Video poker is a hybrid of poker and slot machines. Unlike traditional slots, video poker adds strategy, which allows players to influence outcomes by deciding which cards to hold or discard. This strategic element makes the game appealing to those who enjoy both calculated decisions and fast-paced casino action. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of video poker, from understanding its rules to mastering the best strategies for improving your odds.
Basic Rules and Objectives
In video poker, players need to make the best five-card poker hand possible. 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
Knowing the different hand rankings is essential for improving your chances of winning. The table below summarizes each hand, from highest to lowest value.
| Hand Ranking | Description | Example | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | The highest-ranking hand in video poker. Consists of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all in the same suit. This hand offers the largest payout in most video poker games, particularly when playing the maximum bet. | A♠, K♠, Q♠, J♠, 10♠ | Highest payout |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards in the same suit. While less valuable than a Royal Flush, it still provides a strong payout. Common sequences include hands like 5♠-9♠ or 7♦-J♦. | 5♠, 6♠, 7♠, 8♠, 9♠ | High payout |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank. This hand is valuable and offers a generous payout. In some video poker variants, certain sets (like four Aces) receive bonus payouts. | Q♠, Q♦, Q♥, Q♣ | Strong payout |
| Full House | A combination of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. This hand often pays well, especially in variants like “Jacks or Better”. | K♠, K♥, K♦, 5♣, 5♥ | High payout |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit that are not in consecutive order. Flush payouts are respectable, and in some video poker variants, this hand may carry extra value. | A♣, J♣, 8♣, 4♣, 2♣ | Good payout |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards from different suits. Though lower in value than a Flush or Full House, this hand still provides a solid payout. | 4♠, 5♦, 6♣, 7♥, 8♠ | Moderate payout |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank. Although it ranks lower than a Straight, this hand still offers decent payouts. Often seen as a valuable fallback hand. | 7♠, 7♦, 7♥ | Solid payout |
| Two Pair | Two separate pairs of cards with the same rank. This hand is common but still offers a fair payout, especially when combined with strategic play. | J♣, J♦, 9♠, 9♥ | Modest payout |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. This is the lowest-ranking hand that usually triggers a payout. Since this is the baseline for winning in some versions of video poker, it is crucial for maintaining steady wins. | J♠, 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:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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.
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 Variant | Unique Features | Minimum Winning Hand | Strategy Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | Traditional variant, balanced payout structure | Pair of Jacks | Ideal for beginners; focus on simple pair and high-card hands. |
| Deuces Wild | All 2s act as wild cards, enabling higher-ranking hands | Three of a Kind | Play aggressively with wild cards; prioritize hands with deuces. |
| Double Bonus Poker | Bonus payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands, especially Aces | Pair of Jacks | Aim for high-payout Four of a Kind hands; prepare for higher volatility. |
| Joker’s Wild | Includes a Joker as a wild card, allowing unique hands like Five of a Kind | Pair of Kings | Adjust strategy for wild cards; prioritize forming strong hands with Jokers. |
| Bonus Deuces Wild | Combines Deuces Wild with bonus payouts for certain hands | Three of a Kind | Target Royal Flush with deuces; maximize wild combinations for higher rewards. |
| Aces and Eights | High payouts for Four of a Kind hands, particularly Aces and Eights | Pair of Jacks | Focus on maximizing high-payout hands; suited for players seeking bigger risks. |
Advanced Strategies for Video Poker
Success in video poker often depends on using strategic approaches that align with the game’s mechanics and paytable structure. The following strategies can help improve your performance and increase potential payouts:
- 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.
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.