EN 
DE Auto Hold
Auto Hold is a video poker setting that automatically chooses which cards a player should keep after the deal. It is designed to speed up play and reduce mistakes before the draw.
A player will see this term on video poker screens because every hand includes a hold decision. The option is usually a button or menu toggle on a terminal or in an online video poker game.
How It Works
After five cards are dealt, Auto Hold uses a built-in set of rules to recommend or hold the best cards to keep. Those rules depend on the game type, so different titles can suggest different holds.
Some video poker games reward different hand goals. Jacks or Better pays for a pair of jacks or higher, while Deuces Wild treats all 2s as wild cards that can replace other ranks.
With Auto Hold enabled, the game marks some cards as held right away. The unmarked cards are the ones it plans to replace on the draw.
This is the typical hand flow with Auto Hold turned on. It shows what happens from the bet to the final result:
- The player chooses a bet and presses Deal to receive five cards.
- Auto Hold highlights the cards it recommends keeping.
- The player can accept auto-picked cards or change them, then press Draw to replace the unheld cards.
- The final hand is checked against the paytable and paid if it qualifies.
Why It Matters
Auto Hold is useful because video poker decisions can change the value of a hand in the long run. When the feature is set correctly, a player can expect a few practical benefits from Auto Hold, including:
- Fewer accidental errors: It can keep obvious “must-hold” cards, like a high pair or a made straight, before the player accidentally hits Draw.
- Faster hand rhythm: It reduces the need to tap five hold buttons every deal, which matters during long sessions.
- More consistent basic decisions: It applies the same rule set hand after hand instead of relying on memory or guesswork.
Auto Hold still needs cautious use because it is only a recommendation tool. You should treat it as a shortcut, not a guarantee, and pause before drawing when the hand looks close to multiple options. If the suggestion feels questionable, you can change the holds manually or turn Auto Hold off for that session.
FAQ
How can I tell Auto Hold is active?
Many games show a lit Auto Hold button and place a “HOLD” label above any card it wants to keep. If no labels appear after the deal, the setting may be off or unavailable.
Is Auto Hold available in every video poker game?
Many machines offer it, but some do not. If there is no Auto Hold option in the menu or on the button panel, the game may require manual holds.
Why did Auto Hold keep a card that looks weak?
It may be aiming for a draw that has better value over time, like building toward a straight or a flush. In games with wild cards, that logic can look strange on a single hand.
What should I do if Auto Hold makes a choice that seems wrong?
You can turn the feature off and follow a strategy chart that matches the exact paytable. It also helps to double-check the game type, since rules differ across video poker titles.
