Video poker is an interesting and exciting casino game that is based on five-card draw poker. Unlike other forms of poker, it is played against the house on a virtual machine, similar to slots.
The earliest video poker machines were introduced in the mid-1970s but were primitive and nothing like they are today. By the 1980s, video slots began to rise in popularity and are now a staple in casinos in Vegas and beyond.
Game rules and payouts can vary dramatically across video poker machines, although the basic gameplay always remains the same. When playing Bovada video poker, for example, players can choose from Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Double Bonus variations of the game.
In some variations, it’s possible to reduce the house edge to a tiny amount or even negate it completely, although this requires an intense understanding of the odds.
There’s plenty of choice for players when it comes to poker games in casinos. Still, with relatively simple gameplay and decent odds for the players, video poker is a very popular choice. Here’s how to play.
Step-By-Step Guide To Video Poker
Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing video poker, taking you from game selection all the way to getting paid out for your winning bets.
- Select your game – The first step is game selection and this is something you should take seriously if you want to find the best video poker games. Some variations offer more favorable odds, although the complexity of the gameplay is also an important factor for newer players.
- View paytables – Video poker allows you to view the paytable before you even start betting, which is great for players who want to see what they stand to win for their bets. Familiarize yourself with the paytable before starting the game, as this will make the experience much more enjoyable.
- Select bet – Now it’s time to select the amount you want to bet, which can typically range from $0.10 to $100. Choose a machine that allows you to make bets that are well within your bankroll limit to maximize your play. It’s worth keeping in mind that betting the maximum coins on a machine will enhance the paytable and open up the top payouts and bonuses.
- Deal the cards – With your game and stakes selected, it’s time to play video poker. When you’re ready, click the “DEAL” button to get started. You will then be dealt five cards, known as the initial deal.
- Decide what to hold – Deciding which cards to hold and which ones to discard is the only strategic decision you’ll make in video poker, so take your time and think about which hands you are most likely to make and the payouts for making these hands. When you have decided, click the cards and discard them.
- Final hand – You will then be dealt the same number of cards you discarded, up to a maximum of five, to give your final hand. If you made a winning hand, which in video poker usually starts with a pair of jacks or better, then you will be paid out automatically according to the paytable.
- Double up – Some machines have a double-up feature, similar to what you’ll see on slots. If so, after the win you will be given the option to play a side game such as higher or lower in order to enhance your payouts.
- Deal again – Once you have either lost the hand or been paid out, it’s time to start again by selecting your next bet and clicking deal.
Hand Rankings In Video Poker
If you’re new to video poker, your first step to success is to get to know the hand rankings. Fortunately, they are the same as in other poker games. The only difference is that in video poker, hand rankings tend to start with a pair of jacks, with weaker hands simply not paid.
It’s also easy enough to work out the hand rankings from the payout table, as stronger and rarer hands are paid a higher amount, setting the order of hands. Still, here are the hand rankings in video poker:
- Royal Flush: The strongest straight flush, consisting of 10-J-Q-K-A, is all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five cards in a row, all in the same suit, for example, 7-8-9-10-J.
- Four of a Kind: Four of the same card, such as four aces.
- Full House: Three of one card and two of another, such as 5-5-5-2-2.
- Flush: Any five cards all of the same suit.
- Straight: Five cards running in a sequence but not of the same suit, such as 7-8-9-10-J offsuit.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same value, such as 4-4-4.
- Two Pair: A pair of one card values combined with a pair of different values, such as 6-6-7-7.
- Pair: Two of the same card. In video poker, the lowest pair that is typically paid is a pair of jacks.
