker. They may have heard that video poker has higher returns than standard slots so they choose to play video poker. They may have heard the Double Bonus video poker has a great return, so they choose to play Double Bonus.

They expect to lose, since casinos have the edge. They just want a shot at winning something without a lot of effort. 

A previous article covered a simple video poker strategy for Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker. This article is for those casual players who like to play Double Bonus. It shows a very basic video poker playing strategy which will help the player win more than a random player. In addition, with only 12 lines, it can be easily learned and mastered.

Contents

1. What this simple Double Bonus strategy is and what it is not
2. How to use the simple Double Bonus video poker playing strategy 
3. Definition of terms in the strategy
4. Video poker games that this strategy applies to,
5. The simple Double Bonus video poker strategy chart
6. Summary

What this simple Double Bonus strategy is and what it is not

The simple Double Bonus video poker strategy presented in this article is:

• A real mathematically developed, video poker strategy that shows the best holds in the proper sequence that allow the player to win more.
• It is very simple to learn and remember when playing in a casino. A short (several minute) review of the strategy before playing in a casino should be sufficient for most players to master it.
• As with any video poker game, always play the maximum of five credits per hand. The royal flush will then pay 800-for-1 (4,000-for-5) rather than 250-for-1 if less than five credits are bet.

This simple Double Bonus video poker strategy is not:

• A strategy that will get the highest possible return from play, but it will get a reasonably good return with very little effort required to learn the strategy.

How to use the simple Double Bonus video poker playing strategy

This strategy works in the same way as more complex strategies used by advanced video poker players.

• Start at the top line of the strategy.
• If the hand that was dealt is described by that line, hold the cards indicated.
• If the dealt hand is not described by the line, move to the next lower line in the strategy and repeat the previous step.
• If you reach the last line and it does not describe the dealt hand, do not hold any of the cards dealt. Draw five new cards.

Very straightforward. Very simple.

Definition of terms in the strategy

To properly use the strategy, the player must know the terminology used.

• Royal flush: the Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 of the same suit – (Spades, Clubs, Diamonds or Hearts). They can be in any sequence. 
• Straight flush: Five cards of the same suit that are sequential (but not necessarily in order). E.g. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of hearts or 9, 5, 7, 8, 6 of clubs.
• Flush: five cards of the same suit – e.g. 3, 6, 9, 10, jack all of diamonds.
• Straight: cards of different suits that are in sequence (though not necessarily in order).
• High cards: Ace, King, Queen, Jack (but not 10 or less)
• If less than five cards of the particular hand, there can be gaps in the sequence but the sequence must be able to be completed with five cards.

Video poker games that this strategy applies to

Due to the very simple nature of this strategy, it can apply to more than one game and pay table. This strategy works equally well on two different pay tables of Double Bonus (10/7* or 9/7*). * 10/7 means 10-for-1 for a full house and 7-for-1 for a flush, 9/7 means 9-for-1 for a full house and 7-for-1 for a flush)

Example pay tables:

 

Make sure the pay table of the selected game matches one that this strategy applies to. 

The simple Double Bonus strategy chart

1. Any paying hand – except always hold a 4-card royal flush 
2. Any 4-card straight flush
3. Any 4-card flush
4. Any 3-card royal flush
5. Any 4-card straight – no gaps
6. Low pair (22 thru TT)
7. Any two suited high cards (e.g. K, J of spades)
8. Any 3-card straight flush (e.g. 4, 7, 8 of diamonds)
9. Three high cards – different suits
10.  Two high cards – different suits
11.  Suited KT, QT, JT
12.  Lone A, K, Q, or J

Only 12 lines in the strategy. If the dealt hand is not defined in one of those lines, draw five new cards.

Summary 

Not every video poker player is willing to spend a great deal of time learning and practicing video poker strategy.

There are thousands of recreational video poker players just want to play these casino games without spending a lot of time and effort. This article presents a simple strategy (only 12 lines) for Double Bonus that is simple to learn and use in a casino for these casual players. They may not get as high a return as those players who use a more complex strategy, but they will do better than the masses who simply go with their gut.

If you are one of these casual players who likes to play Double Bonus video poker, consider trying this simple strategy. It will not take a long time to learn – and you may be very pleased with the results.