Table of Contents

Introduction: What Is Pick’em Poker?

If you’ve ever watched the iconic film The Mask, you might recall a poker game played by the villainous pirates. That game? Pick’em Poker — a fast, engaging, and easy-to-learn version of video poker. Whether you’re playing for fun at home or exploring online poker options, Pick’em Poker is a fantastic entry point into the world of casino card games.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to play, highlight strategies that work, and explain why so many players find this version of poker so enjoyable.

What Strategy Should You Use in Pick’em Poker?

To enhance your video poker experience, understanding the right Pick’em Poker strategy is key. Unlike traditional video poker games such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild, Pick’em Poker has unique rules and a simplified gameplay style—making it easier to learn than strategy-heavy variants.

Here’s a general ranking of hands in Pick’em Poker (from strongest to weakest):

• Three of a Kind

• 10, J, Q (same suit)

• 10, J, K or 10, Q, K or J, Q, K (same suit)

• High Pair (Nines or Better)

• Open-Ended Straight Flush

• Straight Flush with One Gap (2 to Q)

• Straight Flush with Two Gaps (2 or 3 high-ranked cards)

• Flush (with three high cards)

• 9, 10, J or 10, J, Q

• Straight Flush with Two Gaps (1 high-ranked card)

• Flush (2 high cards)

• Low Pair (8s or lower)

• Straight Flush with Two Gaps (no high cards)

• Straight with One Gap (3 high cards)

👉 While Three of a Kind isn’t the top-paying hand, it’s arguably the most achievable. Given the structure of Pick’em Poker, players often have a ~3.9% chance to build this hand with the cards they are dealt.

The game is designed for speed and simplicity. You’ll quickly notice that making decisions based on the four visible cards becomes intuitive with just a little practice.

How to Play Pick’em Poker — And Win!

Let’s break down how to actually play Pick’em Poker and boost your odds of winning.

1. Understand the Basics

Pick’em Poker is a type of video poker that doesn’t follow the Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or 7-Card Stud formats directly—but understanding those helps you grasp poker fundamentals.

Unlike traditional table poker, in Pick’em Poker:

• You are dealt two hole cards, plus four face-up community cards in two pairs.

• You must choose one of the two pairs to combine with your hole cards.

• Two hidden cards are then revealed from the chosen pair, completing your five-card hand.

2. Get in the Right Headspace

A lot of new players jump in without preparation. To play well, you need to:

• Focus on probabilities

• Think logically about potential combinations

• Avoid emotional or impulsive decisions

Poker is a mental game, and Pick’em is no exception.

3. Watch and Learn from Others

While Pick’em Poker is usually a single-player game against a machine or software, you can still learn by watching how others analyze similar hands. Learn from online demos, streams, or training videos where experts walk through decision-making.

Tips for Beginners

Here are some valuable tips to help you improve faster:

✔️ Read the Table

Always examine both pairs of community cards before choosing which one to keep. Evaluate which combination gives you better odds to form a high-paying hand.

✔️ Observe Patterns

Even in a game as straightforward as Pick’em Poker, recognizing patterns in how hands play out will help you make better calls in future games.

✔️ Practice Reading Skills

“Reading” in video poker means reading the potential of your hand, not your opponent. Based on what cards are visible, consider all possible outcomes before making your pick.

✔️ Check Before You Act

It may seem basic, but always double-check the options before selecting. One misclick could cost you a solid payout.

Where to Play Pick’em Poker

Once you’re comfortable with the rules and strategy, you can explore Pick’em Poker at top online casinos. Leading software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and others often include Pick’em Poker in their catalogues.

💡 Many online casinos offer free versions so you can practice without risking real money. Once confident, you can shift to real-money play and explore casino bonuses, jackpots, and promotions.

If you want to explore other games, check out:

• 🎰 [Free Online Slots]

• 🃏 [Free Online Blackjack]

• ♠️ [Other Casino Card Games]

Conclusion

Pick’em Poker is one of the most accessible and entertaining forms of video poker. Its simplicity makes it ideal for beginners, while its subtle strategy keeps things interesting for seasoned players.

Just remember:

• Learn the hand rankings

• Practice reading potential outcomes

• Keep refining your strategy with every hand

No one becomes a master overnight—but with practice, you’ll soon find yourself climbing from nickel poker games to bigger stakes. Enjoy the game, keep improving, and most importantly—have fun.

✅ Ready to test your skills?
Explore Pick’em Poker for free on our site before playing for real stakes!