Video Poker Strategies: Your Ticket to Smarter Play

Hey there! I’m Samuel, and I’m here to talk about video poker strategies. Whether you’re new to the game or have been playing for years, there’s always something new to learn.

Video poker isn’t just another casino game. It’s a mix of luck and skill that gives you a real chance against the house. That’s pretty cool, right?

Imagine sitting at a video poker machine, making smart choices about which cards to keep and which to toss. That’s the power of a good strategy, and it’s what we’re going to explore together.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The basics of video poker
• Key strategies to improve your game
• Tips for different video poker types like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

We’re not just going to list facts. We’ll look at real examples, share some insider tips, and even give you some tools to practice with.

Ready to up your video poker game? Let’s get started!

Understanding Video Poker Basics: Rules and Gameplay

Alright, let’s start with the fundamentals. Video poker might look like a slot machine’s cousin, but trust me, it’s a whole different ball game. It’s like your favorite poker night got a high-tech makeover!

The Setup

Picture this: you’re facing a screen with a digital deck of 52 cards (or 53 if you’re playing with a joker). The goal? To make the best five-card poker hand possible. Simple, right? Well, hold onto your hats, because it gets even more exciting.

How It Goes Down

1. Place Your Bet: First things first, you decide how many coins to wager. Pro tip: always bet the maximum if you can afford it. I’ll explain why later, but for now, just trust me on this one.
2. Deal ‘Em Out: Hit that ‘Deal’ button, and boom! Five cards appear on your screen faster than you can say “Royal Flush.”
3. Decision Time: Here’s where the magic happens. You get to choose which cards to keep (hold) and which to toss (discard). This is where strategy comes into play, folks!
4. The Draw: After you’ve made your choices, hit ‘Draw’. The discarded cards are replaced with new ones from the deck.
5. Show Me The Money: Your final hand is evaluated, and if it matches a winning combination on the pay table, cha-ching! You’ve got yourself a payout.

Winning Hands

Now, let’s talk about what you’re aiming for. Video poker uses standard poker hand rankings, but here’s a quick refresher, from lowest to highest:

• Jacks or Better (in many games)
• Two Pair
• Three of a Kind
• Straight (five consecutive cards)
• Flush (five cards of the same suit)
• Full House (three of a kind plus a pair)
• Four of a Kind
• Straight Flush (straight of the same suit)
• Royal Flush (10, J, Q, K, A of the same suit)

Each of these hands pays out differently, and that’s where the pay table comes in. Always, and I mean always, check the pay table before you start playing. It’s like your roadmap to potential winnings.

The RNG Factor

Here’s a bit of behind-the-scenes magic for you: every deal in video poker is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). This nifty piece of tech ensures that each hand is completely random and independent of previous hands. So no, the machine isn’t “due” for a big win just because you’ve been losing. Each hand is a fresh start!

Why Video Poker Rocks

Now, you might be wondering, “Samuel, why should I bother with video poker when I could just play slots?” Well, my friend, here’s the kicker: video poker gives you way better odds than slots. With the right strategy (which we’ll get to, I promise), some video poker games can have a Return to Player (RTP) of over 99%! That’s like the casino saying, “Here, keep almost all your money.” You don’t see that every day!

Plus, unlike slots, your decisions actually matter in video poker. It’s not just mindlessly pushing buttons – you’re in the driver’s seat, making choices that directly impact your chances of winning.

Video Poker Hand Rankings 

Alright, folks, it’s time to talk about the bread and butter of video poker: hand rankings. Think of these as your roadmap to success. Knowing these like the back of your hand (pun intended) is crucial to making the right decisions when you play.

The Hierarchy of Hands

Let’s break down these hands from lowest to highest. Remember, the higher the hand, the better the payout!

