Video poker has become more popular in Norway, with many players turning to online options for convenience. Unlike classic poker, it combines skill with luck, so making the right decisions matters over time. Knowing when to hold or discard cards, managing your bankroll, and choosing the right game can all influence results.
This article shares practical advice on improving your approach and making smarter choices. No matter if you're new to video poker or already familiar with the basics, the right strategy can help you play more effectively.
Video Poker Basics
Video poker mixes poker strategy with slot mechanics. Unlike traditional poker, you play against a machine, not other people. The aim is to build the best possible hand using standard poker rankings.
Each round starts with five cards. You decide which ones to keep and swap the rest. Your final hand determines the payout.
The game uses a random number generator (RNG) to shuffle the cards, making sure each deal is unpredictable. Since every round is independent, previous hands have no influence on future outcomes.
There are various types of video poker, each with its own rules. Jacks or Better is the most well-known, where a pair of jacks or higher is needed to win. Deuces Wild adds wild twos, increasing the chances of stronger hands. Other versions, such as Double Bonus Poker and Joker Poker, change payout rates and require different strategies. Many online casinos offer multiple variations, allowing players to find the one that best matches their approach.
While the basic rules remain the same, understanding the differences between versions can help players make smarter choices.
Tips to Beat Video Poker
Success in video poker comes down to skill and careful choices. Knowing the rules, understanding paytables, and selecting the right variation can improve your results. Each game has its own strategy, so it’s important to find the one that fits your approach.
Choosing the Best Video Poker Variation for You
Picking the right game affects strategy and potential winnings. Below are five popular options for Norwegian players:
- Jacks or Better – A good choice for beginners. Wins start with a pair of jacks or higher. Standard paytables offer a 9/6 payout (9x for a full house, 6x for a flush).
- Deuces Wild – All twos act as wilds, increasing the chance of strong hands. Requires a more advanced strategy due to the adjusted paytable.
- Double Bonus Poker – Higher payouts for four aces, but reduced rewards for other hands. Best for those comfortable with risk.
- Joker Poker – Uses a joker as a wild card. Strategy changes depending on if the game requires a pair of kings or aces to win.
- Bonus Poker Deluxe – Similar to Double Bonus but with a focus on four-of-a-kind payouts. Suits players who aim for high-variance games.
Paytables vary, affecting both strategy and potential returns. Checking the paytable before playing helps in choosing the best version.
Play Only Full Pay Versions
Full Pay means a game offers the highest possible returns based on its paytable. A 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54% RTP) is a Full Pay version, while an 8/5 version (97.3% RTP) lowers returns.
Lower-paying games reduce payouts on key hands, increasing the house edge. For example, a Full Pay Deuces Wild offers 100.76% RTP with optimal play, while a lower-paying version drops below 99%.
Norwegian players can find Full Pay games by checking paytables at online casinos. Some sites list RTP information directly, while others require manual checking.
Using Strategy Charts the Right Way
A video poker strategy chart shows the best decisions for each hand. It ranks possible card combinations from best to worst, helping players avoid mistakes.
How to use a strategy chart:
- Find a chart specific to your chosen game (e.g., Jacks or Better).
- Compare your dealt hand to the chart.
- Keep the highest-ranked combination listed.
- Discard the rest and draw new cards.
Following the chart precisely improves long-term returns. Even small deviations can reduce expected payouts.
Optimising Bankroll Management
Managing funds wisely helps sustain play over time. For Norwegian players, currency fluctuations between NOK and EUR can affect budgeting.
Key techniques include:
- Setting a betting limit per session.
- Sticking to games that match your budget.
- Avoiding emotional decisions, such as increasing bets after losses.
Responsible gambling practices help avoid unnecessary risks while playing.
Improve Skills with No-Cost Games
Playing free video poker is useful for learning strategies before placing real bets. It allows players to test different approaches, understand how various hands pay out, and get comfortable with game mechanics without financial pressure.
Practising helps refine decision-making and test strategy charts. It also familiarises players with paytable differences, which can significantly impact long-term results. Some versions offer better returns than others, so studying these details in free play can lead to smarter choices.
Analyse Return Rates Before Playing
Each video poker game has a different Return to Player (RTP) percentage. Checking RTP helps in selecting games with the best payout potential.
For example:
- 9/6 Jacks or Better – 99.54% RTP
- Full Pay Deuces Wild – 100.76% RTP
- Bonus Poker Deluxe – 99.64% RTP
Most online casinos display RTP in game descriptions. If not listed, players can look up paytables and compare them with known Full Pay versions. Choosing high RTP games improves long-term returns.
The Secret of the "Norwegian Poker Mindset"
Norwegian poker players tend to value patience, logic, and discipline. In a country known for measured decision-making and a strategic approach to challenges, these traits naturally carry over to poker. Instead of making impulsive moves, they focus on careful analysis, which is especially useful in video poker, where each decision can affect long-term results.
A calm approach reduces mistakes. Video poker rewards those who think ahead rather than rely on luck. Calculated risk-taking is key—knowing when to hold strong cards and when to chase better hands.
Mental endurance is just as important. Long sessions can lead to fatigue, which affects decision-making. Taking regular breaks helps maintain concentration and avoid costly errors. Staying sharp and disciplined at the table often leads to better outcomes over time.
Does It Matter Which Poker Strategy We Use?
A player's strategy should match their skill level and goals. Those new to the game tend to play it safe, while experienced players are more likely to take risks.
Conservative vs. Aggressive Strategies
- Conservative play focuses on minimising losses. Players stick to low-risk hands, avoiding unnecessary gambles.
- Aggressive play involves taking calculated risks to maximise potential payouts. Players may chase higher-value hands, even if it means discarding a decent combination. This works best for those comfortable with risk and variance.
Is There a "Best" Strategy?No single strategy works for everyone. For some, it works better to focus on consistent play, following basic strategy charts. Others successfully adjust tactics based on paytables, bankroll size, and personal risk tolerance.
Key Takeaways
- Beginners should use a conservative strategy to build confidence.
- Aggressive play suits those with a solid understanding of probabilities.
- No single strategy guarantees success—adapting to different situations is key.
- Using strategy charts and practising free games helps refine skills over time.