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Video poker is one of the most exciting casino games, combining elements of strategy and chance. Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or online, understanding how to build and manage your video poker bankroll is crucial to making the most of your experience. This article will guide you through how to build your bankroll, how to manage it responsibly, and the best strategies to maximise your poker winnings. Most importantly, it will show you how to enjoy the game responsibly and sustainably.
Understanding Video Poker
Video poker is a fun and fast-paced game that resembles five-card draw poker, but with a twist. Unlike traditional poker, you play against the machine rather than other players. The goal is to build the best possible hand from five cards dealt to you, and the payouts depend on the hand you form.
The beauty of video poker lies in the fact that you can use strategy to influence the outcome, unlike most slot machines. The key to success in video poker is knowing which cards to hold and which to discard. There are many variations of the game, such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Each game has its own strategy, so learning the rules and understanding the payout structure is important for effective bankroll management.
Some video poker games offer a higher return to player (RTP) percentage than others. Jacks or Better, for example, is one of the most popular variants with an RTP of around 99.5% when using optimal strategy. Choosing games with high RTP can be one of the best ways to maximise poker winnings in the long run.
Setting Up a Video Poker Bankroll
When it comes to video poker, having a solid bankroll is your first step toward enjoying the game and ensuring you don’t run out of money too quickly. Your bankroll is the amount of money you set aside specifically for playing video poker, and it should be a figure you’re comfortable with losing. This is the most important rule: never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.
How Much Should You Start With?
A common rule of thumb for video poker players is to have a bankroll of 200 times the cost of a single hand. If you are playing a game with a £1 bet per hand, this means you should aim for a bankroll of £200. This figure will allow you to weather the ups and downs of video poker, ensuring you can keep playing even during losing streaks.
Here’s a quick calculation for setting up a bankroll based on different bet sizes:
| Bet Size | Recommended Bankroll |
| £0.25 | £50 |
| £0.50 | £100 |
| £1 | £200 |
| £2 | £400 |
By ensuring you have enough funds to keep playing for longer periods, you can minimise the impact of variance and increase your chances of hitting a big win.
Session Bankroll vs. Overall Bankroll
While the overall bankroll is the total amount of money you’ve set aside for video poker, a session bankroll is the amount you’re willing to risk during a single session. For example, if your overall bankroll is £200, you may choose to play with a session bankroll of £20. This ensures you don’t blow through your money too quickly, and you can enjoy multiple sessions if you’re on a losing streak.
Setting Win and Loss Limits
One of the most effective strategies for maintaining your bankroll is setting win and loss limits before you start playing. If you hit your win limit, it’s a good idea to cash out and walk away. Likewise, if you reach your loss limit, stop playing and try again another day. This not only helps you maintain a healthy bankroll but also ensures responsible poker gambling, preventing the temptation to chase losses.
Essential Bankroll Management Strategies
To build and sustain a video poker bankroll, you’ll need to manage your bets, know when to adjust, and be disciplined in your approach. Here are some essential bankroll management strategies that will help you play smarter, maximise your poker winnings, and stay within your limits.
Bet Sizing
Choosing the right bet size is a critical part of video poker bankroll management. When you’re starting out, it’s important to keep your bets small relative to your bankroll. As a general rule, you should aim to bet no more than 5% of your bankroll per session. If you have a bankroll of £200, your session bet size should be £10 or less.
In addition, when you’re playing games with high variance, such as Deuces Wild or Joker Poker, it’s a good idea to decrease your bet size. This helps mitigate the risk of running out of money too quickly while still allowing you to take advantage of the bigger wins that these games offer.
Risk Management
Risk management in video poker is essential to avoid significant losses. One of the ways you can manage risk is by diversifying your play between low and high volatility games. Lower volatility games offer smaller but more consistent wins, while high volatility games offer the chance of large payouts but with more fluctuations.
Another crucial element of risk management is managing how much you bet per hand. While it’s tempting to bet big, it’s important to remember that responsible poker gambling means knowing your limits. Start small, and increase your bets as your bankroll grows.
Using Comp Points and Promotions
For players in the UK, many online casinos offer loyalty programs, which reward you with comp points or bonus cash for every hand you play. These rewards can help you build your bankroll without additional risk. Take advantage of these offers, but always read the terms and conditions to ensure you’re using them effectively.
In addition to loyalty programs, look for casinos offering sign-up bonuses, free spins, or cashback offers. These can boost your bankroll without any extra cost to you.
Advanced Tips for Building a Bankroll
As you become more experienced with video poker, it’s time to level up your strategy and take your bankroll management to the next level. Here are some advanced poker tips that can help you become a more skilled and strategic player.
Choosing the Right Video Poker Variants
Not all video poker games are created equal. To increase your chances of success, choose games with a high RTP and low house edge. Jacks or Better is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced players alike, but if you’re more advanced, games like Deuces Wild offer higher payouts (with greater risk).
Optimal Strategy to Reduce the House Edge
The best way to reduce the house edge in video poker is to use an optimal strategy for each game. These strategies tell you which cards to hold and which to discard in every possible hand. Using strategy charts is one of the best ways to maximise poker winnings, as they reduce the element of chance and increase your odds of success.
Here’s a basic strategy for Jacks or Better:
- Always hold a pair of Jacks or better.
- Keep any two cards to a royal flush.
- Hold three cards to a straight flush.
- Discard all low cards unless they complete a pair or are part of a straight or flush.
Avoiding Common Bankroll Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes video poker players make is chasing losses. If you’re on a losing streak, resist the temptation to increase your bet size in an attempt to recover your losses. This will only increase the chances of further losses. Stick to your strategy, and accept that sometimes, the cards just don’t fall in your favour.
Psychological Aspects of Bankroll Management
The psychological side of poker is just as important as the mathematical side. Video poker can be an emotional rollercoaster, and maintaining a level head is key to long-term success.
Managing Emotions and Expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of winning or the frustration of losing, but maintaining control over your emotions is essential. Celebrate your wins, but don’t let them cloud your judgment. Similarly, accept your losses as part of the game and move on.
Discipline and Patience
Building a video poker bankroll takes time. Whether you’re playing online or in a land-based casino, patience and discipline are crucial. Set yourself achievable goals and focus on playing the game optimally, not just winning big on a single hand. Responsible poker gambling means playing within your limits and pacing yourself for the long haul.
Avoiding Tilt
“Tilt” is when emotions take over, leading to poor decisions and reckless betting. This can happen after a losing streak or even a big win. To avoid tilt, take regular breaks, and walk away from the machine when you’re feeling frustrated. The key to success in video poker is staying calm and focused.
Conclusion
Building a video poker bankroll is all about discipline, strategy, and responsible management. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can maximise your poker winnings, protect your bankroll, and enjoy the game for years to come. Remember, video poker is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, stick to your budget, and always play responsibly. The thrill of video poker comes from both the wins and the challenge, so play smart and have fun!
