Have you ever wondered how to play video poker? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered in our extensive video poker guide for beginners. Here, you’ll find all about poker rules, hand ranks, bet sizes, dealing and drawing, and much more.
Unlike traditional poker, the online version offers a solo gaming experience where you play against the machine rather than other players. And the best part is – the rules are so simple!
What Is Video Poker and How to Play ItLet’s start with the basics – what is video poker and how to play it? Simply put, it’s a casino game that combines the elements of the traditional card game and the features of online slots. The aim of the game is to create the best possible poker hand to win payouts.
So, how does video poker work? You start by placing your bet – select the bet size within the given limit. The usual credit span is one to five coins – placing more means better payouts.
In a video poker game, the game begins when the cards are dealt, and then the players evaluate their hands and which cards they want to keep. The game swaps up the rest, and the players are left with the final hand. Pay tables list payouts for various winning hands, and the game automatically shows wins, if any.
Good to know: Some video poker machines offer a double-or-nothing option, where you can double your winnings or lose them. Another video poker variant may feature progressive jackpots, which pile up over time and offer rich payouts for hitting high-ranking hands.
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The next step in our online video poker guide is understanding the basics of hand ranks. To grasp how to play video poker successfully, make sure to remember what each rank means.
In video poker, the payouts are based on the final hand card combination, ranging from Royal Flush to Pair.
Below, you’ll find a list of hand rankings from highest to lowest:
Since we’ve covered the basic video poker rules, it’s time to move on to how to play video poker at a casino. Whether you prefer a mobile casino or online video poker slots, the process remains pretty much the same. The best part is that you can play online and in many US states. Read how below:
Step 1: Choose a Site to Play Video PokerIf you want to learn video poker, the first step would be to find a suitable video poker casino that offers these types of games.
Then, make an account and register. Why? Because most online casinos offer a welcome bonus to new players who sign up and deposit funds into their accounts. And it’s usually one of the prerequisites for playing real money video poker.
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Selecting the right pay table is the most important step for maximizing your earnings in video poker. The pay table lists the payouts for various winning hands. It’s usually displayed on the screen of the video poker machine.
Focus on specific payouts that will greatly increase your overall return. Also, make sure to set the limit on how much you are willing to spend, and don’t go over it. This will enhance your gaming experience and minimize losses.
Step 3: Find a Video Poker Game You Want to PlayThe next step is quite simple – find a poker variant you want to play. If you are playing from the US and have trouble finding a regulated online casino, various offshore casinos we recommend offer different variants of video poker, both for beginners and experienced players. Some of the websites, like Wild Casino or Bovada, offer a variety of poker games, which you can try out before betting real money.
Choosing the right bet size involves balancing your bankroll, and the betting limits the game sets.
Consider a few things before choosing the bet size:
After you’ve hit the “Deal” button, you will receive your first five cards. This is where you need to decide which cards to hold and which to discard. Once you’ve chosen your cards, press the “Deal/Draw” button again to replace the discarded cards with new ones from the deck.
After the second attempt, you get your final hand and the results according to the pay table of the video poker machine.
Step 6: Results and PayoutsOnce you’ve completed the second draw and received your final hand, the video poker machine immediately calculates the results. If you have won, the screen shows the winning combination as well as the payout amount, and your account receives the winnings.
After this, you can start a new game by choosing the bet size and pressing the “Deal” button again.
How Does Video Poker Work: Pay TableNext up in our ‘how does video poker work’ guide comes the crucial element – the paytable. It outlines the payouts for various winning hands and influences potential earnings. Understanding the game’s paytable is essential for making decisions during the rounds.
The structure of the pay table is as follows: it lists the possible poker hands (e.g. Royal Flush, Four of a Kind) and the corresponding payouts for different bet sizes. The table below shows the standard payout amounts for a 9/6 (full pay) video poker machine according to the betting sizes:
Winning Hand 1 coin 2 coins 3 coins 4 coins 5 coins Royal Flush 250 500 750 1000 4000 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 Pairs 2 4 6 8 10 Pair 1 2 3 4 5As the table shows, when betting the maximum number of coins and hitting the Royal Flush, the player receives a bonus, which increases the payout.
Different variants of video poker, like Jacks or Better or Joker Poker, have unique pay tables, which reflect the specific rules and hand rankings. In Jacks or Better, players receive higher payouts when they have a pair of Jacks or higher. Joker Poker includes a wild card, which can replace any card in the deck, which further changes up the potential payouts.
