{"id":12551,"date":"2023-07-21T04:07:11","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T08:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casino.borgataonline.com\/en\/blog\/?p=12551"},"modified":"2025-07-06T17:01:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T21:01:50","slug":"what-is-a-video-poker-strategy-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borgataonline.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-a-video-poker-strategy-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is This Strategy Chart and Will It Help You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Online poker<\/strong><\/a> isn\u2019t just about participating in online poker tournaments or live dealer games. Sometimes, you\u2019re looking for something fast-paced, simple and satisfying \u2014 like video poker. Great news, though: there are plenty of strategies involved in this online poker variant, so while it\u2019s just you against the computer, it\u2019s still possible to get competitive and boost your win rate. One way of doing that is to use a video poker strategy chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover what it is and how it can give you the edge the next time you\u2019re putting your poker skills to the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Video Poker Strategy Chart?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not sure when to hold \u2018em or when to fold \u2018em<\/strong><\/a>? No worries, a strategy chart is essentially a tool to help you make the most potentially profitable decisions when playing video poker. Also known as a video poker strategy card, this resource relies on the mathematics behind video poker to improve your chances of winning each round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, video poker is a casino game that combines elements of poker and slot machines. It\u2019s played with a standard 52-card deck and the key mathematical concept in video poker is probability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the probability of achieving different hands helps in making optimal decisions. The probability of obtaining a specific hand is determined by the number of ways that hand can occur, divided by the total number of possible hands. While it certainly doesn\u2019t promise guaranteed wins, this kind of strategy chart comes in handy when assessing probability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Use a Strategy Chart When Playing Video Poker Online Games<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You\u2019ve downloaded the strategy chart for your favorite video poker game \u2014 now what? Here\u2019s how to read it and use it to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand the Variants:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 Different video poker games have their own specific strategy charts. Make sure you have the correct chart for the particular game you\u2019re playing, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand Rankings:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Familiarize yourself with the hand rankings used in the variant you\u2019re playing. The chart will typically list the different possible hands in descending order of their value, starting with the best possible hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand Categories:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The strategy chart usually groups similar hands into categories. These categories may include \u201cPat Hands\u201d (hands that are already complete and don\u2019t require any card changes,) \u201cDrawing Hands\u201d (hands that have the potential to improve with card replacements) and \u201cUnfavorable Hands\u201d (hands with little chance of improving.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identify Your Initial Hand:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Locate your initial five-card hand on the chart. This will determine the recommended course of action based on the highest expected value play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the Chart:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The chart will provide instructions on which cards to hold and which cards to discard or draw based on the optimal strategy. It may use abbreviations or symbols to represent the recommended actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Note of Exceptions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some strategy charts may include specific exceptions or variations based on certain scenarios or paytable differences. Pay attention to any additional notes or instructions provided on the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice and Memorization:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over time, aim to memorize the strategy chart or become familiar with the most common hands and their recommended plays. This will help you make quick and accurate decisions during gameplay without needing the strategy chart nearby \u2014 which is fantastic if you\u2019re playing at a casino that doesn\u2019t allow external strategy aids (see below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n