Video poker is one of the most fun and exciting games for online casino players. It has the taste of slots while retaining its character of poker. Its attraction lies in the combination of skill and luck that is brought by the combination of machine slots and classic poker games.
This game allows you to employ strategy while enjoying the simplicity of a single-player game. Mastering video poker requires in-depth study and practice of the game. What you have to understand is the basic rules, video poker variations and advanced strategies.
In this comprehensive guide on video poker, we will cover all three angles and understand the scope and depth of the game.
Basic Rules of Video Poker
Video poker is a game in which you have to create the highest-ranking poker hand. Players are dealt a five-card hand that they can choose to keep or discard. In the end, the strength of the hand that you have made decides the payout. Stronger hands have higher rewards.
Hand Rankings in Video Poker
There are 10 poker hands that are ranked from the strongest to the weakest based on their card combinations.
Royal Flush – Ace, King, Queen, Joker and 10 of the same suit.
Straight Flush – Five consecutive cards of the same suit like 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of Hearts.
Four-of-a-Kind – Four cards of the same rank, like 2, 2, 2, 2 of Hearts, Spades, Clubs and Diamonds.
Full House – Three cards of one rank and two of another rank. For example, 3, 3, 3 of Hearts and 2, 2, of Spades.
Flush Any five cards of the same without any sequence. For example, 3, 7, 2, 8, 4 of Clubs.
Straight – Five consecutive cards of the mixed suits like 2 of Hearts, 3 of Spades, 4 of Hearts, 5 of Clubs and 6 of Diamonds.
Three-of-a-Kind
Three cards of the same rank like 4, 4, 4, of Spades, Diamonds and Clubs.
Two Pair – Two sets of two cards of the same rank. For example, 2, 2, of Spades and Hearts and 4, 4, of Clubs and Diamonds along with any other card.
One Pair – Two cards of the same rank, like 5, 5 of Clubs and Diamonds.
High Card – The highest ranking in the hand like 7 of Clubs in a hand of 2, 3, 5, 4, and 7.
Video Poker Gameplay
Players start by selecting their denomination of coins and the number of credits they want to bet per hand. After this, they press the deal button to get their first five cards hand.
Once they receive the card, the players have to review all of the cards in their five-card hand and decide which ones they want to discard and which ones they want to keep. They can discard all of the five cards and get them replaced by a new hand or keep some cards and receive new cards as replacements for discarded ones. They have to press the draw button once they have made their choice.
Upon receiving their new cards, the final payout is made on the basis of hand strength. Players can either keep the payouts or gamble them again in a double-or-nothing round.
Video Poker Variations
Jacks or Better
This game variant is one of the most popular variants of video poker. It has a relatively simple gameplay and high payouts for a pair of Jacks or better.
Deuces Wild
In this, all four 2s act as wild cards. These can substitute any other card for making a winning hand. This requires a higher-ranking hand to get payouts.
Double Bonus Poker
This variation of video poker is similar to Jacks or Better but offers increased payouts for Four-of-a-Kind hands.
Joker Poker
This video poker variation has a joker card incorporated into it which acts as a wild card. This variant typically requires a pair of Kings or better to get a payout. The joker can substitute any other card to complete the poker hand.
Advanced Strategies in Video Poker
Strategy Charts
You can make informed decisions based on the strategy charts which provide the mathematical blueprint for making profits. The chart provides the correct play for every hand scenario.
Pay Table Analysis
Different machines and variations offer different payouts for identical hands. It is crucial to choose variations and machines that offer higher payouts.
Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is crucial for a powerful video poker game. Players should set realistic betting limits and avoid chasing losses. They must adhere to pre-determined betting thresholds.
Practise Your Game
The more you practice, the more you learn. It is the basic and strongest strategy for any game.
With these strategies in mind, you can start with your video poker journey and play your favourite strategic game with a twist of slots.
So keep playing and keep drawing!
Please read the terms and conditions of the online casino carefully and wager responsibly in igaming.