Variations in pay tables, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better compared to 8/5, impact the game’s return-to-player (RTP) percentage. Higher paytables provide better potential returns than lower ones.
Understanding the structure of the paytable helps develop strategies for holding and discarding cards. By carefully analyzing and selecting games with better pay tables, you can increase your chances of success and have more fun playing video poker.
Types of Video Poker BetsPoker bet types are another essential part of any video poker rules guide. In essence, each of the options affects the game’s risk and potential payouts. Understanding them can help you make decisions and develop different strategies when playing video poker online. Below, you’ll find the main types of bets available in video poker:
Single Coin BetsA single coin bet is the minimum bet you can place, and it uses one coin per hand. This option minimizes your risk but also offers the lowest payouts. This approach is suitable for beginners or players with a lower bankroll. However, this type of bet does not qualify for the bonus payouts since they are typically associated with the maximum coin bets. Players who have just started to learn video poker might begin their game with single coin bets to get comfortable without risking much money.
Multi Coin BetsMulti-coin bets involve placing more than one coin per hand but not more than the machine’s maximum, which is usually five coins. Betting multiple coins increases your risk, but it also increases potential payouts. Multi-coin bets are a balanced approach, offering higher payouts than single-coin bets while spreading the risk. Players with a moderate bankroll can opt for this to increase their payouts without risking it all with maximum coin bets.
Maximum Coin BetsMaximum coin bets involve betting the highest number of coins allowed per hand, typically five coins. Betting the maximum number of coins qualifies players for the highest possible payouts, especially for premium hands like a Royal Flush. Experienced players or those with a larger bankroll often opt for maximum coin bets to take full advantage of the game. However, this approach requires a higher risk tolerance and a bigger bankroll to endure extended play periods without hitting greater wins.
Author’s Tip: In essence, players who are just starting to learn how to play video poker should start with single or lower multi-coin bets to minimize risk and get familiar with how the game works. Experienced players should aim for maximum coin bets to maximize potential payouts, especially for high-paying hands like Royal Flush.
Video Poker ButtonsUnderstanding various buttons on the video poker machine is essential if you want to learn to play video poker. Below, you’ll find a description of each button and how to use it.
Video poker and standard online poker share some key aspects, such as hand rankings, but they are significantly different in gameplay and strategy. Read the list to see the main differences:
Like any other popular casino game, video poker has its different variations. Each of these variants has its unique rules and paytables, which allow you to choose based on your preferences and strategy.
Below is a list of the most common types of poker games you can find at offshore casinos:
Want to become an expert on video poker? Check out the following quick tips and tricks that can easily help you learn how to play video poker and improve your chances of winning:
So, now that you know how to play video poker at a casino, the next question is where? First, it’s important for video poker players to find a trustworthy online casino that offers different poker variants and bet sizes, as well as those that offer playing both for free and real money.
Many brands that we review have a decent video poker selection, but our top choice is Wild Casino. The site offers a large selection of video poker machines where you can practice for free and play using real money.
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The main goal of video poker is to form the best possible hand from the cards you have. The aim is to achieve a winning combination according to the paytable provided.
What cards are the best to hold in video poker?The best cards to hold in video poker depend on the initial hand and the variant of the game you are playing. Face cards, high cards, and three-of-a-kind are usually a good start, while low-value cards are best to discard.
Can you win playing video poker online?Just like with any other casino game, there is a possibility of winning. If you combine your skills and strategy with a game that has a good pay table, you can enhance your chances of success.
Is video poker a skill-based casino game?Video poker is a skill-based casino game mixed with luck. Unlike slot machines, which rely purely on chance, in video poker, players need to use strategy and choose which cards to hold and which to discard.
How do I win at video poker?To increase your chances of winning, you can choose the right game with a good paytable, learn video poker rules, and manage your bankroll. Try practicing for free before investing real money, play maximum coins, and take advantage of casino bonuses to win big.
Can I play online video poker for free?Yes, there’s a majority of popular video poker titles that are available for free, like Deuces Wild or Jacks or Better.
Responsible Video Poker GamblingGambling can be a fun and enjoyable pastime, but it can also lead to serious addiction, which is why you should remember to gamble responsibly. Entertain yourself without stress and make every moment of your gaming experience a positive one.
If you or anyone you know need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to some of the support groups below:
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