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Best Online Video Poker Casinos

China Jones | February 16, 2023 | Updated on: March 23rd, 2023

How to play video poker online AUWelcome to the online video poker guide, one of the most popular casino games in the world! If you’re looking for an exciting and engaging gaming experience that combines elements of slots and traditional poker, look no further than video poker.

Video poker is a popular casino game that combines slots and classic poker elements. The game’s objective is to create the best possible five-card hand, with payouts based on the strength of the hand.

 

Best Video Poker Sites

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How to Play Video Poker

One of the most appealing aspects of video poker is that it offers a higher degree of player control compared to other casino games. Unlike slot machines based on luck, video poker requires players to make strategic decisions based on the cards they are dealt.

While video poker is a game that is played against a machine, it has its roots in traditional poker games such as Texas Hold em, which is why many of the hands and rules of video poker are based on the classic game.

This poker game typically offers better odds than other casino games, making it an attractive option for players looking to maximise their chances of winning. Additionally, this poker game typically offers better odds than other casino games, making it an attractive option for players looking to maximise their chances of winning.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play video poker and it’s poker rules:

1. Choose Your Game and Betting Limits

First, choose the type of video poker game you want and the betting limits you are comfortable with. There are many variations available online, so make sure you choose the one that you are familiar with and that suits your playing style.

2. Place Your Bet

Once you have selected your game and betting limits, it’s time to place your bet. You can do this by choosing the size of your wager and then clicking on the “deal” button.

3. Receive Your Cards

After placing your bet, you will receive five cards. You can then choose which cards you want to keep and which you wish to discard.

4. Choose Which Cards to Keep and Discard

The game aims to make the best possible hand using your five cards. You can keep the cards that you think will help you make the best hand and discard the rest. Click on the “hold” button beneath the cards you want to keep.

5. Receive Replacement Cards

After discarding the cards, you don’t want, you will receive replacement cards to replace the ones you pitched. Your final hand will be determined by the five cards you kept and the new cards you received.

6. Evaluate Your Hand

When you receive your replacement cards, the game will help you calculate your score and tell you how to improve over time.

7. Collect Your Winnings

If you have made a winning hand, you will be paid out according to the pay table for that game. The payout will be determined by your hand’s strength and the amount you bet.

8. Repeat the Process

You can then repeat the process by placing another bet and receiving new cards. Video poker is a relatively simple game to play. Successful poker players know which cards to keep and which to discard and they understand the payouts for different hands.

Tips for Playing Video Poker

If you don’t have any pairs, you’ll need to use the highest card in your hand to determine your payout according to the game’s specific payout table. With a bit of practice, anyone can learn how to play video poker and enjoy the game’s exciting gameplay and potential for big payouts.

Here are some tips that can help you improve your gameplay and maximise your payouts:

  • Know the rules and payout tables for the variant you’re playing
  • Stick to the basic strategy for the variant you’re playing
  • Manage your bankroll carefully to avoid losing more than you can afford
  • Take advantage of promotions and online casino bonuses to boost your payouts
  • Practice playing for free before playing with real money

Video Poker Strategy

Developing a solid strategy is essential if you want to maximise your payouts. Here are some general tips for creating an effective strategy:

  • Know the basic strategy for the variant you’re playing
  • Look for machines with better payout tables
  • Take advantage of wild cards in some variants
  • Don’t keep a kicker (an unpaired card) with a pair in some variants
  • Play the maximum number of coins to qualify for the highest payouts

 

Video Poker Variants

In most video poker variants, the objective of the game is to make the best possible poker hand using the cards dealt to you. The strength of your hand is determined by the game’s specific rules and payout table. At the end of each hand, the poker player with the best hand according to these rules and payout table wins the pot and earns a payout based on the strength of their hand.

Video Poker is a fun and engaging game that offers more player control than other casino games. As long as you follow the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’re guaranteed to have more fun and get more money out of the machine!

There are many variations of video poker, each with its unique set of rules and payout tables. Some of the most popular video poker variants include:

  • Jacks or Better: This is the most basic and popular form of video poker, in which you need a pair of jacks or higher to win.
  • Deuces Wild: In this variant, all twos (deuces) are wild, which increases the chances of creating a winning hand.
  • Double Bonus Poker: This variant offers higher payouts for sure four-of-a-kind hands but lower payouts for other hands.
  • Joker Poker: In this variant, a joker is added to the deck as a wild card, which increases the chances of creating a winning hand.

