If you're new to video poker, you’ve probably noticed a little feature called Auto Hold popping up on your screen. It might seem like magic—your cards are automatically selected for you before you even make a decision. But what exactly is it, and should you trust it?
Auto Hold is a built-in feature that suggests which cards to keep based on basic strategy for the game you’re playing.
It’s designed to help players make optimal decisions quickly, so you don’t have to memorize complicated strategy charts. Sounds great, right? Well, it’s useful—but not perfect.
While Auto Hold can save you from costly mistakes, it doesn’t always make the best possible choices. Sometimes, it plays too conservatively or doesn’t account for specific paytable variations. That’s why understanding when to trust it and when to override it is key to becoming a smarter video poker player.
In this guide from Casinoz, we’ll break down exactly how Auto Hold works, when it’s your best friend, and when you should take control instead.
How Auto Hold Works: The Basics
So, how does Auto Hold actually work in video poker? It’s pretty simple—when you’re dealt your initial five cards, the game automatically selects which ones to keep based on a built-in strategy. These recommendations are based on statistical probabilities and the standard optimal strategy for the specific video poker variant you’re playing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens behind the scenes:
- The software analyzes your hand – As soon as your five cards appear, the game’s algorithm evaluates them using a set of preprogrammed rules.
- It determines the mathematically best play – Based on payout probabilities, it selects the hold combination that should give you the highest return in the long run.
- The suggested cards are automatically held – These cards are “locked in” until you decide to accept the recommendation or manually change your selection.
Example of Auto Hold in Action
Let’s say you’re playing Jacks or Better, and you’re dealt the following hand:
🃏 10♠ – J♠ – Q♠ – 3♦ – 7♥
- Auto Hold will likely select J♠ and Q♠ because a high pair is the minimum paying hand in Jacks or Better.
- However, a more advanced strategy might recommend holding 10♠, J♠, and Q♠ for a possible straight or flush.
- If you trust Auto Hold, you’d go with the suggestion—but knowing strategy can help you decide whether to override it.
Auto Hold Varies by Video Poker Game
Different video poker variants have different strategies, which means Auto Hold isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool.
- In Deuces Wild, where twos act as wild cards, Auto Hold might favor keeping low pairs or single deuces, even if they don’t immediately form a winning hand.
- In Double Bonus Poker, where four-of-a-kind hands offer bigger payouts, Auto Hold might prioritize holding high pairs over suited connectors.
- Some games let you disable or customize Auto Hold, which can be helpful if you want to test your own strategy.
Bottom Line: Auto Hold is Helpful, But Not Perfect
While Auto Hold can speed up your gameplay and prevent obvious mistakes, it’s not always the best option for maximizing your long-term winnings.
The Pros: Why Auto Hold Can Be Useful
Auto Hold might not be perfect, but for many video poker players—especially beginners—it’s a game-changer. If you’re just starting out, here’s why this feature can be a helpful tool in your arsenal.
1. It Helps Beginners Avoid Costly Mistakes
If you’re new to video poker, it’s easy to make bad decisions—like discarding a high pair in favor of a long-shot flush draw. Auto Hold prevents beginner errors by following basic strategy, ensuring that you’re not throwing away potentially winning hands.
2. It Speeds Up the Game
Video poker is a fast-paced game, and some players love to grind through hands quickly. With Auto Hold, you don’t have to spend extra time deciding which cards to keep—it does the thinking for you. Just hit the draw button and move on to the next hand!
3. It’s Based on Solid Math
Auto Hold isn’t just a random suggestion—it follows preprogrammed optimal strategy rules. These rules are designed to maximize your expected return, meaning it usually makes better choices than guessing or going with your gut.
4. It’s Great for Casual Players
Not everyone wants to study video poker strategy charts or memorize complex hand rankings. If you’re just looking to have fun and enjoy the game, Auto Hold lets you play without overthinking every decision.
5. It’s Useful in Multi-Hand Games
In multi-hand video poker, where you’re playing several hands at once, Auto Hold can be especially valuable. Making quick and accurate decisions across multiple hands can be overwhelming, so letting the game auto-select your best play saves time and effort.
Bottom Line: Auto Hold is a great feature that can make video poker easier, faster, and more beginner-friendly.
The Cons: When Auto Hold Gets It Wrong
Auto Hold is a handy tool, but it’s not flawless. It follows generalized strategy rules, which means it doesn’t always make the absolute best play in every situation. Here’s why relying on it too much can sometimes cost you money.
1. It Doesn’t Always Adapt to Paytable Differences
Different video poker games have different paytables, which affect the best possible strategy. Auto Hold often follows a basic default strategy, but that strategy might not be fully optimized for the specific version you’re playing.
🚨 Example:
In Jacks or Better, holding a low pair is usually the right move. But in Double Bonus Poker, where four-of-a-kind hands pay much more, keeping certain high cards for a better chance at big hands can be smarter. If Auto Hold doesn’t account for paytable differences, it could be making suboptimal choices.
2. It Might Not Recognize Advanced Strategies
Auto Hold works well for basic strategy, but experienced players often tweak their decisions based on situational factors.
🚨 Example:
In Deuces Wild, Auto Hold might tell you to keep a single deuce, but an advanced player might hold additional high cards to increase the chances of hitting a higher-paying hand.
3. It Can Be Too Conservative
Auto Hold tends to play it safe, which means it sometimes misses opportunities for big wins.
🚨 Example:
If you’re dealt four cards to a straight flush, Auto Hold might choose to keep just a high pair instead—avoiding risk but giving up the chance for a much bigger payout.
4. It Removes Player Decision-Making
Video poker isn’t just about hitting buttons—it’s about making strategic choices. If you always rely on Auto Hold, you’re not really learning the game. Over time, this can hold you back from becoming a skilled player who makes informed decisions.
