How to Play Video Poker online
One of the main appeals of video poker is just how engaging it can be. While the game itself has straightforward rules and plays out quickly, it still requires you, the player, to do more than simply hit a button and wait to see what happens. It's not like pressing a button on a slot machine!
What does that mean? Simply put, you'll need to use your noggin if you want to get the most out of video poker. It involves understanding the odds you've got after seeing your initial deal, and then deciding which cards to hold onto.
The truth is, video poker can be both fun and a bit of a head-scratcher. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you enjoy every round to the fullest: with a bit of excitement and, who knows, maybe a nice bit of profit in your pocket.
Video Poker Rules: How to Get Stuck In
The general rules for video poker are pretty easy to get to grips with. The way the game plays out might differ slightly depending on the variation of video poker you choose. However, the core aspects stay the same, so you shouldn't have much trouble switching between different versions.
Unlike other poker games, this is a solo game. It's just you and the cards. Instead of going up against other players or a dealer, your aim is to build a hand that pays out according to the game's paytable.
Here's how it works:
- First, you need to pick your bet level.
- Next, hit 'DEAL' to see your initial five cards.
- Take a look at your cards, decide which ones you want to keep, and press 'HOLD'.
- Then, click 'DRAW' to get new cards in place of any you decided to discard.
- If you've landed a winning combination, you'll automatically be paid out according to the paytable.
Some steps might vary a bit depending on the version you're playing. For example, in some games, you can use an 'auto-hold' feature that will automatically select cards to keep in your hand.
Either way, remember that the cards are dealt at random, much like at online slot machines. You can try to use strategies to win at video poker, but you can't predict exactly which cards the game will deal you.
Video Poker Hands: What You're Aiming For
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, you'll need to select a reputable and licensed online casino offering the game. Once you've deposited funds into your account, pick a Video Poker variant like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Then, start the game, choose your desired bet amount, and click 'DEAL'. Review the initial five cards you've been dealt and decide which ones to hold or discard. Finally, new cards will replace the discarded ones, and you'll see if you've formed a winning hand.
What are the hands for winning at Video Poker?
The winning hands in Video Poker can differ based on the specific version you're playing. Standard winning combinations typically include a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, and Two Pairs. In the popular Jacks or Better variant, you can secure a win with just a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. For Deuces Wild, the '2' cards act as wild cards, allowing you to create more winning hands.
What are the rules and regulations at Video Poker?
Video Poker is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. To begin, you'll select your bet amount, and your potential winnings will be determined by the size of your wager. After being dealt your initial five cards, you must decide which cards to hold onto in an attempt to form the best possible hand. Once new cards replace those you've discarded, any winning combination you achieve will result in a payout.
