How To Play Video Poker – A Detailed Guide To Winning

How to Play Video Poker? Basic Strategies

Introduction

Video poker is a popular game of chance found in online casinos and video arcades all over the world. Combining features of video games, slot machines, and traditional card games like Poker, video poker has garnered a massive following of enthusiasts. The core objective of this game is to attain the highest possible hand ranking using the five-card hand dealt by the machine. This requires players to leverage their strategic thinking abilities to make optimal decisions while playing the game.

Before receiving their initial five-card hand, players place their bets, thereby adding an element of risk and excitement to the game. The game offers a further level of complexity by allowing players to draw new cards to improve their hand, thereby adding an additional layer of strategy to the game. With its combination of skill, strategy, and luck, video poker provides an alluring and engaging gameplay experience that continues to captivate players across the globe.

Video Poker Strategy Tips

Know Your Pay Tables

Before you even begin to think about video poker gambling strategy, it’s essential to know your pay tables inside and out. Different video poker games offer different payouts for different hands, so make sure you understand the payout structure before playing.

Practice Basic Strategy

After you’ve studied the pay tables, it’s time to start working on your video poker strategy. The basic video poker strategy is relatively simple and straightforward, but it will take some practice to master. The key is to know when to hold or discard cards in order to maximize your chances of making a winning hand.

Play Max Coins

When playing video poker, always play the maximum number of coins. This increases your chances of winning and gives you access to the highest payouts available. It’s also important to note that video poker machines often offer progressive jackpots for players who play with the max coins.

Low Pairs Over a Single High Card

Although video poker is based on the same rules as five-card draw Poker, there are some slight differences. One of the biggest differences is that video poker machines prefer low pairs over a single high card. If you have two low cards (like 2s and 3s) in your hand, it’s better to keep them together than trying to make one high card.

Know When to Break Up a Straight or Flush

Video poker players must also know when to break up a straight or flush in order to maximize their winnings. If you have a four-card straight or three-card flush, it might be better to keep the low card and discard the rest in order to try for a higher pay out.

Variants of  Strategies at Video Poker

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better video poker is played with a standard 52-card deck of playing cards. This video poker variant pays out for any hand that contains at least a pair of jacks or better. The strategy for this video poker game is to always hold on to any pair, three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind, straight flush, flush, or full house.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild video poker is a more advanced video poker variant that requires players to know their payouts and video poker strategy even better. Deuces Wild video poker pays out for any hand containing at least three-of-a-kind and up, but it also offers bonus payouts for four deuces or natural royal flushes. In this game, you should always hold on to all four deuces as well as any royal flush, straight flush, four-of-a-kind, full house of flush.

Double Bonus

Double Bonus video poker is another popular video poker variant that pays out a bonus for four-of-a-kind hands. In Double Bonus video poker, you should always hold on to any four-of-a-kind, straight flush, royal flush or full house combination.

Aces and Faces

Aces and Faces video poker is a variation on Jacks or Better video poker. In this variant, you should always hold any four-of-a-kind, straight flush, royal flush or full house combination. You’ll also want to hold on to any three-of-a-kind with an ace or face card.

Joker Poker / Jokers Wild

Joker Poker or Jokers Wild video poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one extra joker. The strategy for this video poker game is to always hold on to any royal flush, straight flush, four-of-a-kind, full house or two pair hand.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better video poker is similar to Jacks or Better video poker, but it pays out for any hand containing at least a pair of tens or better. The strategy for this game is the same as with Jacks or Better video poker, except you should always hold on to any two pair hands instead of just one pair.

The Basic Rules of Video Poker

The Rules of Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is a classic video poker game that is simple to learn and provides an engaging gameplay experience. In this game, players start by placing a bet, after which the machine deals five cards randomly. Players have the option to hold any number of cards in their initial hand or discard all of them if they do not like their hand. The machine then replaces the discarded cards with new ones from the deck. The objective of the game is to obtain a winning hand combination, which is determined by the paytable. A typical paytable for Jacks or Better video poker will award a payout for hands that include at least a pair of Jacks or better.

The Rules of Bonus, Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus Poker

Bonus, Double Bonus, and Double Double Bonus Poker are popular variants of the classic Jacks or Better video poker game that offer unique gameplay and bonus payouts. While the fundamental rules of these games are similar to Jacks or Better, players can earn additional rewards for achieving specific hands. Typically, these games offer bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, which can include various combinations of cards depending on the game variation. To maximize their chances of winning, players should always aim to hold on to any four-of-a-kind hands that they receive in their initial hand. This strategic approach requires players to use their analytical skills to calculate the odds of achieving such hands and make informed decisions based on probability.

The Rules of Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild

In both Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild video poker you start by placing your bet and the video poker machine will then randomly deal out five cards. You can choose to hold any of these cards, or discard them all (if you don’t like your hand). The video poker machine then replaces any discarded cards with new ones from the deck. If you have a winning combination, you’ll be paid according to the paytable.

The Rules of Aces & Faces Video Poker

Aces & Faces video poker is a popular variation of the classic Jacks or Better game that offers an exciting twist to the traditional gameplay. While the basic rules remain the same, Aces & Faces introduces the concept of bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands that feature an ace or face card. This rule adds an extra layer of complexity to the game, making it a thrilling experience for players seeking a more challenging gameplay. In this game, players are advised to hold on to any four-of-a-kind hands that include an ace or face card as they guarantee a higher payout. This strategic approach requires players to use their analytical skills to assess the probability of achieving such a hand and make decisions accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which video poker game has the best odds?

Jacks or Better video poker has the best odds, followed by Deuces Wild video poker.

Do you play video poker the same way you play real life poker?

No. Video poker does not require strategy in the same way live poker does. Instead, video poker is a game of luck, and you should focus on finding video poker games with the best payouts.

Can I play online video poker for free?

Yes, many online casinos offer video poker games for free. This allows you to practice and get familiar with the game before playing for real money.

What is the best video poker game to play?

The best video poker game to play depends on your preferences. If you want the best odds, then Jacks or Better video poker is the game for you. If you’re looking for a more exciting experience, then Bonus Poker or one of its variations may be more up your alley.

How can I win at video poker online?

To win at video poker online, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the video poker game you’re playing and use a video poker strategy. You should also take advantage of any bonuses or promotions offered by your online casino.

How can I beat a video poker machine?

The only way to beat a video poker machine is by playing with perfect video poker strategy. This means knowing when to hold and discard cards, as well as knowing which video poker games offer the best payouts for certain hands.