How to Play Video Poker online
One of the main virtues of video poker is how dynamic it can be. While the game has simple rules and moves quickly, it also requires the player to do more than just press buttons and wait for the result.
What do we mean by that? Well, we are just saying you will have to use your brain if you want to truly enjoy what video poker has to offer. It involves understanding what are the best odds you have after seeing the first cards, then deciding which ones you will keep.
The truth is that video poker can be fun and challenging at the same time. That's why we bring you a quick guide to enjoy each round of this game to the fullest: with fun and, who knows, some nice profit in your pocket.
Video Poker Rules: How to Play the Game for Filipino Players
The general rules of video poker are quite easy to learn. The way the game works may vary slightly depending on the variation of video poker you choose. However, the main aspects remain the same. So, you will not have so much of a problem adapting from one variation to another.
Unlike other poker games, this is a solitary game. Only you will receive cards. Instead of comparing your hand with other players or with a casino dealer, the goal here is to form a combination that pays out according to the game's paytable.
Here's how it works:
- You must first select a value for your bet.
- Next, click on DEAL to reveal the five initial cards.
- Analyze the cards, choose which ones you want to keep, and click on HOLD.
- Then, click on DRAW to receive new cards in place of the ones you discarded.
- If you get a valid combination, you will automatically receive a prize according to the paytable.
Some steps may vary depending on the version you are playing. In some games, you can activate the auto-hold feature to automatically choose which cards to keep in your hand, for example.
In any case, keep in mind that the cards are dealt randomly, similar to online slot machines. You can try to adopt strategies to win at video poker, but you cannot predict which cards the game will draw for you.
Understanding Hands in Video Poker for Filipino Players
Players familiar with other poker games will instantly recognize the hand combinations in video poker. These include the most popular and sought-after hands like Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.
Depending on the specific video poker variation you're playing, certain combinations might be achievable while others aren't. It's crucial to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start playing.
The payouts for each combination are determined by the odds of achieving them. Simply put, the rarer a winning hand is, the higher the prize you'll receive. While paytables can differ slightly between games, they generally follow a similar structure.
Below, we outline the most common hand rankings and their payouts across the main variations of video poker.
Jacks or Better
In this popular video poker variant, the key feature is the ability to win with a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, landing a Jacks or Better combination pays out an amount equal to your original bet.
- Royal Flush: 1 to 250
- Straight Flush: 1 to 50
- Four of a Kind: 1 to 25
- Full House: 1 to 9
- Flush: 1 to 6
- Straight: 1 to 4
- Three of a Kind: 1 to 3
- Two Pairs: 1 to 2
- Jacks or Better: 1 to 1
Deuces Wild
In this exciting variation of video poker, the standout feature is the inclusion of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for any other card, offering more winning possibilities for players in the Philippines.
Naturally, this significantly alters the payout structure. It also requires a bit more strategic thinking when deciding which cards to hold onto and which to discard, a challenge many Filipino players enjoy.
- Natural Royal Flush: 1 to 800
- Four Deuces: 1 to 200
- Wild Royal Flush: 1 to 25
- Five of a Kind: 1 to 15
- Straight Flush: 1 to 10
- Four of a Kind: 1 to 4
- Full House: 1 to 4
- Flush: 1 to 3
- Straight: 1 to 2
- Three of a Kind: 1 to 1
FAQ
How to Play Video Poker Online in the Philippines?
To start playing Video Poker, first, choose a trusted and high-quality online casino that caters to players in the Philippines and offers the game. After depositing funds into your account, select your preferred Video Poker version, such as the popular Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Then, begin the game by choosing your bet amount and clicking "DEAL." Review the initial five cards you receive and decide which ones to hold and which to discard. Finally, new cards will replace the discarded ones, and you'll see if you've formed a winning hand.
What are the Winning Hands in Video Poker?
The winning hands in Video Poker can vary based on the specific game version you're playing. Commonly recognized winning combinations include a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, and Two Pairs. In the Jacks or Better variant, you can secure a win with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. For the Deuces Wild version, the 2s act as wild cards, significantly increasing your chances of forming powerful winning hands.
What are the Basic Rules of Video Poker for Filipino Players?
Video Poker is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. To begin, you'll select your desired bet amount, which directly influences your potential winnings. After receiving your initial five cards, your goal is to strategically choose which cards to keep (hold) and which to discard, aiming to form the best possible poker hand. Once you receive new cards to replace the discarded ones, any winning combination you achieve will result in a payout according to the game's paytable, a key aspect for Filipino players to understand for optimal strategy.
