Today we’re going to talk about hitting a straight and the differences between the inside straight and outside straight because these are important when you look at your video poker hand.
A straight is simply a run of cards in numerical order so 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is a straight. So is 7, 8, 9, 10, J. For video poker, all straights pay out the same amount, unless you’ve managed the straight flush or Royal Flush. So, if you’re looking at a potential run of cards, it doesn’t matter if your straight starts with the 2 or ends with the 10. Just as long as they form a sequence. (Note, they don’t actually have to show in order on the video poker display. 4, 5, 2, 3, 6 is still a straight.)
In a good Jacks or Better game, the straight pays at 4 for 1 odds. So, it will make you a little money. A straight flush is a straight where the cards are all of the same suit so 2 hearts, 3 hearts, 4 hearts, 5 hearts and 6 hearts is a straight flush. That will pay at 50 for 1 odds. But the big money is the Royal Flush which is a run of 10, J, Q, K, A all in the suit. That will pay at 250 for one with a bigger prize for betting the maximum coins. Just remember the Royal is worth taking a risk on.
Now, here’s where the strategy comes into play. You’ve been dealt five cards and four form a potential straight. But is it an inside straight or an outside straight. An outside straight is one where a card on either end of the sequence could complete the straight. 4, 5, 6, 7 is and outside straight since either the 3 or the 8 can complete the straight. That means odds are better at pulling a winning card than a straight that runs 3, 4, 6, 7, which is an inside straight. Only a 5 can complete that straight.
You always want to play the outside straight. Hold the cards that could make the straight and draw for the final card. But an inside straight is trickier. There are only 4 cards in the deck that will complete that straight (8 for an outside straight). So, does the hand you’ve been dealt have a better potential win? In a good poker strategy, people will often hold a low pair rather than 4 to an inside straight. With a low pair, you can win if you draw a third or fourth matching card or if you hit a second pair. But if that inside straight is four to a straight flush or even three to a Royal Flush, you want to hold on it. So, the basic rule is – outside straight = good bet. Inside straight = check your options first.
