Online Video Poker for Beginners

Video poker gameplay

As a hybrid of poker and slot machines, video poker stands out for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth. Unlike slots, video poker allows players to influence outcomes by making decisions on which cards to hold or discard. In this article, we examine the foundational rules and strategies of video poker, ensuring players have the tools needed to make informed choices. By understanding these basics, players can approach the game with greater confidence and improve their chances of success

Understanding the Basics: Rules and Objectives

Video poker is a straightforward game that requires players to form the best possible five-card poker hand. The game begins with placing a bet, after which the player is dealt five cards. The player can choose to hold or discard any number of these cards, with the discarded cards being replaced by new ones. The final hand is then compared against a paytable to determine the payout.

Key Rules and Objectives:

  • Initial Deal: Players are dealt five cards after placing a bet.
  • Holding Cards: Players decide which cards to keep and which to discard.
  • Drawing Cards: Discarded cards are replaced with new ones from the deck.
  • Final Hand Evaluation: The final hand is compared to the paytable, and winnings are paid out accordingly.
  • Winning Hands: Payouts are based on traditional poker hand rankings, from a pair of Jacks to a Royal Flush.

Video Poker Hand Rankings

Understanding the hand rankings in video poker is essential for making informed decisions during gameplay. These rankings determine the payouts and directly influence the strategies you should employ. Below, we delve into the key hand rankings, starting from the highest-value hand to the lowest.

Royal Flush

The Royal Flush is the pinnacle of all video poker hands. It consists of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all of the same suit. This hand typically offers the highest payout in any video poker game, often with a substantial bonus when the maximum number of coins is wagered.

Straight Flush

A Straight Flush ranks just below the Royal Flush. It’s made up of five consecutive cards, all in the same suit, such as 5♠, 6♠, 7♠, 8♠, 9♠. This hand also offers a high payout, though it falls short of the Royal Flush.

Four of a Kind

This hand contains four cards of the same rank, such as four Queens (Q♦, Q♠, Q♥, Q♣). The payout for Four of a Kind is significant, and some video poker variants provide bonus payouts for specific sets, such as four Aces.

Full House

A Full House consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another, like three Kings and two 5s (K♠, K♥, K♦, 5♣, 5♥). Full House payouts are generally strong and vary depending on the paytable of the specific game.

Flush

A Flush occurs when a player has five cards of the same suit, but they are not in sequence (e.g., A♣, J♣, 8♣, 4♣, 2♣). While it doesn’t rank as high as a Full House, a Flush still offers a good payout, especially in games where this hand has a higher value on the paytable.

Straight

A Straight consists of five consecutive cards of different suits, such as 4♠, 5♦, 6♣, 7♥, 8♠. The payout for a Straight is moderate, rewarding players for forming a sequence, even if the cards are from different suits.

Three of a Kind

Three of a Kind means having three cards of the same rank, like three 7s (7♠, 7♦, 7♥). This hand has a lower payout than a Straight but still provides a decent return.

Two Pair

Two Pair consists of two sets of cards with the same rank, for example, two Jacks and two 9s (J♣, J♦, 9♠, 9♥). The payout for Two Pair is modest, making it a common but worthwhile hand in gameplay.

Jacks or Better

The lowest-ranking hand that typically pays out in video poker is a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces (e.g., J♠, J♥). This hand offers the smallest payout, but it is crucial for maintaining consistent wins throughout the game.

