Video Poker

Video poker is a popular casino game that combines elements of traditional poker and slot machines. Unlike live poker and online poker that’s played with other players, video poker is played on a computerized console similar to a slot machine. The objective of Video poker games is to create the best possible poker hand by holding or discarding cards dealt from a virtual deck.

Today, you can play games of Video poker for free across different platforms. You can download video poker games or play them online by registering on poker sites or live casinos. Many people interested in casino-like games prefer the smooth and easy gameplay of video poker games. You can find free online options, or even play cash tournaments of video poker.

Many people win real money through such games and you can do it too. Watching tutorials on how to play video poker online or reading guides on strategies and playing free video poker games are reliable options for newcomers to get started. Luckily, the rules and gameplay are also relatively simple to adapt.

What is Video Poker?

Video poker is a captivating casino game that marries the strategic elements of traditional poker with the simplicity and excitement of slot machines. Combining skill and luck, this electronic gaming sensation has gained immense popularity among casino enthusiasts worldwide.

That’s because Video poker online is interactive and interesting to those who are new to digital-based casino-like games. It incorporates elements of the original real money poker game integrated into slot machines.

Common Objectives of the Game

The aim of the players when they play video poker is to get the best poker hand, i.e., the set of five cards you deal during a round. You can get the strongest hand if you either keep the cards you have or pull other cards. When playing online, players get various random card options.

After examining the initial hand, players can choose which cards to keep and which to discard, aiming to improve their hand. Once the final decision is made, discarded cards are replaced, and the resulting hand is evaluated against a predetermined paytable.

However, a wise strategy and skill set can help you gain a better poker hand . The higher the value of the hand you play, the more is the point. Like, the Straight flush merits more cash compared to three-of-a-kind. On the screen of the game, there are two notable elements visible.

• Buttons- You can put up one or a maximum of five credits while playing video poker online via the buttons.
• Pay table-This appears at the top part of the video poker game screen. Here, information regarding the winning hand and payment value of each hand (credit-based) is visible.

In most games of video poker you play for free, you would receive five cards to play. In the video poker machines or platforms, there is a visible 'Hold' button. You would have to press on it during a round. The deal/draw button for drawing a new card or replacement is available on the right-hand-side screen corner of the free video poker game.

To note, the payouts from playing this wager can differ for all the video poker machines. Yet, for the best outcome from video poker online, you should have a basic understanding of the most valuable winning hands.

When you play video poker, the main currencies you would deal with are coins or credits. You can later choose how many coins you wish to place for your math and strategy.

Types of Video Poker Games

You can download video poker games for free of different kinds, varying by platform or casino basis. Typically, the gameplay remains the same for all. You should learn the poker rules of each and choose your most suitable strategy. Some of the most played video poker games across online, offline and offline casinos.

Jacks or Better

This variant of video poker games offer a high payout percentage. Beginners find this video poker online version simple. Players can win with any hand during video poker, as long as they get a pair of jacks or higher.

Double Bonus Poker

This is similar to Jacks or Better type of free video poker game. However, it provides the players a bonus payout if they draw four aces.

Deuces Wild

Here, a player draws 2’s of any card suit (Spades, Hearts, Clubs, and Diamonds) during video poker online. The lowest hand one can play here is a three of a kind.

Aces and Eights

This one is close to the Jacks or Better style as well. However, here, the highest possible payouts for when you play video poker are four 7s, 8s, or aces.

Video Poker Hand Rankings

The main point to focus on is the hand ranking system. The combination of your five drawn cards would determine your poker rankings while playing online or in a live casino. The types of winning hands ranked from the lowest to highest (as per the standard rules) are:

• Jacks or better
• Two Pair- Two cards each of two separate ranks is 2 pair poker
• Three of a Kind- Three cards belonging to one rank, plus two unmatched poker cards is Three of a Kind
• Straight Poker- Five cards from different suits in one consistent sequence is Straight Poker
• Flush Poker- The five drawn cards may not have the same sequence, but they must have the same suit
• Full House Poker- Three cards under one rank and two cards from another rank is Full House Poker
• Four Of a Kind- Four poker cards belonging to the same ranking
• Straight flush- five cards of one suit that are placed one after the other in sequence
• Royal Flush- From one suit- the ace, king, jack, queen, and 10 are all present is Royal Flush Poker

Playing Guide

In the context of how to play the game, you should learn the different rules and steps for gameplay. For the different free video poker game varieties, the rules are mostly the same. Yet, it is recommended to create a good poker strategy when you start the game.

• Decide on the amount of credit or coin size you wish to play video poker with. While playing a hand, players have the choice to either place one coin or five coins. The coin sizes vary as per payout.
• Hit the deal button and gain the first five cards when you start playing video poker online. The dealing of the cards can vary per game type, like all cards facing down.
• Players of video poker casinos deal out face-up cards one by one.
• Users of the video poker machines or software can choose which cards to keep or discard. Pressing the “hold” button under each card carries out the mentioned action.
• The discarded cards during the free video poker game are replaced with new poker cards. All these cards become the final hand. Players do not get any replacement chances during free video poker.
• The video poker machines or software automatically count the final hand and display the best hand. Also, the software highlights the winning hand and payout combination for the players.
• The payout activates or software redacts the losing credits before the new round starts.

Strategies and Tips to Play Video Poker Games

To select a successful video poker strategy, remember the video poker rules first. Also, utilize these points.

• Learn the basic video poker strategy or poker tells for improving your hand by strategizing well on your part.
• Know the Paytables: Different video poker machines have varying paytables, that indicate the payouts for different hand combinations. Familiarize yourself with the paytable of the specific machine you are playing, as this will impact which hands you should prioritize.
• When dealt the initial five cards, carefully assess your hand and decide which cards to keep and which to discard. As a general rule, hold on to strong hands such as higher pairs, three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind and cards that can make winning combinations. Discard unhelpful cards that do not contribute to any potential strong hand.
• Practice different variations of video poker games to improve your skills. This is important for beginner-level players and professional-level experts alike.
• It is best to play free video poker games for fun first before opting for real-money tournaments. Free video poker is good for improving the experience.
• Play with a Clear Mind. Like any casino game, it's essential to play video poker with a clear mind and avoid making impulsive decisions based on emotions. Stay focused on the strategies and maintain discipline in your gameplay.
• After gaining free online video poker skills, you can work with video poker machines with low pay table offers.
• Do not opt for pay tables with attractive deals during your first-time or early-level games.
• Start by playing with small amounts. Then try and slowly increase your profits.

Video Poker - FAQ