Free Video Poker Vs Real Money Poker

Advantages of Free Video Poker

  • No Risk: Free video poker games allow players to try out the game and practice their skills without risking any of their own money. This is an excellent option for beginners who are not familiar with the rules of the game.
  • No Financial Loss: Since free video poker games don’t involve real money, players can enjoy the game without worrying about losing money. Playing the game can help give you the relaxation you need while enjoying everything the game has to offer.
  • No Time Limit: Free video poker games can be played for as long as a player wants without the pressure of having to make a deposit or run out of credits. This is an excellent option for players who wish to play at their own pace and take their time to learn the game.

Disadvantages of Free Video Poker

  • No Real Winnings: Free video poker games do not offer any real winnings, so players cannot win any real money. This means that the excitement of winning and the thrill of risking real money are not present.
  • Limited Features: Free poker games may not have all the features of real money games, such as jackpots, types of casino bonuses, and progressive payouts. This can limit the overall experience and make the game less exciting.
  • Improvement Is Not Motivated: When you play without betting real money, you might not feel as motivated to improve your skills or strategies. This can make the games less exciting as you keep playing.

Advantages of Real Money Video Poker

  • Real Winnings: Playing for real money allows players to win real money. This can add excitement and make the game more rewarding.
  • Jackpots and Bonuses: Real-money video games often offer jackpots and cashback bonuses, adding to the excitement and giving players more opportunities to win big.
  • An incentive to Improve: Playing for real money allows players to improve their skills and strategies. This can make the game more challenging and rewarding over time.

Disadvantages of Real Money Video Poker

  • Risk of Loss: Playing for real money involves a risk of loss. This can be stressful and daunting, especially for beginners.
  • Time Limit: Real-money video poker games often have time limits, which can pressure players to make quick decisions and increase the risk of making mistakes.
  • Addiction: Playing video poker for real money can lead to addiction and financial problems. Players should always set a budget and gamble responsibly.
  • Both free and real-money video poker have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, players need to weigh their options and choose the type of game that best suits their preferences and budget.

The Winning Hands

Winning hands in video poker are specific combinations of cards that pay out according to the game’s pay table. The game’s goal is to make the best possible poker hand from the cards that are dealt, and the higher the rank of the hand, the more money the player can win. The ranking of winning hands in this game is based on traditional poker hands. However, it can vary slightly depending on the specific game being played.

Below is an overview of the different winning hands in video poker, listed in order from the highest to the lowest ranking hand:

Royal Flush

This is the highest-ranking hand in video poker and consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit. It pays out the highest amount of money in most video poker games.

Straight Flush

A hand of five cards of sequential rank in the same suit. An example would be a 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of hearts. Flush beats a straight.

Four Of A Kind

A hand with four cards of the same rank, such as four Jacks.

Full House

A hand with three cards of one rank and two cards of another. For example, three Kings and two Jacks.

Flush

A hand containing five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. For example, five cards of hearts in any order.

Straight

A hand with five cards of sequential rank, but not all of the same suit. For example, 5 of clubs, 6 of hearts, 7 of spades, 8 of diamonds, and 9 of clubs.

Three Of A Kind

A hand with three cards of the same rank, such as three Aces.

Two Pair

A hand that contains two pairs of cards, such as two Jacks and two Queens.

Jacks or Better

A hand that contains at least a pair of Jacks, or higher ranking cards, such as Kings or Aces.

Each winning hand has a corresponding payout according to the game’s paytable. The payout for each hand can vary depending on the specific video poker game. All variations follow the same basic hierarchy of hands. Knowing the ranking of hands and the corresponding payouts is essential to playing video poker and maximising your winnings.

Video Poker Glossary

Learning these terms will help you better understand the gameplay, strategy and make it easier to follow the rules and the game.

Here are some standard terms you may come across when playing video poker:

  • Paytable: A chart that displays the payouts for each hand in a video poker game.
  • Hand: The five cards that a player receives in a single deal.
  • Deal: The initial distribution of cards to the player.
  • Draw: The replacement of cards that are discarded during the game.
  • Hold: Keeping a card in your hand rather than discarding it.
  • Discard The act of removing a card from your hand and replacing it with a new one.
  • House Edge: The numerical advantage that the casino has over the player in a game.
  • Jackpot: The highest possible payout for a winning hand.
  • Royal Flush: The highest-ranking hand in video poker, consisting of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit.
  • Full House: A hand consisting of three cards of one rank and two cards of another.
  • Flush: A hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
  • Straight: A hand of five cards in sequential rank but not of the same suit.
  • Three Of A Kind: A hand of three cards of the same rank.
  • Two Pair: A hand consisting of two cards of one rank, two cards of another rank, and one card of a third rank.
  • Jacks or Better: A common video poker game in which the player must have a pair of Jacks or higher to win.
  • Video Poker Machines: Are electronic devices that allow players to play poker games in a format that is similar to slot machines.

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