Video poker is all about luck and strategy with the main ingredient being the cards and spice being a pinch of machine slots. Metaphorically speaking, it is an exciting combination of the luck element of slots and the calculating element of classic poker.
Both the games are in high demand in both offline and online casinos. They are exciting, and thrilling and offer plenty of opportunity to win big. Slots has one of the highest house edges in the casinos worldwide whereas poker is popular for its strategic gameplay.
Understanding the popularity and clout that video poker has among casino game players, online casinos came up with interesting variations of the game.
It is known how the igaming industry has taken over the world with its easy and convenient gaming experience. It is also popular for the game variants it offers to players. Video poker has many different variants that are equally thrilling.
From excellent visual graphics and animations to a simple user interface, video poker variants lure players according to different tastes and requirements.
Below is a comprehensive list of video poker variants that are popular among players around the world.
Jacks or Better
This variant is the classic choice of many video poker players. It serves as the foundation for many other game variants.
The objective of the game is to create a hand that contains at least one pair of jacks to win. You have to retain high-value cards while discarding the lower ones in order to create a winning hand.
The payouts are variable based on the variation and the online casino you are playing on.
Deuces Wild Video Poker
This variant is one of the most popular ones. All two cards act as wild cards so that they can substitute other cards to form winning hand combinations.
This is a particularly advantageous rule as it alters the gameplay and allows for the formation of more high-ranking hands. You could make the Four-of-a-Kind or the Royal Flush in this game variant.
The payout structure is quite adjusted because of the increased potential for winning hands.
Joker Poker
This game variant is similar to the Deuces Wild as it has the presence of a single Joker card as a wild card. The presence of a wild card again increases the scope of forming a winning hand.
You could make a Royal Flush with the joker card acting as a substitute for any other card.
The payouts are variable to accommodate the inclusion of the joker card.
Double Bonus Poker
This video poker variant allows for Four-of-a-Kind hands to win more. Specifically, the hand made up of four aces is given priority.
The basic gameplay is similar to Jacks or Better, the reward is increased for certain hands which in turn incentivises specific strategic decisions.
You can avail bonus payouts at the risk of losing high-value cards. The strategic benefits of taking such a risk are strategically weighed by identifying situations where giving up cards with high value is proportionally advantageous.
Bonus Poker
This video poker variant is similar to Jacks or Better where preference is given to Four-of-a-Kind hands excluding the aces.
You have to strategically prioritise hands that lead to bonus payouts like the Four-of-a-Kind with specific card values. The strategy is to maximise bonus payouts while maintaining a balanced approach to hand selection.
This game offers lower payouts compared to Double Bonus Poker but also allows for a more lenient overall gameplay.
Aces and Faces Video Poker
This game is also similar to Jacks or Better but offers higher payouts to hands made up of Aces, Kings, Queens and Jacks. This video poker game invariably prefers high cards.
Strategies are to be designed keeping in mind the game’s preference for high card combinations for making poker hands. You can maintain flexibility in hand selection and get increased rewards for high card combinations by using optimum strategies.
Video Poker variants offer diverse and engaging gameplay experiences with unique challenges and opportunities for players.
From Jacks or Better to Aces or Faces and Joker Poker, each variant has its specific offering with pros and cons. One must look at the unique advantages that a game variant offers along with varying payouts and strategy dynamics. It is to ensure that you choose the right game variation for yourself that can give you the highest payouts while doubling your fun.
Video Poker is a classic way to experience the thrill of slots and the strategic gameplay of poker.
One can enjoy this game from the comfort of their home or on their smartphones sitting anywhere in the world.
To say the least, video poker is one of the most enjoyable online casino games to be played by igaming enthusiasts, both seasoned and newcomers.
So keep playing and keep winning!
Please read the terms and conditions of the online casino carefully and wager responsibly in igaming.