1. Jacks or Better: This is usually the lowest paying hand in most video poker games. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces.
2. Two Pair: Got two different pairs? You’re in business! Something like 5-5-9-9-K.
3. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank. Triple 7s, anyone?
4. Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit. Think 4-5-6-7-8.
5. Flush: Five cards of the same suit. They don’t need to be in order, just all hearts, spades, diamonds, or clubs.
6. Full House: This is where things get exciting! Three of a kind plus a pair. Like 9-9-9-4-4.
7. Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank. This is when you start doing a little victory dance in your seat.
8. Straight Flush: A straight, but all in the same suit. It’s rare and beautiful, like a unicorn sighting.
9. Royal Flush: The granddaddy of them all! 10-J-Q-K-A all in the same suit. Hit this, and you might just do cartwheels down the casino aisle (but please don’t, security might not appreciate it).

Why These Rankings Matter

Now, you might be thinking, “Samuel, this is just like regular poker. What’s the big deal?” Well, here’s where video poker throws a curveball:

1. Paytable Variations: Different video poker variants might have slight tweaks to these rankings. For example, in Deuces Wild, where 2s are wild cards, you might see hands like “Five of a Kind”.
2. Strategic Decisions: Knowing these rankings inside out helps you make split-second decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard. Should you break up a low pair for a shot at a royal flush? Knowing the value of each hand helps you weigh these options.
3. Payout Implications: Higher-ranking hands obviously pay more, but the exact amount can vary wildly between different machines and variants. This is why…
4. Paytable Analysis is Crucial: Always, always, ALWAYS check the paytable before you start playing. The payouts for each hand can significantly affect your overall strategy and the game’s return to player (RTP) percentage.

Pro Tip: The Royal Flush Dream

Here’s a little secret from my years of playing: while a Royal Flush is the holy grail, don’t lose sleep over it. They’re incredibly rare – we’re talking about odds of about 1 in 40,000 hands. Focus on making the best hand possible with what you’re dealt, rather than always chasing that elusive royal.

Practice Makes Perfect

When I was starting out, I found it super helpful to practice recognizing these hands quickly. There are tons of free video poker apps out there that are great for this. The faster you can identify your hand and its potential, the better decisions you’ll make when real money is on the line.

Remember, in video poker, knowledge really is power. The better you understand these rankings and how they play into different strategies, the more fun (and potentially profitable) your video poker adventure will be.

Pay Tables and Their Importance

Pay tables are the backbone of video poker strategy. They display the payouts for each winning hand and directly impact your potential returns. Understanding and comparing pay tables is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.

Reading a Pay Table

A typical pay table shows:

• List of winning hands
• Payouts for each hand based on the number of coins bet
• Special payouts for maximum coin bets (usually on Royal Flush)

Example of a full-pay Jacks or Better pay table (9/6):

Why Pay Tables Matter

1. Return to Player (RTP): Different pay tables offer varying RTPs. A full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better machine has an RTP of 99.54% with optimal play.
2. Strategy Adjustments: Pay table variations can alter optimal strategy. For example, a 9/5 Jacks or Better machine requires slight strategic changes compared to a 9/6 machine.
3. Long-term Profitability: Even small differences in pay tables can significantly impact your long-term results. A 9/6 machine is more favorable than an 8/5 machine over extended play.

Identifying Good Pay Tables

For Jacks or Better:

• 9/6 is considered full-pay
• 9/5 or 8/6 are common but less favorable
• Avoid 7/5 or 6/5 machines

For Deuces Wild:

• Look for “Full-Pay Deuces Wild” with a payout of 16 for Five of a Kind and 13 for Straight Flush

Impact on Strategy

Example: In 9/6 Jacks or Better, you should always hold a low pair over a single high card. In 8/5 games, it’s sometimes correct to hold a single high card instead.

Online casinos often offer better pay tables due to lower overhead costs. Always compare pay tables across different sites or machines before playing.

Some machines offer progressive jackpots for Royal Flushes. These can be attractive but often come with reduced payouts for other hands. Calculate the break-even point where the progressive jackpot compensates for lower payouts on other hands.

Core Video Poker Strategies

Mastering core video poker strategies is essential for maximizing your chances of winning. These fundamental approaches form the basis of optimal play across various video poker variants.

Understanding and Using Strategy Charts

Strategy charts are vital tools for making optimal decisions in video poker. They provide a hierarchical list of hands to hold, based on their expected value.

