I found this information on videopoker.com. (a free vp game site)
Although a little trite, it still makes sense to me.
"Life like poker is a study in probabilities."
--VP Pappy
DO shop the paytables
Video poker is the ONLY game where the casino actually tells you the
price, or the exact payback. Learn to recognize the best game
returns, which are prominently displayed on the game's glass or in
the game's help screens and get the most for your gambling dollar.
DO bet Max Coins
Always bet the max. It is only at 5 coins bet that your Royal Flush
and other jackpots get really good. If you can't afford a max bet,
then find a lower denomination machine and play IT at max.
DON'T play over your head
Set a budget for your play session. Leave when you meet it. Set a
budget for your winnings, too. Leave when you meet that. Discipline
is THE key to a common sense approach to gaming. DO NOT CHASE THE
MONEY. DO NOT DOUBLE UP TO CATCH UP. These are two sure-fire ways of
getting in a hole. And if you believe gambling is a problem for you,
a friend or family member, please contact National Council on
Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org)
DO watch your alcohol intake
Drunks and even tipsy people often make bad decisions. This is
particularly true when playing a video poker as inebriated players
often make strategy mistakes or just plain miss card combinations
they should keep. Also, one's willpower is lessened and you might
find yourself playing more than you should, or more than you planned
for. Play to your budget and do it soberly.
DO sign up for the slot club
This is a must. Why? Well, the most obvious reason is that you get
points for your play which can be used for comps and sometimes you
just get offers in the mail. You won't without a card. Another very
important reason is just in case you get taxable winnings. At least
the casino will keep some records for you so you know what to report
to the IRS.
DO learn how to play your favorite games
Other forms of casino gambling all rely on luck. You are ahead of
the curve because you've already picked a game where the strategy
for winning, or getting the most for your gambling dollar, is known.
Not only known, but easily available. There are books, strategy
cards and actual courses taught by pros like Bob Dancer
(www.bobdancer.com) and great software to use and learn at home on
your computer. Practice makes perfect, or at least much better. You
practice for softball, for bowling, for most leisure activities...
why not video poker?
DON'T play somewhere the buttons are sticky or don't work
One sure fire way to have a really crummy, unpleasant session is to
play a machine where the buttons don't work. Don't even play even if
it is the only available machine. You will get frustrated and likely
not enjoy your
session. A better working machine will be available soon.