Summary Table: Video Poker Hand Rankings

Hand RankingDescriptionExamplePayout
Royal FlushAce, King, Queen, Jack, 10 of the same suitA♠, K♠, Q♠, J♠, 10♠Highest payout
Straight FlushFive consecutive cards of the same suit5♠, 6♠, 7♠, 8♠, 9♠High payout
Four of a KindFour cards of the same rankQ♠, Q♦, Q♥, Q♣Strong payout
Full HouseThree cards of one rank, two cards of anotherK♠, K♥, K♦, 5♣, 5♥High payout
FlushFive cards of the same suit, not in sequenceA♣, J♣, 8♣, 4♣, 2♣Good payout
StraightFive consecutive cards, different suits4♠, 5♦, 6♣, 7♥, 8♠Moderate payout
Three of a KindThree cards of the same rank7♠, 7♦, 7♥Solid payout
Two PairTwo pairs of different ranksJ♣, J♦, 9♠, 9♥Modest payout
Jacks or BetterA pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or AcesJ♠, J♥Smallest winning payout

How to Play Video Poker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Playing video poker requires a mix of strategy, understanding of the game mechanics, and familiarity with different game variants. Below is a detailed guide on how to play video poker, from choosing the right game to collecting your payouts.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Video Poker Game

The first step in playing video poker is selecting the variant that suits your preferences and skill level. There are several types of video poker games, each with unique rules and paytables. 

Choosing the right game depends on your comfort level with the rules and your willingness to adapt to the specific strategies required for each variant. Beginners might start with Jacks or Better to get accustomed to the basics before moving on to more complex variants like Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker.

Step 2: Understanding the Pay Table and Payouts

Once you’ve chosen your game, the next step is to understand the paytable. The paytable is a crucial element of video poker, as it outlines the payouts for each possible hand. The payouts can vary significantly between different video poker variants, so understanding the paytable is essential for maximizing your potential winnings.

A typical paytable for a Jacks or Better game might look like this:

Hand1 Coin2 Coins3 Coins4 Coins5 Coins
Royal Flush2505007501,0004,000
Straight Flush50100150200250
Four of a Kind255075100125
Full House918273645
Flush612182430
Straight48121620
Three of a Kind3691215
Two Pair246810
Jacks or Better12345

In this example, the Royal Flush has a significantly higher payout when playing with the maximum bet (five coins), which is a common feature in video poker games. Understanding these payouts helps you determine the best strategies, such as when to play the maximum bet to capitalize on the highest possible payout.

Step 3: Selecting Your Bet Size

After familiarizing yourself with the paytable, the next step is selecting your bet size. Video poker allows you to choose the number of coins you want to wager per hand, typically ranging from one to five coins.

  • Single Coin Bet: Betting one coin per hand is the minimum bet. This is a low-risk option but results in lower payouts, especially for high-ranking hands like the Royal Flush.
  • Maximum Coin Bet: Betting the maximum of five coins per hand is recommended if your bankroll allows it. The payout for a Royal Flush, in particular, is disproportionately higher when playing with five coins, making it the most profitable option in the long run.

Selecting the right bet size is crucial for managing your bankroll and maximizing potential payouts. Beginners may start with lower bets and gradually increase as they become more comfortable with the game.

Step 4: Dealing and Holding Cards

Once you’ve placed your bet, click the “Deal” button to receive your initial hand of five cards. At this point, you must decide which cards to hold and which to discard. The objective is to create the best possible hand according to the paytable.

  • Holding Cards: To hold a card, simply click on it. Cards that are not held will be replaced when you proceed to the next step.
  • Discarding Cards: Any cards that are not held will be discarded and replaced with new ones. This step is where strategy plays a significant role, as your decision on which cards to keep or discard directly impacts your final hand.

For example, if you’re dealt a pair of Jacks, you would typically hold both Jacks and discard the remaining three cards to try and improve your hand to a higher-ranking combination like Three of a Kind or Full House.

Step 5: Evaluating Results and Collecting Payouts

After holding your desired cards, click the “Draw” button to replace the discarded cards. The new cards will complete your final hand. The game will automatically evaluate your hand against the paytable and, if you have a winning hand, display the payout amount.

  • Final Hand Evaluation: The game checks your hand against the paytable to determine if you’ve won. Winning hands are paid out according to the paytable, with higher-ranking hands receiving larger payouts.
  • Collecting Payouts: If you’ve won, the payout will be automatically added to your balance. You can then choose to continue playing by placing another bet or cash out your winnings.

