Video poker is one of the most popular casino games, combining elements of strategy with the excitement of pokie machines. Unlike pokies, however, video poker requires skill, making it appealing to gamblers who enjoy games with a strategic edge. One of the most common dilemmas players face is whether they should specialize in a single variant or diversify their gameplay by trying multiple versions.
In this detailed guide from Casinoz, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of playing multiple video poker games, discuss how to choose the right approach for your experience level and gambling goals, and provide expert strategies to maximize your winnings.
Understanding Video Poker Variants
Video poker comes in numerous variations, each with unique rules, payout structures, and strategies. Mastering each variant requires an understanding of optimal play, but learning multiple games can give you more opportunities to exploit the best paytables available at casinos.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular versions:
- Jacks or Better: This is the most well-known and widely played version of video poker. It’s beginner-friendly, has a simple strategy, and offers a high return to player (RTP) when played optimally. The key aspect of Jacks or Better is that a pair of Jacks or higher is the minimum hand required to win.
- Deuces Wild: In this variant, all twos act as wild cards, allowing players to form stronger hands more frequently. While this increases winning opportunities, it also changes the strategy significantly. Players must adjust their decisions based on the presence of wilds.
- Double Bonus Poker: This game offers larger payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially Aces, making it highly volatile. While the rewards can be great, the increased variance means that losing streaks can be longer and require a larger bankroll.
- Joker Poker: A joker is introduced as a wild card, similar to Deuces Wild. This variation increases the likelihood of completing strong hands, but the adjusted paytable makes optimal play crucial.
- Multi-Hand Video Poker Instead of playing one hand at a time, multi-hand video poker allows players to bet on multiple hands simultaneously, increasing both risk and reward. While this can be exciting, it also requires a solid understanding of video poker strategy and bankroll management.
Here are free online video poker games.
Why Gamblers Play Multiple Video Poker Games
The decision to play multiple video poker games isn’t just about strategy or maximizing RTP—it’s also influenced by psychological factors. Gamblers often switch between variants due to a combination of excitement, cognitive biases, and personal motivations. Understanding these psychological drivers can help players make more rational gaming decisions.
1. Seeking Novelty and Avoiding Boredom
Many gamblers enjoy novelty and variety, which is why they explore different video poker variants. Playing the same game repeatedly can become monotonous, and switching between games keeps the experience fresh and engaging. The human brain craves new stimuli, and trying different variants satisfies this need for excitement.
Video poker involves skill-based decision-making, giving players a sense of control over their outcomes. Some gamblers believe that switching between games allows them to “outsmart” the casino by choosing the most favorable variant at the right time. This illusion of control can lead players to jump from one game to another, even if the long-term odds remain the same.
3. Chasing the ‘Hot Streak’ or Avoiding ‘Cold Tables’
Gamblers often develop superstitions about winning and losing streaks. If they experience a losing streak in one game, they might switch to another in hopes of finding a “hot” machine. This belief, known as the gambler’s fallacy, leads players to think past outcomes influence future results, even though each hand is statistically independent.
4. Optimizing Rewards and Promotions
Casinos often offer different promotions for various video poker games, such as cashback, loyalty points, or bonus credits. Many players switch games strategically to take advantage of these perks. The psychological drive to maximize perceived value can encourage gamblers to explore multiple variants, even if they haven’t mastered all of them.
5. Managing Emotional Highs and Lows
Video poker can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially with high-variance games like Double Bonus Poker or Deuces Wild. When players experience frustration from frequent losses, they might switch to a lower-variance game like Jacks or Better to regain confidence. This emotional regulation strategy helps gamblers feel more in control and reduces stress.
6. Confirmation Bias and Selective Memory
Players tend to remember their wins more vividly than their losses. If they hit a big payout on a specific variant in the past, they might develop a psychological attachment to that game. As a result, they rotate between games based on past “lucky” experiences rather than mathematical probability.
7. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Gamblers often feel compelled to try different video poker games because they fear missing out on better opportunities. If they see others winning on a different variant, they may assume they are playing the “wrong” game and switch, hoping for similar success. This psychological effect is reinforced by casino marketing, which promotes different games as exciting and profitable.
8. The Thrill of Challenge and Mastery
Some players thrive on challenge and intellectual stimulation. They enjoy learning new strategies, optimizing paytables, and mastering different video poker variants. The sense of achievement that comes from successfully playing multiple games motivates them to keep experimenting.
9. Impulse and Risk-Taking Behavior
For some gamblers, switching between video poker games is driven by impulsive decision-making rather than strategic planning. The excitement of trying something new, combined with the dopamine rush of gambling, can lead to rapid game changes without careful consideration of the odds or bankroll.
10. Social Influence and Peer Behavior
In land-based casinos, players often switch games based on what others around them are playing. If they hear someone celebrating a big win on a particular variant, they might be tempted to try that game. Social proof can be a powerful psychological motivator in gambling decisions.
By understanding these psychological factors, gamblers can make more conscious decisions about whether playing multiple video poker games aligns with their long-term goals.
Pros of Playing Multiple Video Poker Games
Expanding your repertoire of video poker games can be beneficial for various reasons. Here are some of the main advantages:
Increased Entertainment Value
Playing different video poker games helps prevent monotony and keeps the gambling experience fresh. If you find yourself getting bored with one variant, switching to another can renew excitement and engagement.
Higher RTP Opportunities
Some versions of video poker offer better expected returns than others. If you can identify and play full-pay machines across different variants, you increase your chances of long-term profitability.
Enhanced Adaptability
Being proficient in multiple video poker games makes you a more versatile player. If you visit a casino that doesn’t offer your preferred variant, you can easily switch to another game without losing confidence.
Maximizing Casino Promotions
Casinos frequently offer bonuses and promotions that apply to specific video poker games. By being flexible, you can take advantage of more promotions and maximize your rewards.
Developing Advanced Skills
The more video poker games you learn, the better your overall strategic thinking becomes. Mastering different paytables and odds calculations improves your decision-making skills.
Cons of Playing Multiple Video Poker Games
While playing multiple video poker variants has its advantages, it also comes with some risks and challenges:
Steeper Learning Curve
Each game has unique rules, strategies, and optimal plays. Learning multiple games takes time and effort, which could be spent mastering a single profitable game.
Increased Risk of Mistakes
Switching between games can lead to errors, especially if you mix up strategies. Playing the wrong hand in a high-variance game can lead to significant losses.
Higher Bankroll Volatility
Games like Double Bonus Poker and Deuces Wild have greater variance, meaning your bankroll will experience larger swings. Without proper bankroll management, this can be dangerous.
Less Focus on Optimal Play
Becoming an expert in one game may yield better results than playing multiple games at a mediocre level. Specializing can lead to higher consistency in winnings.
Difficulty Finding Full-Pay Machines
Some of the best versions of video poker have rare full-pay variants. If you play multiple games, you’ll need to check the paytable carefully each time to ensure you’re getting the best odds.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to play multiple video poker games depends on your personal goals, skill level, and risk tolerance. While trying different variants can be fun and rewarding, it requires learning new strategies and managing increased variance.
If you want to maximize your winnings, start with Jacks or Better, focus on full-pay machines, and always use proper bankroll management. By making informed decisions, you can enjoy video poker while improving your odds of long-term success.
