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 Like a Pro in the Philippines
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
Those who have played other versions of poker will quickly recognize the possible card combinations in video poker. After all, they include the most popular — and desirable — options, such as Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.
Depending on the variation you are playing, some combinations will be possible and others will not. Therefore, it is important to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start.
The payouts for each combination obtained are calculated according to the odds of getting them. In other words, the harder it is to get a winning hand, the higher the prize you will receive. The paytable may vary slightly in each game, but generally follows a similar structure.
Below, we list the most common hand rankings and payouts in the main variations of video poker.
Jacks or Better
In this version of video poker, the main feature is the possibility of winning with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, when you get a Jacks or Better combination, the payout is equal to the amount of the bet you placed.
- 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 other version of video poker, the main feature is the presence of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for other cards.
Naturally, this changes the entire payout structure. At the same time, it requires a bit more attention when choosing which cards to keep in your hand or discard.
- 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?
First, make sure to pick a trusted and reputable online casino that features Video Poker. Once you've deposited funds into your account, select your preferred game version, like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Then, launch the game, set your desired bet amount, and click '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 hands for winning at Video Poker?
The winning hands in Video Poker can differ based on the specific game version you're playing. Generally, you'll aim for combinations like a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, or Two Pairs. For instance, in Jacks or Better, a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces is enough to secure a win. If you're playing Deuces Wild, all the 2s act as wild cards, giving you more opportunities to complete winning hands.
What are the basic rules of Video Poker?
Typically, Video Poker is played using a standard 52-card deck. Your first step is to choose your bet amount, as your potential winnings will directly depend on this wager. After you're dealt the initial five cards, you'll decide which cards to 'HOLD' to try and form the best possible winning hand. Once you receive new cards to replace those you 'DISCARDED', any winning combination you achieve will result in a payout.