Video Poker Game Variants

Below, we provide a brief overview of some of the most popular video poker variants:

Video Poker VariantUnique FeaturesMinimum Winning HandStrategy Tips
Jacks or BetterTraditional variant, balanced payout structurePair of JacksIdeal for beginners; focus on simple pair and high-card hands.
Deuces WildAll 2s act as wild cards, enabling higher-ranking handsThree of a KindPlay aggressively with wild cards; prioritize hands with deuces.
Double Bonus PokerBonus payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands, especially AcesPair of JacksAim for high-payout Four of a Kind hands; prepare for higher volatility.
Joker’s WildIncludes a Joker as a wild card, allowing unique hands like Five of a KindPair of KingsAdjust strategy for wild cards; prioritize forming strong hands with Jokers.
Bonus Deuces WildCombines Deuces Wild with bonus payouts for certain handsThree of a KindTarget Royal Flush with deuces; maximize wild combinations for higher rewards.
Aces and EightsHigh payouts for Four of a Kind hands, particularly Aces and EightsPair of JacksFocus on maximizing high-payout hands; suited for players seeking bigger risks.

Advanced Strategies and Tips for Video Poker

When it comes to video poker, we’ve found that success often lies in mastering advanced strategies tailored to each variant. Through analysis and experience, these tips have proven essential for improving gameplay and maximizing returns:

  • Identify Full-Pay Machines: In our research, understanding pay tables is key to spotting full-pay machines. For example, a 9/6 payout in Jacks or Better means 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush. These machines typically offer better long-term returns, so prioritizing them can make a noticeable difference.
  • Bet Maximum Coins: We’ve noticed that betting the maximum coins significantly impacts payouts, particularly for Royal Flushes. For instance, instead of the standard payout of 250 coins per coin bet, betting five coins yields 4,000 coins. If your bankroll supports it, this is the most rewarding approach.
  • Adapt Strategies to Variants: Each variant, whether it’s Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker, has unique pay tables and gameplay nuances. From our experience, taking the time to study the specifics of your chosen variant ensures you’re optimizing your play for maximum payouts.
  • Prioritize High Pairs: Holding onto high pairs (Jacks or Better) has consistently been a reliable strategy. These hands not only guarantee a payout but also set the stage for potentially upgrading to hands like a Full House or Four of a Kind.
  • Capitalize on Four to a Straight or Flush: If your hand includes four cards to a Straight or Flush, it’s usually worth holding onto them. The odds of completing these hands are favorable, and the payout justifies the risk of discarding the remaining card.
  • Chase a Royal Flush with Three Cards: Holding three cards to a Royal Flush can feel risky, but the potential payout makes it worthwhile. In our play sessions, taking this chance often paid off when chasing the elusive Royal Flush.
  • Master Deuces Wild Strategies: In Deuces Wild, always keep any deuces. As wild cards, they dramatically increase your chances of hitting premium hands. We’ve found that treating deuces as building blocks for hands like Five of a Kind or a Wild Royal Flush is a winning tactic.

FAQs

Can I play video poker online for free?

Yes, many online casinos offer free versions of video poker games. This allows you to practice and familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies without risking real money.

Is video poker purely a game of chance?

While video poker involves an element of chance, it also requires skill and strategy. Making the right decisions on which cards to hold or discard can significantly impact your chances of winning.

What is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage in video poker?

The RTP percentage in video poker varies by game variant and paytable. Full-pay Jacks or Better, for example, has an RTP of about 99.54% when played with optimal strategy.

Can I use a strategy chart while playing video poker?

Yes, strategy charts are available for various video poker games. These charts guide you on the optimal decisions for every possible hand, helping you maximize your chances of winning.

How does video poker differ from slot machines?

Unlike slot machines, video poker requires skill and decision-making. In video poker, the outcome depends not only on luck but also on how you play your hand, whereas slot machines are purely games of chance.