Only a few casino games give you a chance to win against the house, and video poker is one of them. You can get guaranteed profits if you play the appropriate variations of the game. But, how do you pick the right casino to play at? Browse the options below!
Video Poker is now enjoyed at thousands of online casinos worldwide and essentially is a five-card draw game. There are many different types of video poker, which will vary depending on the casino you’ve chosen.
However, the main aim remains the same for most variations. That is to create your best five-card poker hand according to the paytable.
The paytable and game rules will differ from game to game. Some games will have better odds than others, so it’s essential to research before you play to pick a suitable variation.
Before you go ahead and give it a go, let’s look at how video poker works, which ones are the most popular, and we’ve got some tips to give you a head start.
What Is Video Poker?
It is a game of a five-card draw, and you will bet against the computer instead of other players. It is also a strategic game, so it’s the kind of game where practice does make perfect, just like some other casino games you’ll find.
You will always be dealt five cards at the start of a game, and you can decide which cards you want to hold and which ones you want to fold. You will battle your wits against the computer, and there are multiple hands you can make.
There are many variants of video poker. However, they are all based on the five-card draw concept, regardless of which one you pick.
How to Play Video Poker Online?
As we just said, you will begin the games by receiving five cards, and you will get an opportunity only to either keep or fold your cards. If you fold any cards, you will receive new ones in return to help you try and create a winning hand.
You will be able to see a paytable of possible hands and their odds, including Royal Flush, Straight Flush, and Four of a Kind, being some of the most valuable hands you can collect.
If you create a winning hand from the paytable, you will be paid accordingly, and if you lose, you can either bet again or walk away.
Most Popular Video Poker Games
As video poker has evolved over the years, so have the variations you can play. Each casino is different, but here are five of the most popular video poker variants you can expect to see next time you play:
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is among the most popular variations because of its payout reputation and house edge. The name comes from a pair of Jacks or better, the minimum winning hand you can create.
Your main aim is to build the best possible hand you can for maximum payout. You will get an extra point for every pair of Jacks or higher that you receive, and you can win this game if your hand contains at least a pair of Jacks.
Deuces Wild
In this variation, your twos (deuce) act as Wild. If you receive a two in your hand, it will substitute for any other card to help you create a winning hand.
You must get the best possible five-card poker hand to receive the prize on the paytable that matches the hand. You will receive a payout if you have at least a three-of-a-kind, but the most important thing is to learn the right Deuces Wild strategy and what to do when 2s appear in your hand.
Double Bonus Poker
Statistically, Double Bonus Poker is one of the best video poker games because it has the best odds, so naturally, it has become one of the more popular variants.
It is a variation of Jacks or Better (please see below), and the word ‘bonus’ refers to the extra high payouts you can get if you create a 4-of-a-kind hand.
Bonus Poker
Essentially, this is another variation of the game Jacks or Better; in fact, there are very few differences between the games. The lowest paying hand is a pair of Jacks or better, and its Royal Flush also has the same payout.
The payout for a 4-of-a-kind is better, although not as good as Double Bonus Poker, which is almost double. The game is also more volatile, but the aim remains to get the best five-card hand.
Triple Poker
This may sound repetitive now, but there are many variations, and the rules between each game are minuscule.
Triple poker is very similar to the ones we’ve already mentioned, but again it gets its popularity for the payout advantages for a four-of-a-kind. If you found the right paytable, you could increase your payout percentages to as high as 94-95%.
Real Money vs Free Video Poker Games
The principal and most obvious difference between these two types of play is that you can win real money at real money casinos, and if you play for free, it’s just for fun.
The major advantage of playing in real mode is that you can win real money; however, practising first is always a good idea. That’s where the free video poker games come in handy. Get your practice with these games, build up a strategy, and test your skills at some of the casinos we’ve listed on this page.
5 Tips When Playing Video Poker Online
As with most strategic casino games, there are always tips to help you become a better player. Here are the top five tips we have for you:
Learn the Rules
Don’t go into the game without knowing the game! If you’re betting on real money, your biggest mistake will be guessing the rules.
Use the free video poker games that we mentioned earlier to learn the ropes. It’ll give you a much better head start in the long run.
Check the Paytable First
It’s important to know your odds, and since there are so many video poker variations, you’ve probably guessed by now that no two games are the same.
Most video poker games will display the pay tables on your screen as you play, so you’ll know which hands will have the best odds.
Take Your Time
Video poker is a fast-paced game, but there’s no rush, take your time. Remember casinos want you to keep betting which is why it’s so fast-paced but potentially, the more you bet, the more you can lose. Know your limits and know when it is time to stop.
Keep Your Pairs
Hold on to any pairs that you get over a single high card. It doesn’t matter if it is a low-scoring pair, it could still win you something, and this is better than losing your entire bet.
We know you’ll want to try and chase that better hand, but be smart!
Break up a Straight or Flush
If it looks like you’re going to score a Royal Flush, you’ll probably start getting excited, so don’t make any mistakes.
It’s a good idea to break up a Straight or a Flush in your chase for a Royal Flush. If you think you can get it, go for it. If there’s a chance you win, stick with what you’ve got.
It’s a good idea to break up a Straight or a Flush in your chase for a Royal Flush. If you think you can get it, go for it. If there’s a chance you win, stick with what you’ve got.
Playing Video Poker Games via Mobile
As with most casino games, you can now play video poker online through the latest smartphones and tablets.
Most online casinos have made some, if not all, video poker variations compatible with mobile devices. The game rules and payouts will be the same. The only difference is your screen size, depending on which device you play on.
