Step into the tornado world of video poker, where strategy and fortune clash in cyberspace. We at CoinPoker love the newest gaming trends. From classic staples to innovative twists, we've got you covered.
Want to move your video poker game to the next level? Let's go over the rules, tricks, and tips that will guide you to video poker games mastery.
What is Video Poker?
Digitally born in the 1970s, video poker revolutionized casino gaming by combining poker strategy and the solitude of slot machines. The computer card game became an instant casino staple and offered better odds than many traditional games.
Players in video poker are dealt five cards, select ones to hold, and discard the remaining to make the most favorable hand. Video poker is different from slots because it responds to skill and strategy rather than luck. Since several types of games exist, players have a choice of matching their type.
Video poker became most popular in tandem with online casino breakthrough, offering convenient home gameplay and increasing game type selection. Its affordable odds and skill component render it a more desirable choice to slots for most players. And, video poker bonuses can often be much more lucrative than poker bonuses, giving the player even greater incentive to try their luck at this exciting pastime.
What Are the Rules in Video Poker?
The rules of video poker are easy to follow. Each round begins with placing your bet – typically between one and five coins. After betting, you’re dealt five cards from a standard 52-card deck (53 with a joker in some variants).
That's where strategy comes in: you must decide which cards to hold on to and which to discard. Simply touch or click on the ones you'd like to keep, then click the 'Deal' or 'Draw' button. The machine will discard your previous cards for new ones, and your finished hand is graded against the game paytable.
Winning cards follow standard poker ranks, from pairs (usually Jacks or better) up to Royal Flush. The higher your hand, the greater the payoff. Be aware that most machines reward a maximum top prize for Royal Flushes when playing maximum coins!
How Does Video Poker Differ from Traditional Poker?
Although video poker looks similar to its traditional counterpart, it is a unique game with characteristics of its own:
Solo Play: You don't play against the other players or even a dealer in video poker. It's just you and the machine.
Set Payouts: Unlike the ever-changing pot amounts in regular poker, video poker has set payouts that are based on the strength of your hand.
Quick Gameplay: Video poker hands are determined in seconds, giving you much faster action than in regular poker games.
No Bluffing: Your poker face will do you no good here. Success in video poker is a matter of making mathematically accurate decisions.
Multi-Hand Options: The majority of video poker machines allow you to play many hands simultaneously, increasing the excitement and reward.
Video Poker Variants
Video poker isn't a single-size-fits-all proposition. Though the classic Jacks or Better remains a timeless favorite, wild variations like Deuces Wild are popular. Every game has its own sets of rules and approaches. Let's review some popular video poker variations:
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is a traditional video poker game that is perfect for beginners. It's easy, ubiquitous,.-%rip" and offers players among the finest odds. You'll be guaranteed at least a pair of Jacks to take home in this game, which is uncomplicated yet rewarding. The "full pay" 9/6 rendition (9 times for Full House, 6 times for Flush) offers the best odds, with a house edge of merely 0.46% played optimally.
Here is a quick strategy tip: Always have a paying hand (Jacks or better), but do not mind breaking it up if you have four to a Royal Flush. The potential payout is worth the risk!
Tens or Better
Tens or Better is the variant of Jacks or Better in which wins are obtained by using pairs of tens or higher. It pays more frequently, yet the bigger hands have lower payouts to make things even. It's suited for those who prefer to see more frequent, though smaller, victories. The reduced variance is ideal for players with smaller bankrolls or who prefer longer playing sessions.
As you play Tens or Better, remember that the requirement of a lower pair does not necessarily mean you will retain a pair of tens. There can be instances where drawing to a straight or flush pays more in the long run.
Deuces Wild
All 2s are wild in Deuces Wild, which increases the winning chances. It is a high-volatility game that has the potential to award gigantic wins but also requires careful bankroll management. With optimal play, some of the Deuces Wild games can provide over 100% return to player (RTP). But that includes added variance, so good bankroll management is a must.
One of the key strategies in Deuces Wild is never to discard a deuce. Too precious are these wild cards to discard them. Do also not split low-paying hands when you can win with a four of a kind or better.
Aces and Faces
Aces and Faces offers bonus payments for four-of-a-kind hands consisting of Aces or face cards. Standard winning hands start at Jacks or Better, but the allure of higher payouts for premium hands is the reason why this game is enjoyed by players who want to win more. Strategy is similar to Jacks or Better, only with some adjustment to accommodate the bonus payments.
In Aces and Faces, you will be more inclined to draw to four of a kind if you have been dealt three Aces or face cards because of the higher pay for these hands.
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker pays better Four of a Kind bonuses on certain Four of a Kind hands. While it typically pays less for Full Houses and Flushes than Jacks or Better pays for Jacks or Better, the possibility of paying higher Four of a Kind rewards makes the game exciting. It is a fair compromise between the good play of Jacks or Better and the extreme variance of Deuces Wild.
When playing Bonus Poker pay special attention to hands that include three of a kind. With the potential to hit a high paying four of a kind these hands are very valuable.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker takes the concept of Bonus Poker further, offering even higher payouts for Four of a Kind hands. This high-volatility game can provide massive wins but also requires a larger bankroll to weather the swings. The reduced payouts for lower-ranking hands mean you’ll need to adjust your strategy accordingly.
In Double Bonus Poker, the best strategy is often to break up bad-paying hands into drawing to good-paying four of a kind hands. It will create more losing hands, but the possibility for high payouts makes up for it in the long run.