Multi-Strike Video Poker vs Traditional Video Poker: What Changes (and How to Adjust)

If traditional video poker is a steady, single-round decision game, Multi-Strike is the version that turns those decisions into a climb.

In traditional video poker, you bet, receive five cards, choose what to hold, draw replacements, and get paid based on the final hand. Then you start over.

Multi-Strike keeps the same core mechanic, but adds levels. Your result on the current hand determines whether you advance to the next level, where payouts are typically higher. If you don’t hit a qualifying hand, you drop back down.

That one change creates a very different experience. Multi-Strike tends to have higher variance (bigger swings). You can have stretches where you don’t advance much, and then a run where you climb and the payouts feel dramatically better.

Because of that, the best adjustment is bankroll discipline. Many players choose a lower denomination than they would in traditional video poker, because the swings can be sharper. It’s also important to understand the qualifying rules for the specific Multi-Strike game you’re playing.

Strategy still matters—often even more—because one hold decision can affect not just this payout, but whether you get access to higher-paying levels.

If you enjoy video poker but want a more dynamic, progression-style experience, Multi-Strike is worth exploring. Create your betOcean account and try it at a comfortable stake while you learn the rhythm.