Caro's Way
 
This method of playing video poker was devised by Mike Caro, a true genius at probability games and probably the toughest draw poker player that I ever had the privilege to play with. It was originally published in his column Caro on Gambling in Gambling Times Magazine. It was then reprinted, along with many of his best columns, in the book Caro on Gambling which I consider a must read for anyone serious about winning in the casino.
    
 
Picking The Right Machine
    
 
The target machine for this game is a Jacks or Better machine with a progressive jackpot. The jackpot shouldn't be below $3,000 for quarter machines or $12,000 for dollar machines. Machines of smaller denominations (nickel or dime) should probably be avoided as not having a probable win large enough to justify the time spent. On the other hand, if you find a nickel progressive machine with a $12,000 jackpot and have about a week to spend, go for it!
    
 
Glory Grove
    
 

If you have a Royal Flush, then stand pat and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have four cards of a Royal Flush then draw one and start over (even if this means breaking up a King high Straight Flush), otherwise continue.

If you have a Straight Flush then stand pat and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have a Straight, then stand pat and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have at least four of one color, then skip to "Garden of One Color", otherwise continue.

If you have any paired, cards then skip to "Land of Companions", otherwise continue.

    
 
Longshot Lobby
    
 

If you have three cards of a Royal Flush then draw two and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have an open ended straight opportunity then draw one and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have two cards of a Royal Flush then draw three and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have King-Queen-Jack then draw two and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have two cards higher than Ten then draw three and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have three cards of a Straight Flush, then draw two and start over, otherwise continue.

Draw five and start over.

    
 
Garden of One Color
    
 

If you have a Flush, then stand pat and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have three cards of a Royal Flush, then draw two and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have four cards of a Straight Flush, then draw one and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have a pair higher than Tens, draw three and start over, otherwise continue.

Draw one to your Four Flush and start over.

    
 
Land of Companions
    
 

If you have Four of a Kind or a Full House, then stand pat and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have Three of a Kind, then draw two and start over, otherwise continue.

If you have Two Pair, then draw one and start over, otherwise continue.

Draw three to your Pair and start over.