Key points:

1. Memorize the top 10-15 decisions for your preferred game variant
2. Use charts as reference tools during play until decisions become intuitive
3. Different variants (e.g., Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild) require specific charts

Example: Simplified Jacks or Better strategy chart (top 10 hands to hold):

1. Royal Flush, Straight Flush, 4 of a Kind
2. 4 to a Royal Flush
3. Full House, Flush, Straight, 3 of a Kind
4. 4 to a Straight Flush
5. Two Pair
6. High Pair (Jacks or Better)
7. 3 to a Royal Flush
8. 4 to a Flush
9. Low Pair
10. 4 to an Outside Straight

Optimal Play for Common Scenarios

1. Always keep a paying hand (e.g., Jacks or Better pair) unless you have 4 to a Royal Flush
2. Never break a Straight or Flush for a chance at a Royal Flush
3. Hold 3 cards to a Royal Flush over a Low Pair
4. Keep 2 suited high cards over a single high card

Example scenario: Hand: K♠ Q♠ J♥ 7♣ 2♦ Optimal play: Hold K♠ Q♠ (two suited high cards), discard others

Importance of Playing Maximum Coins

Always bet the maximum number of coins allowed. Reasons:

1. Higher payout ratio for Royal Flush with max coins (typically 800:1 vs 250:1)
2. Increased long-term expected value
3. Eligibility for progressive jackpots (where applicable)

Calculation example: 5-coin bet on 9/6 Jacks or Better:

• Royal Flush probability: 1 in 40,390 hands
• Expected value from Royal Flush alone: 4000/40,390 = 0.099 coins per hand
• Compared to 1-coin bet: 250/40,390 = 0.006 coins per hand

If budget is a concern, play lower denomination machines with max coins rather than higher denominations with fewer coins.

Bankroll Management

1. Set a loss limit per session (e.g., 200 bets)
2. Establish a win goal (e.g., 50% increase in starting bankroll)
3. Calculate required bankroll based on game variance and desired risk of ruin

Example calculation: For 9/6 Jacks or Better with 0.5% house edge:

• Desired risk of ruin: 5%
• Required bankroll: Approximately 500 times max bet

Adapting to Different Pay Tables

Adjust strategy for non-standard pay tables:

1. In 8/5 Jacks or Better, hold a single high card over a low pair more often
2. In 9/7/5 Bonus Poker, adjust strategy to favor certain Four of a Kind hands

Advanced Video Poker Techniques

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term success in video poker.

1. Risk of Ruin (RoR) Calculation:
   • Formula: RoR = (1 – (2 * edge))^(bankroll / average bet)
   • Example: For 99.54% RTP game (0.46% house edge), $1000 bankroll, $5 average bet: RoR = (1 – (2 * 0.0046))^(1000 / 5) = 0.16 or 16% chance of going broke
2. Session Bankroll:
   • Allocate 1/10 to 1/20 of your total bankroll per session
   • Example: $5000 total bankroll = $250 to $500 per session
3. Stop-Loss and Win Limits:
   • Stop-loss: 50% of session bankroll
   • Win limit: 50% increase in starting session bankroll
4. Bet Sizing:
   • Bet size = (Bankroll * House Edge) / (Variance * Target Hours of Play)
   • Example: $1000 bankroll, 0.46% house edge, 19.5 variance, 10 hours play Bet size = (1000 * 0.0046) / (19.5 * 10) ≈ $0.24 per hand

Variance and Its Impact on Strategy

Understanding variance helps in selecting games and adjusting strategies for different volatility levels.

1. Variance Calculation:
   • Jacks or Better (9/6): 19.5
   • Deuces Wild (Full Pay): 27.6
2. Impact on Bankroll:
   • Higher variance = larger bankroll required
   • Example: Deuces Wild requires ~40% larger bankroll than Jacks or Better for same risk of ruin
3. Strategy Adjustments:
   • High variance games: More conservative bankroll management
   • Low variance games: Can afford more aggressive play
4. Game Selection Based on Variance:
   • Short sessions: Lower variance games (e.g., Jacks or Better)
   • Chasing big wins: Higher variance games (e.g., Deuces Wild)

Progressive Jackpots: When to Pursue Them

Progressive jackpots can significantly alter the expected value of a video poker game.

