Online video poker is a popular choice for both novice and experienced casino players due to its blend of skill and chance. This guide is designed to introduce beginners to the fundamentals of video poker, covering essential rules, gameplay objectives, and the key differences between video poker and traditional poker. 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.
The Difference Between Video Poker and Traditional Poker
While video poker and traditional poker share some similarities in hand rankings, they differ significantly in gameplay, strategy, and objectives. Below is a comparative overview of the key differences between the two.
| Aspect | Video Poker | Traditional Poker |
| Opponent | Player vs Machine | Player vs Other Players |
| Gameplay | Fixed structure with no betting rounds | Multiple betting rounds with various strategic elements |
| Bluffing and Reading Opponents | Not applicable; no need for bluffing | Critical; involves bluffing and reading opponents’ behaviors |
| Payouts | Fixed payouts based on hand strength, as per the paytable | Payouts vary based on the pot size, which changes throughout the hand |
| Game Variants | Limited to specific types like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild | Includes a wide range of variants like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, etc. |
In video poker, the absence of other players means there is no need to bluff or strategize against opponents. Instead, the focus is on making optimal decisions based on the cards dealt and the specific paytable of the game variant. This distinction makes video poker a more solitary and calculated game, relying on a fixed set of rules rather than the psychological elements present in traditional poker.
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 Ranking | Description | Example | Payout |
| Royal Flush | Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 of the same suit | A♠, K♠, Q♠, J♠, 10♠ | Highest payout |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit | 5♠, 6♠, 7♠, 8♠, 9♠ | High payout |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | Q♠, Q♦, Q♥, Q♣ | Strong payout |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank, two cards of another | K♠, K♥, K♦, 5♣, 5♥ | High payout |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence | A♣, J♣, 8♣, 4♣, 2♣ | Good payout |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards, different suits | 4♠, 5♦, 6♣, 7♥, 8♠ | Moderate payout |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 7♠, 7♦, 7♥ | Solid payout |
| Two Pair | Two pairs of different ranks | J♣, J♦, 9♠, 9♥ | Modest payout |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces | 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.
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.
Understanding each of these steps is essential for playing video poker successfully. By following this guide and familiarizing yourself with the specific rules and strategies of your chosen video poker variant, you can improve your chances of winning and enjoy the game to its fullest.
Video Poker Game Variants
Video poker offers a variety of game variants, each with unique rules and payout structures. Understanding these variants is crucial for selecting the game that best suits your preferences and strategy. Below, we provide a brief overview of some of the most popular video poker variants.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most traditional and widely played video poker variant. The game is straightforward: the minimum hand required to win is a pair of Jacks. This variant is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity and relatively low volatility. The payout structure is balanced, making it easier to understand and play.
Deuces Wild
In Deuces Wild, all twos (deuces) act as wild cards, meaning they can substitute for any other card to create a winning hand. This increases the chances of forming a high-ranking hand, such as Five of a Kind or a Wild Royal Flush. However, the minimum qualifying hand is typically a Three of a Kind, which adds an additional layer of strategy to the game.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Jacks or Better that offers bonus payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands, particularly for four Aces. This variant is popular among players seeking higher payouts, though it also comes with increased volatility. The game requires a more refined strategy to optimize your chances of winning.
Joker’s Wild
In Joker’s Wild, an extra card—the Joker—is added to the deck, acting as a wild card. This variant allows for the formation of unique hands like Five of a Kind and Wild Royal Flush. However, the minimum hand required to win is usually a pair of Kings or better, which means that the game can be more challenging and requires a specific strategy to play effectively.
Bonus Deuces Wild
Bonus Deuces Wild combines the features of Deuces Wild with additional bonus payouts. In this variant, all deuces remain wild, and there are special payouts for Four of a Kind hands and Five of a Kind hands. The game also includes a special payout for a Royal Flush with deuces, making it one of the more complex and rewarding video poker variants available.
Aces and Eights
Aces and Eights is another variation of Jacks or Better, with high payouts for Four of a Kind hands, particularly Aces and Eights. This variant is less common than others but offers a unique twist on the traditional gameplay. The strategy for Aces and Eights revolves around maximizing these high-payout hands, making it appealing to experienced players looking for higher risks and rewards.
Advanced Strategies and Tips for Video Poker
To maximize your success in online video poker, it’s essential to go beyond the basics and develop a deeper understanding of strategies that can improve your gameplay. Below are some advanced strategies and tips that every player should consider:
- Choose Full-Pay Machines: Full-pay machines offer the highest payouts for certain hands. For example, in Jacks or Better, a full-pay machine typically offers a 9/6 payout (9 coins for a Full House, 6 coins for a Flush). Understanding the pay table helps you identify these machines and improve your overall return.
- Play Maximum Coins: If your bankroll allows, always play the maximum number of coins. The payout for a Royal Flush is disproportionately higher when betting the maximum number of coins. For example, a Royal Flush may pay 250 coins per coin wagered, but 4,000 coins if you bet the maximum of five coins.
- Evaluate Different Variants: Some video poker variants, like Deuces Wild and Double Bonus Poker, have unique pay tables that can affect your strategy. Be sure to understand the specific pay table of the variant you are playing to optimize your strategy and potential payouts.
- High Pairs: Always hold high pairs (Jacks or Better). These hands guarantee a payout and provide a strong base for potentially improving to a Three of a Kind, Full House, or Four of a Kind.
- Four to a Straight or Flush: If you have four cards to a Straight or Flush, hold them and discard the fifth card. The odds of completing the Straight or Flush are relatively high, making this a solid strategy.
- Three to a Royal Flush: If you have three cards to a Royal Flush, hold them and discard the other two cards. The potential payout for a Royal Flush justifies the risk of discarding two cards.
- Deuces Wild Strategy: In Deuces Wild, always hold any deuces you receive. Since they are wild, they can substitute for any card, increasing your chances of forming a winning hand.
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.