5. Some Casinos Might Not Have the Best Auto Hold Logic
Not all video poker machines are programmed with perfect strategy. Some might use outdated or suboptimal algorithms, which means you could be trusting a system that isn’t actually maximizing your potential payouts.
Bottom Line: Auto Hold is a helpful tool, but it’s not perfect. If you blindly trust it, you might be leaving money on the table.
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When to Trust Auto Hold (And When to Override It)
Now that we know Auto Hold isn’t perfect, the big question is: When should you trust it, and when should you take control? Let’s break it down.
✅ When to Trust Auto Hold
There are plenty of times when Auto Hold is a solid choice, especially if you’re still learning video poker strategy. Here’s when you can confidently go with its suggestion:
- You're a beginner and don’t know basic strategy yet – Auto Hold will generally prevent you from making obvious mistakes, so it’s great for getting started.
- You're playing standard versions like Jacks or Better – Since the strategy for these games is widely known, Auto Hold is more likely to follow the correct plays.
- You're in a multi-hand game – Managing several hands at once can be overwhelming, and Auto Hold helps speed up the decision-making process.
- You're playing casually and just want to have fun – If you’re not worried about squeezing out every last percentage point of expected return, Auto Hold keeps things simple.
❌ When to Override Auto Hold
There are also times when you should question Auto Hold’s choices and make your own call. Here’s when it’s smart to take control:
- When you know paytable-specific strategies – If you’ve studied strategy charts for the exact game and paytable you’re playing, you might spot better plays than what Auto Hold suggests.
- When going for higher-value hands makes sense – Auto Hold tends to play conservatively, so if there’s a strong case for chasing a straight flush or four-of-a-kind, you might want to override it.
- When you notice inconsistencies – If you’ve played enough to spot weird or questionable Auto Hold decisions, trust your instincts and double-check.
- When you’re using a bonus strategy – Some players adjust their strategy when clearing wagering requirements for casino bonuses, and Auto Hold won’t account for that.
🚀 Pro Tip: Use Auto Hold as a Guide, Not a Rule
Think of Auto Hold like training wheels—it’s useful, but at some point, you’ll want to develop your own strategy skills.
A good approach is to:
- Let Auto Hold suggest a play,
- Compare it to what you think is best,
- Override it if you know a better move.
The more you play, the better you’ll get at recognizing when Auto Hold is right—and when it’s time to take matters into your own hands.
Expert Tips for Mastering Video Poker Strategy
If you really want to get the most out of video poker, you shouldn’t rely on Auto Hold alone. Instead, use it as a learning tool while improving your strategy. Here are some expert tips to help you level up your game.
1. Learn Basic Strategy for Your Game
Variant Auto Hold follows a generalized strategy, but if you want to maximize your returns, you should learn the optimal strategy for the exact video poker variant you’re playing. Different games (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus, etc.) require different decision-making rules.
💡 Pro Tip: You can find strategy charts online that show the best plays for each hand based on expected return. Memorizing them (or keeping one handy) can boost your win rate!
2. Check the Paytable Before You Play
Not all video poker machines offer the same payouts. Even within the same game type, some versions have better paytables that give you a higher return.
✅ Look for games with a higher payout percentage (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better, where Full House pays 9x and Flush pays 6x).
🚫 Avoid low-paying versions like 8/5 or 7/5 Jacks or Better, as they offer worse long-term returns.
3. Play at a Comfortable Pace
One downside of Auto Hold is that it can make you play too fast—and that can lead to mistakes or careless bankroll management.
Take your time to double-check each hand before hitting the Draw button.
4. Practice With Free Video Poker Games
Before playing for real money, try free video poker games online. This helps you:
- Get familiar with how Auto Hold works,
- Learn how to recognize when to override it,
- Improve your decision-making without risking money.
5. Stick to Proper Bankroll Management
Even if you’re playing with perfect strategy, video poker still has variance.
Make sure to:
- Set a budget before playing.
- Choose a game with a lower house edge.
- Avoid chasing losses—play within your limits!.
6. Consider Using Strategy Trainer Software
If you’re serious about improving, use video poker training software. These tools:
- ✔️ Simulate real gameplay
- ✔️ Show you the correct play for each hand
- ✔️ Help you spot when Auto Hold makes mistakes
Auto Hold is great for beginners, but the best video poker players use it wisely. The more you learn about strategy, the better decisions you’ll make—whether you follow Auto Hold or override it.
You can play video poker at the following casinos:
| Casino | Withdrawal methods | Accepted currencies | |
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+1
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$, € | |
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$, €, ₽, kr | |
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$, C$, zł, kr |
Conclusion: Should You Use Auto Hold in Video Poker?
So, is Auto Hold your best friend or just a convenient shortcut? The answer is both—but only if you use it wisely!
Key Takeaways:
- ✅ Auto Hold is a great tool for beginners, helping you avoid major mistakes.
- ✅ It follows general strategy rules, which work well for many situations.
- ❌ It’s not perfect—it doesn’t always adjust for different paytables or advanced strategies.
- ❌ Relying on it too much can hold you back from truly mastering video poker.
- 🎯 The best approach? Use Auto Hold as a guide, but always double-check its choices—especially if you know optimal strategy for your specific game.
Final Tip:
Keep Learning & Stay Sharp!
The more you practice and study strategy, the better you’ll get at recognizing when Auto Hold is right—and when it’s time to override it. Video poker is one of the few casino games where skill actually matters, so investing time in learning the game can pay off big!
Ready to put your skills to the test? Try a few hands with Auto Hold on, compare its choices to strategy charts, and start making smarter decisions today. 💡