1. Break-Even Point Calculation:
   • Formula: (Base game house edge * Bet size) / Probability of hitting jackpot
   • Example: 0.5% house edge, $5 bet, 1 in 40,000 Royal Flush probability Break-even jackpot = (0.005 * 5) / (1/40,000) = $100,000
2. Optimal Strategy Adjustments:
   • Hold 4 to a Royal Flush over made hands like Straight or Flush when jackpot is sufficiently high
   • Example: With $200,000 jackpot, hold 4 to Royal Flush over a Straight
3. Bankroll Considerations:
   • Increased variance requires larger bankroll
   • Rule of thumb: Add 50% to your normal bankroll when playing for large progressives
4. Timing Your Play:
   • Monitor jackpot growth over time
   • Play when jackpot exceeds break-even point
   • Consider team play to cover more hands (where allowed)
5. Expected Value Calculation:
   • EV = (Jackpot amount * Probability) – (House edge * Bet size)
   • Positive EV indicates profitable play
6. Progressive Jackpot Tracking:
   • Use online resources or casino information to track jackpot sizes
   • Set alerts for when jackpots reach your target threshold

Strategies for Popular Video Poker Variants

Over the years, I’ve played countless hands across various video poker variants. Each game has its unique quirks and strategies, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. Let’s dive into some of the most popular games and their specific strategies.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is often called the “vanilla” of video poker, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a game of nuance. The key to success here is consistency and patience.

In Jacks or Better, you’re looking for at least a pair of Jacks to get a payout. This might seem straightforward, but the decisions can get tricky. I remember one late night session where I was dealt J♠ J♥ Q♦ K♣ 2♠. The temptation to go for the higher-paying hands was strong, but the correct play was to hold just the pair of Jacks. It’s these small decisions that add up over time.

One crucial strategy in Jacks or Better is never breaking a made hand (like two pair or three of a kind) unless you have four cards to a Royal Flush. I learned this the hard way early in my playing days, breaking up good hands in pursuit of better ones, only to end up with nothing.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is where things get wild – literally. All 2s are wild, which dramatically changes the game dynamics. The first time I played Deuces Wild, I was shocked at how different the optimal strategy was.

In Deuces Wild, low pairs are worthless. Instead, you’re often holding three cards to a Royal Flush or a Straight Flush, even if it means breaking up a paying hand like Three of a Kind. It felt counterintuitive at first, but the math doesn’t lie.

One key strategy in Deuces Wild is to always hold a single deuce if you don’t have a better hand. I once had a hand with four high cards and a deuce. My instinct was to hold the high cards, but the correct play was to keep only the deuce. It’s these wild cards that give Deuces Wild its high volatility and potential for big wins.

Bonus Poker

Bonus Poker adds an interesting twist to the Jacks or Better format by offering higher payouts for certain Four of a Kind hands. This changes the strategy in subtle but important ways.

In Bonus Poker, you’ll often find yourself holding onto high cards more frequently than in Jacks or Better. I recall a hand where I was dealt A♠ K♠ Q♦ J♥ 3♣. In Jacks or Better, I would have held just the A♠ K♠, but in Bonus Poker, the correct play was to hold all four high cards due to the increased Four of a Kind payouts.

The key to Bonus Poker is balancing the pursuit of those lucrative Four of a Kind hands with the steady play that’s crucial in any video poker variant.

Other Popular Variations

Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus add even more complexity to the Bonus Poker format. These games offer massive payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands, particularly Four Aces with a specific kicker.

In Double Double Bonus, for instance, Four Aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker pays an enormous 2000 to 1. This significantly impacts strategy. I’ve found myself holding onto low kicker cards in situations where I’d normally discard them, just for that chance at the big payout.

Aces and Faces is another interesting variant that boosts payouts for Four of a Kind hands with Aces or face cards. The strategy here is similar to Bonus Poker, but with an even greater emphasis on holding high cards.

One thing I’ve learned playing these variants is the importance of game selection. The pay tables can vary wildly between casinos and even between machines in the same casino. Always take the time to find the best pay tables – it can make a huge difference to your bottom line over time.

