what to play on red dragon poker

Of course! "What to play on Red Dragon Poker" is an excellent question because it gets to the heart of video poker strategy. Red Dragon Poker is a popular variation of Jacks or Better video poker with a special bonus for a specific hand: Four Aces with a 2, 3, and 4.

Here’s a breakdown of what to play, including the core strategy and how to adjust for the "Red Dragon" bonus.

The Most Important Thing First: The Paytable

Before you play *any* video poker machine, you must check the paytable. For Red Dragon (Jacks or Better), the key is the payout for a Full House and a Flush. Look for this:

* 9/6 Jacks or Better: Pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush.

* This is a "full-pay" machine and, with perfect play, offers over 99.5% return. This is what you're looking for.

* 8/5 or Worse: Pays 8 for a Full House and 5 for a Flush.

* The return drops significantly (to around 97%-98%). Avoid these if you have a choice.

The "Red Dragon" bonus (usually 8000 coins for Four Aces with a 2,3,4) is built into the paytable of a good 9/6 game.

Core Strategy for Red Dragon Poker (Jacks or Better Base)

The strategy is very similar to standard Jacks or Better, with one key adjustment for the bonus. Your goal is always to hold the cards that give you the highest expected value.

Here is a simple tiered strategy guide. Always follow the highest rule on the list that applies to your hand.

Tier 1: Guaranteed Winners & The Big Bonus

1. Natural Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or Four of a Kind: Hold them. You're done.

2. 4 to a Royal Flush: Always hold these four cards. This is your most valuable possible draw.

3. The Red Dragon Hand (Four Aces with a 2, 3, and 4): This is the signature bonus. If you are dealt A-A-A-A and the 5th card is a 2, 3, OR 4, you have the bonus hand. If you are dealt A-A-A and the other two cards are a 2, 3, OR 4 (e.g., A, A, A, 2, 3), you hold all five cards. Do not break up a made Red Dragon hand.

Tier 2: High-Paying Hands & Strong Draws

4. Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind: Hold the made hand. Don't break them up for a draw.

5. 4 to a Straight Flush: Hold these four cards.

6. Two Pair: Always hold both pairs. Draw one card for the Full House.

Tier 3: Common & Tricky Decisions

7. High Pair (Jacks or Better): Always hold a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces.

8. 3 to a Royal Flush: Hold these three cards.

9. 4 to a Flush: Hold these four cards.

10. Low Pair (Tens or Lower): Hold the pair. (This is often better than chasing high cards).

11. 4 to an Open-Ended Straight: (e.g., 5-6-7-8) Hold these four cards.

12. 3 to a Straight Flush: Be careful here. It's usually correct to hold, but sometimes two high cards can be better.

Tier 4: When You Have Nothing

13. Suited High Cards (Q-K, J-K, etc.): If you have no other options, hold high cards of the same suit, preferably 3 or more.

14. Unsuited High Cards (J,Q,K,A): Hold 3 or 4 unsuited high cards over just 2.

15. Discard Everything: If you have none of the above, discard all five cards and start fresh.

Key Strategy Adjustments for the Red Dragon Bonus

The bonus adds a slight twist to standard Jacks or Better strategy. The main change involves how you play Three Aces.

* Standard Game: If you have Three Aces, you would normally discard the two non-matching cards to try for Four Aces.

* Red Dragon Game: If you have Three Aces, check your kickers. If one of your kickers is a 2, 3, or 4, you hold all five cards. You are now playing for the 8000-coin Red Dragon bonus instead of just the 800-coin Four Aces. Only if your kickers are *not* a 2, 3, or 4 do you discard them to go for Four Aces.

Example:

* Hand: A♥ A♠ A♦ K♣ 3♦

* Standard Strategy: Discard the King and 3, hope for a fourth Ace.

* Red Dragon Strategy: Hold all five cards! You have a chance to turn this into the Red Dragon bonus on the draw.

What NOT to Do

* Don't chase the bonus from nothing. Never hold a lone 2, 3, or 4 hoping to get the Aces.

* Don't hold a single high card over a low pair. A low pair has a higher expected value.

* Don't "feel" it. Video poker is a game of math. Stick to the strategy.

Summary & Final Tip

1. Find a 9/6 Paytable.

2. Play Max Coins (5) to be eligible for the Royal Flush and Red Dragon bonus jackpots.

3. Use the strategy guide above. Practice for free online before playing with real money.

4. Remember the key adjustment: With Three Aces, hold a 2, 3, or 4 kicker.

By following this disciplined approach, you'll be playing Red Dragon Poker with an optimal strategy, minimizing the house edge and giving yourself the best chance to hit that lucrative bonus. Good luck