Complete Advantage Play Strategy Guide
1.46% house edge
Low ($500-1,000)
1-2 weeks
The slowest casino game with the lowest variance. You set two poker hands against the dealer. Lots of pushes, perfect for grinding comps and playing time without much risk.
Use the house way to set hands initially, then learn advanced setting strategies. Key concept: Make your 5-card hand as strong as possible while keeping a decent 2-card hand. Banker option when available reduces house edge.
Pro Tip
Always start with proper bankroll management. Even with an edge, variance can be brutal. Never risk more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single session, and ensure you have at least 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stakes.
Set your 5-card hand as strong as possible while keeping a playable 2-card hand. Your 5-card hand must always rank higher than your 2-card hand.
Put highest card in 5-card hand, next two highest in 2-card hand
Keep pair in 5-card hand, two highest remaining in 2-card hand
Strategy depends on pair ranks:
Always put highest pair in 2-card hand
Strategy depends on rank:
Split: Keep three of a kind in 5-card hand, pair in 2-card hand
Put the lower three of a kind in 5-card hand, split higher three of a kind (pair in 2-card)
Strategy depends on what else you have:
Pro Tip: When in doubt, ask the dealer to set your hand "house way." Most casinos allow this and it's near-optimal!