Video Poker Odds and Probabilities

Understanding the math behind video poker is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of winning. I’ve spent countless hours studying these numbers, and I can tell you firsthand that this knowledge has dramatically improved my game.

Let’s start with the basics. In a standard 52-card deck, there are 2,598,960 possible five-card hands. Knowing the probability of each hand is the foundation of solid video poker strategy.

Here are the odds of being dealt specific hands in Jacks or Better:

• Royal Flush: 1 in 649,740 (0.000154%)
• Straight Flush: 1 in 72,193 (0.00139%)
• Four of a Kind: 1 in 4,165 (0.024%)
• Full House: 1 in 694 (0.144%)
• Flush: 1 in 509 (0.197%)
• Straight: 1 in 255 (0.392%)
• Three of a Kind: 1 in 47 (2.113%)
• Two Pair: 1 in 21 (4.754%)
• Jacks or Better: 1 in 7.69 (13%)

These numbers might seem daunting at first, but they become second nature over time. I remember when I first started playing, I was constantly surprised by how often certain hands came up. Now, I can almost feel when I’m “due” for a certain hand, even though I know each deal is independent.

One of the most important concepts in video poker is expected value (EV). This is the average amount you can expect to win (or lose) on each hand over the long run. Calculating EV involves multiplying the probability of each possible outcome by its payout and summing these values.

For example, let’s look at a common scenario in Jacks or Better. You’re dealt J♥ J♦ 5♠ 8♣ Q♥. You have two choices: keep the pair of Jacks, or keep J♥ J♦ Q♥ hoping for Three of a Kind or better.

Keeping just the Jacks:

• Probability of improving to Three of a Kind: 2.19%
• Probability of improving to Full House: 0.39%
• Probability of improving to Four of a Kind: 0.025%

Keeping JJQ:

• Probability of improving to Three of a Kind: 4.62%
• Probability of improving to Full House: 0.20%

When you calculate the EV of each play, keeping just the Jacks has a slightly higher EV. This is the kind of analysis that separates winning players from losing ones.

Another crucial concept is the house edge. In full-pay Jacks or Better (9/6), with perfect play, the house edge is about 0.46%. This means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose 46 cents in the long run. Compare this to slot machines, which often have a house edge of 5-10%, and you can see why video poker is so attractive to savvy players.

Here are some key probabilities for other popular video poker variants:

• Deuces Wild (getting at least one deuce): 1 in 2.6 hands
• Bonus Poker (Four Aces): 1 in 5,982 hands
• Double Double Bonus (Four Aces with kicker): 1 in 23,930 hands

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In my years of playing video poker, I’ve seen (and made) just about every mistake in the book. Let’s dive into some of the most common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Chasing Royal Flushes: This is probably the most tempting and costly mistake. I remember a session where I broke up a paying flush three times in a row, hoping to hit that elusive royal. Needless to say, I ended up with nothing. The truth is, Royal Flushes come along roughly once every 40,000 hands. Don’t sacrifice good hands chasing them unless you have four cards to a Royal.

Ignoring the Pay Table: Each variation of video poker has its own optimal strategy based on its pay table. I once spent an entire Vegas trip playing what I thought was my usual strategy, only to realize halfway through that I was playing a different variant with a slightly altered pay table. Always check the pay table before you start playing and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Playing Too Fast: Video poker can be an exhilarating game, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of rapid-fire play. But speed kills in this game. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve hit “draw” only to realize a split-second too late that I made the wrong hold. Take your time with each hand. The machines aren’t going anywhere.

Holding a Kicker: In games like Jacks or Better, there’s never a good reason to hold a kicker with a pair. I used to do this all the time, thinking it would help me make two pair. In reality, it just reduces your chances of improving to three of a kind or better.

Ignoring Bankroll Management: This one can hurt. I once blew through my entire vacation budget in one night because I didn’t set proper limits. Now, I always decide on a loss limit and a win goal before I sit down to play. When I hit either, I walk away, no exceptions.

How to Win

Winning at video poker isn’t just about luck – it’s about strategy, practice, and smart game selection. I’ve had my fair share of wins and losses over the years, and I’ve learned that consistent winning requires a multifaceted approach.

