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If you’re tired of spinning the reels and want a game that involves more strategy, then video poker is the perfect choice for you. This classic casino game, now available online, lets you mix the thrill of poker with the speed of slot machines. And the best part? You don’t have to rely on anyone but yourself to win!
So, whether you’re new to video poker or just want a better understanding of how to play it online, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
What Is Video Poker?
Video poker is a digital take on traditional poker where instead of competing against other players, you play against a computerised paytable. Essentially, it’s like slot machines with a bit more brains, where you get five cards, make decisions, and then draw replacements in hopes of forming a winning hand.
Available in virtually every online casino, video poker is one of the most popular games, giving you the ability to win big from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere, really, thanks to mobile online casinos).
What Makes Video Poker Different from Normal Online Poker?
You might think that video poker and online poker are the same since they both involve poker hands, but trust us, they’re a little bit different. Here’s why:
No Opponents
Traditional online poker games pit you against other players, making it a social and competitive experience. With video poker, you’re the only one at the table, competing only against the machine’s payout structure — not other players.
Instant Hands & Decisions
In traditional online poker, cards are dealt in several rounds, and you react as the game progresses. With video poker, you get all five cards at once and then decide which ones to hold.
Betting & Payouts
Traditional online poker is based on betting pots against opponents, while video poker focuses on one-time bets placed at the start of each round. What you win depends on your hand’s rank, and the payout is based on the game’s paytable.
Important Things To Know
Before you actually play video poker online, it’s essential to get familiar with some crucial aspects of the game. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
Video Poker Hand Rankings
Like regular poker, video poker has a set of standard hand rankings. These dictate what hands are winning hands. Here’s what you need to know, ranked from high to low:
- Royal Flush: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 all of the same suit
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank
- Full House: Three of a kind + a pair
- Flush: Any five cards of the same suit
- Straight: Five consecutive cards, but not all the same suit
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
- Two Pair: Two different pairs of cards
- Jacks or Better: At least a pair of Jacks
Types of Bets
Online video poker games allow you to select different coin values or bet sizes. Your payout is directly linked to how much you bet, so choosing a higher bet might lead to bigger wins, especially for high-value hands like a royal flush.
Types of Video Poker Games
There’s more than one variation of video poker, each with its own rules and payout structure. Some of the popular versions include:
- Jacks or Better: The most common version, requiring a pair of Jacks or better to win.
- Deuces Wild: In this variation, all the 2 cards (Deuces) are wild, meaning they can substitute for any other card to complete your hand.
- Joker Poker: This version features a Joker card that acts as a wild card.
Each type of game has different rules about what hand wins and how much you can earn, so make sure to check the specific paytable before you start playing.
How to Play Video Poker Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Let’s get into what you’ve been waiting for. How to play video poker.
Once you’ve chosen your game and placed your bet, the action begins! Here’s how to play step by step:
Step 1: Choose Your Game
Choose which version of video poker you want to play. Popular choices for beginners are usually Jacks or Better, as they offer straightforward rules and decent payouts.
Step 2: Place Your Bet
Adjust the coin size and the number of coins you want to bet. The higher your bet, the higher the potential payout, so decide what feels right for your bankroll.
Step 3: Click ‘Deal’
Once your bet is placed, click the “Deal” button, and you’ll be dealt five cards on your screen.
Step 4: Select Which Cards to Hold
Now comes the fun part: Choose which cards to hold and which to discard. For example, if you’ve been dealt two high cards, you may want to hold them while discarding the others to try to complete a winning hand.
Step 5: Click ‘Draw’
After you’ve made your selections, hit “Draw” to receive new cards in place of the ones you chose to discard.
Step 6: Check Your Winning Hand
Your final hand will automatically be checked against the payout table to see if you’ve won. If your hand matches any of the winning combinations listed, you’ll receive the corresponding payout!
Step 7: Repeat or Collect Your Winnings
If you’re happy with your winnings, you can collect them, or if you’re feeling lucky, you can place a new bet and start another round.
Tips for Playing Video Poker Online
Here are some quick tips before you get started.
Review the Paytable: Each version of video poker has its own paytable, showing you how much you’ll win for every hand. Always check it before you start playing to understand what you’re aiming for.
Play the Maximum Bet: If you’re aiming for the big win (like a royal flush) it often pays more when you bet the max. Just make sure it’s within your budget!
Use a Strategy: Video poker might seem simple, but there’s a little strategy involved. A good rule of thumb is to always hold onto a pair of Jacks or better, any three cards for a straight, or any four cards for a flush. The right strategy can increase your chances of success.
Practice Free Play: Many online casinos offer free versions of video poker, allowing you to practice before you risk real money. This is especially helpful if you’re new to the game.
Conclusion
Online video poker offers the perfect mix of simplicity and strategy. It’s a game of decisions, where the choices you make can affect your chances of winning. With a little bit of practice and some basic strategies, you’ll be ready to tackle the digital poker tables with confidence.
And most importantly, remember to have fun! Gambling should always be an enjoyable experience, so always play responsibly.
