How to Play Video Poker online
One of the main appeals of video poker is its dynamic nature. While the game has straightforward rules and plays quickly, it demands more from the player than simply pressing buttons and waiting for a result.
What does this mean? Essentially, you'll need to engage your brain to truly get the most out of video poker. This involves understanding the best odds you have after seeing your initial cards and then deciding which ones to hold onto.
The truth is, video poker offers a great blend of fun and challenge. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you enjoy every round of this game to the fullest. Get ready for some excitement and, who knows, maybe some good wins to take home.
Video Poker Rules: How to Play
The general rules for video poker are quite easy to grasp. The gameplay might differ slightly based on the variation of video poker you choose, but the core mechanics remain consistent. This means you shouldn't have much trouble switching between different versions.
Unlike other poker games, this is a solo game; only you receive cards. Instead of comparing your hand against other players or the dealer, your objective is to create a paying combination based on the game's paytable.
Here's how it typically works:
- First, choose your bet amount.
- Next, click "DEAL" to reveal your five starting cards.
- Analyse your cards, decide which ones to keep, and click "HOLD".
- Then, click "DRAW" to get new cards in place of those you discarded.
- If you form a valid poker hand, you'll automatically win a prize based on the paytable.
Some steps may differ slightly depending on the specific video poker version you're playing. For instance, some games feature an "auto-hold" function that automatically selects which cards to keep.
Regardless of the version, remember that the cards are dealt randomly, much like in online slot machines. While you can employ strategies to win at video poker, you can't predict precisely which cards the game will draw for you.
Video Poker Hands Explained
Those who have played other versions of poker will quickly recognize the possible card combinations in video poker. After all, they include the most popular — and desirable — options, such as Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.
Depending on the variation you are playing, some combinations will be possible and others will not. Therefore, it is important to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start.
The payouts for each combination obtained are calculated according to the odds of getting them. In other words, the harder it is to get a winning hand, the higher the prize you will receive. The paytable may vary slightly in each game, but generally follows a similar structure.
Below, we list the most common hand rankings and payouts in the main variations of video poker.
Jacks or Better
In this version of video poker, the main feature is the possibility of winning with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, when you get a Jacks or Better combination, the payout is equal to the amount of the bet you placed.
- Royal Flush: 1 to 250
- Straight Flush: 1 to 50
- Four of a Kind: 1 to 25
- Full House: 1 to 9
- Flush: 1 to 6
- Straight: 1 to 4
- Three of a Kind: 1 to 3
- Two Pairs: 1 to 2
- Jacks or Better: 1 to 1
Deuces Wild
In this other version of video poker, the main feature is the presence of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for other cards.
Naturally, this changes the entire payout structure. At the same time, it requires a bit more attention when choosing which cards to keep in your hand or discard.
- Natural Royal Flush: 1 to 800
- Four Deuces: 1 to 200
- Wild Royal Flush: 1 to 25
- Five of a Kind: 1 to 15
- Straight Flush: 1 to 10
- Four of a Kind: 1 to 4
- Full House: 1 to 4
- Flush: 1 to 3
- Straight: 1 to 2
- Three of a Kind: 1 to 1
FAQ
How to play Video Poker?
Firstly, select a reputable online casino that features Video Poker. After funding your account, pick a game version like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Begin the game by setting your bet amount and clicking 'DEAL'. Review your initial five cards, then decide which ones to 'HOLD' and which to 'DISCARD'. The game will replace discarded cards, and you'll see if you've formed a winning hand.
What are the hands for winning at Video Poker?
Winning hands in Video Poker depend on the specific game variant you're playing. Standard winning combinations typically include a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, and Two Pairs. For instance, in Jacks or Better, you can secure a win with just a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. In Deuces Wild, the '2' cards act as wild cards, significantly increasing your chances of forming powerful winning hands.
What are the basic rules of Video Poker?
Video Poker is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. To begin, you select your desired bet amount, which directly influences your potential payout. After the initial five cards are dealt, you decide which cards to hold and which to discard to aim for a winning hand. Once new cards replace your discarded ones, any winning combination formed will result in a payout based on the game's paytable.
