Should you use the Auto Hold Feature when playing Video Poker?

New video poker machines come with an auto hold feature that can be selectively turned on or off by the player at any time during the game. When a player uses the auto hold feature, he or she plays against a first pay table which always has a first theoretical game return. But if the player does not use this auto hold feature, then the player will play against a second pay table with a better theoretical game return than the first pay table.

The auto hold feature in video poker is a great feature if used wisely. For optimal games, this feature is not advised and you can lose more than you should have.

Typically, auto hold video poker holds the best cards while playing. That is not necessarily true and it can affect your overall gaming experience.

The other use for Auto Hold is the Auto Play. This feature plays a set number of games without the player´s intervention. You can only use this preset with the Auto Hold enabled.

Professional players will never use the auto hold feature as it interrupts their strategies for the game. Newer players might benefit as their losses might be greater playing optimal strategies.