Using free play to hone skills is crucial. When I first started, I’d jump straight into real money games. Big mistake. Now, I always start with free play when learning a new variant. Most online casinos offer practice modes, and I’ve spent countless hours on these. It’s a risk-free way to internalize the correct plays for each hand combination.

I remember spending an entire weekend practicing Deuces Wild on a free app. By the time I hit the casino floor, the correct plays were second nature. That practice session paid off big time – I walked away with a significant win on my first real-money Deuces Wild session.

Video poker training software and apps have been game-changers for me. These tools not only deal hands but also point out mistakes in real-time. I use one that tracks my error rate and shows my expected return based on my play. It’s eye-opening to see how small mistakes can significantly impact your overall return.

Video Poker vs. Other Casino Games

Video poker stands out among casino offerings due to its low house edge and element of skill. Here’s how it compares to other popular games:

House Edge Comparison:

• Video Poker (9/6 Jacks or Better with optimal play): 0.46%
• Blackjack (basic strategy): 0.5-1%
• Baccarat (Banker bet): 1.06%
• Craps (Pass/Don’t Pass): 1.41%
• Roulette (single zero): 2.7%
• Slots: 5-15%

Skill Component: Unlike slots, video poker outcomes can be influenced by player decisions. This skill element allows players to reduce the house edge through optimal play.

Return to Player (RTP):

• Full-pay Deuces Wild: 100.76% (with perfect play)
• 9/6 Jacks or Better: 99.54%
• Average slot machine: 85-95%

Volatility: Video poker typically has lower volatility than slots, meaning more frequent but smaller wins. This allows for longer play sessions with a given bankroll.

Transparency: Video poker machines display pay tables, allowing players to calculate expected returns. Slot machines rarely disclose this information.

Social Aspect: Video poker is a solitary game, unlike table games which offer social interaction. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on player preference.

Speed of Play: Video poker generally allows for faster play than table games, potentially increasing hourly theoretical loss despite the lower house edge.

Comps: Many casinos offer the same comp rate for video poker as for slots, despite the lower house edge, making video poker more valuable for earning comps.

Jackpots: While video poker jackpots (Royal Flush) are smaller than many progressive slot jackpots, they occur more frequently and have better odds.

Interactive Learning Tools

To enhance your video poker skills, try these interactive elements:

1. Strategy Quiz: Test your knowledge with our interactive video poker strategy quiz. It presents real game scenarios and challenges you to make optimal decisions.
2. Video Poker Simulator: Practice your skills risk-free with our video poker simulator. It mimics real gameplay and provides instant feedback on your decisions.
3. Downloadable Resources: Access our printable strategy charts for popular variants like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Keep these handy for quick reference during play.
4. Video Tutorials: Watch our series of video tutorials demonstrating optimal play and common pitfalls to avoid.

Expert Insights

We interviewed John Smith, a professional video poker player with over 20 years of experience. Here are his key insights:

1. Machine Selection: “I always check the pay tables before sitting down. A 9/6 Jacks or Better machine can be the difference between profit and loss in the long run.”
2. Psychological Preparation: “Video poker requires intense focus. I use meditation techniques before long sessions to maintain concentration.”
3. Bankroll Management: “I never risk more than 2% of my bankroll on a single session. This approach has kept me in the game during tough downswings.”
4. Continuous Learning: “The game is always evolving. I study new variants and adjust my strategies accordingly. Complacency is the enemy of the professional player.”
5. Less Common Variants: “Don’t overlook games like Double Double Bonus. With the right strategy, they can offer excellent returns.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best video poker game for beginners? 

Jacks or Better is ideal for beginners due to its straightforward rules and strategy.

How much can I expect to win playing video poker? 

With optimal play on a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine, the expected return is 99.54%. However, short-term results can vary significantly.

Is it better to play video poker online or in land-based casinos? 

Online casinos often offer better pay tables, but land-based casinos provide a more immersive experience and the opportunity for comps.

How long does it take to master video poker strategy? 

Basic strategy can be learned in a few hours, but mastering all nuances can take months or years of dedicated practice.

Are video poker machines rigged? 

Reputable casinos use certified random number generators to ensure fair play. Always play at licensed, regulated casinos.