Video poker is one of the most widespread types of free video poker games in both online casinos and physical gambling venues. While the gameplay may seem similar to slots, playing video poker online does feature an element of skill, making it especially attractive. With this guide, we’ll cover video poker basics, winning hands, step-by-step gameplay guide, strategies for success, comparisons to online poker, popular variants, and tips on mastering video poker.
Here are some key concepts to understand about video poker gameplay:
- A standard 52-card deck is used. After placing a bet, you are dealt 5 cards.
- You decide which cards to how to play video poker – you can hold any cards you want and discard the rest. Then replacement cards are drawn.
- The goal is to make the best 5-card poker hand according to the rules and paytable. Payouts are based on the strength of your final hand after the draw.
- Unlike slots, video poker involves skill and optimal strategy. You have decisions to make about which cards to hold/discard that can affect your chances of winning.
- It’s very easy to learn, especially compared to table games. The basic gameplay flow is straightforward for beginners.
Mastering these essential concepts is the first step before diving into specifics of strategy for various video poker variants. Once you understand how a round works, you can focus more on decision-making nuances.
Valuable Video Poker Hands Guide
When playing the most popular video poker variant Jacks or Better, here is an overview of winning hands to aim for and their payouts:
| Hand | Description | Payout |
| Royal Flush | Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of the same suit | 800:1 |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit | 50:1 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 25:1 |
| Full House | Three of one rank plus two of another | 9:1 |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 6:1 |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards of mixed suits | 4:1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3:1 |
| Two Pair | Two cards of one rank plus two cards of another rank | 2:1 |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces | 1:1 |
Knowing the winning combinations and their payouts for the specific best video poker game variant you play is crucial to making optimal decisions. The rarer the hand, the higher the payout.
Smooth Video Poker Gameplay Walkthrough
Follow these steps to play a round of video poker:
- Select your wager amount and number of coins (typically 1-5 coins).
- Click “Deal” to receive 5 random cards from the deck.
- Decide which cards to how to play video poker. Click on cards to “hold” them.
- Discard the cards you didn’t hold by not selecting them.
- Click “Draw” to replace discarded cards with new ones.
- Your final 5-card hand is scored based on the paytable. Payouts are awarded according to the hand ranking.
- Collect any winnings! The better your strategy for knowing which cards to hold/discard, the higher your chances of winning.
It’s that easy! In just a few clicks, you can play a full round. With practice, video poker can become second nature.
Smart Video Poker Strategies
Using optimal strategy in video poker is key to maximizing your payouts and minimizing the house edge over time. Here are some top tips:
- Learn basic strategy guides for when to hold/discard cards for popular variants like Jacks or Better. This can help substantially improve your odds.
- Always bet the maximum number of coins since royal flush and other top jackpot payouts are higher. Getting a royal flush with just 1 coin bet is still an 800:1 payout vs 4000:1 for 5 coins.
- Choose video poker machines with the best pay tables. Look for “9/6” pay tables that offer 9:1 payouts for Full House and 6:1 for Flushes. This gives you the best RTP.
- Play free video poker games first to sharpen your skills if you’re a beginner before betting real money. This allows you to learn optimal video poker strategy without financial risk.
- Double check the rules and pay table for each variant before playing since hand rankings and payouts differ between versions.
Making smart strategic plays separates video poker from slots by introducing skill. Learn how to put the odds in your favor with the right approach!
Notable Differences Between Video Poker and Online Poker
While video poker was inspired by traditional poker and shares a few core gameplay similarities, there are some key differences between the two worth noting:
- Video poker is much simpler to learn and play. The rounds are faster and there are far fewer variables to consider compared to online poker against real opponents.
- Online poker requires more advanced strategy and knowledge since you’re competing directly against other players in real time. This makes gameplay more complex.
- Video poker relies more on basic poker hand rankings. Online poker strategy involves bluffing, reading other players, betting patterns, game theory optimal play, etc.
- Video poker has a lower variance since you’re playing directly against a machine. Online poker can feature extreme winning and losing swings based on the cards and your opponents’ behaviors.
- In video poker, optimal strategy relates to knowing which cards to hold/discard. Online poker optimal strategy is more situational based on the other players in the hand.
While online poker offers a battle of wits, video poker distills the game to its essence. Both have their strategic merits and fan bases!
Top Video Poker Games Breakdown
There are many popular video poker variants, each with their own unique twists. Here is an overview of some of the most prominent:
| Game | Description |
| Jacks or Better | The original version. Winning hands start with a pair of jacks. Simple, low variance. |
| Deuces Wild | Deuces (2s) are wild cards. More winning hands but lower payouts. High RTP. |
| Double Bonus | Features boosted payouts for 4-of-a-kind and 4-aces in particular. High variance potential. |
| Joker Poker | Uses 53 cards with the Joker as a wild card. Kings or better minimum winning hands. |
| Bonus Poker | Offers higher payouts for strong hands like straights and flushes but lower for weaker pairs. |
| Double Double Bonus | Plays like Double Bonus but also rewards other 4-of-a-kind combinations more. |
The variety keeps video poker interesting. The optimal strategy adjusts per version depending on the hand rankings and special features like wild cards or bonuses.
Pro Tips for Video Poker Excellence
Ready to take your video poker skills to the next level? Here are some top tips for mastering video poker:
- Learn basic video poker strategy guides. Knowing optimal hold/discard decisions per hand can help increase your payouts.
- Start by playing free video poker games to practice using perfect strategy before betting real cash.
- Choose the right video poker machine – find full-pay or “9/6” machines that offer the best payouts for Flushes and Full Houses.
- Play at maximum coins since it unlocks much higher payouts for Royal Flushes and increases your overall RTP.
- Study the specific rules and pay table thoroughly before playing variants like Deuces Wild or Bonus Poker since hand rankings differ.
- Slow down and evaluate each hand carefully before holding cards. Don’t rush important strategy decisions.
While video poker involves some luck, using advanced tips and how to win at video poker strategy gives you an extra edge against the house!
Frequently Asked Video Poker Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Is there a strategy for video poker? | Yes, basic video poker strategy guides exist for popular variants. Using optimal hold/discard decisions can increase your payouts over random play. |
| Should you always hold a pair? | Usually, yes, except if you have 4 cards already to a royal or straight flush which is rarer. Break up pairs in those cases only. |
| What video poker has the best odds? | Look for full-pay, “9/6” video poker machines that pay 9:1 for Full House and 6:1 for Flushes. Jacks or Better played with perfect strategy fits this. |
| Does video poker have better odds than slots? | Yes, video poker introduces a skill element with decision-making that can shift the odds in your favor, whereas slots are pure chance. |
| Can you count cards in video poker? | No, because video poker games use random number generators to shuffle after each hand. You cannot gain an advantage by counting cards. |
Have a video poker question not covered here? Let us know! With over two dozen variants, video poker can take some learning.
That concludes this complete guide to mastering video poker! We covered everything from game basics to advanced tips. Time to put your new skills to the test!
More at : trueluck