Video Poker


Video Poker

Video Poker is a popular online casino game derived from five card draw poker although there are vast quantities of game variations within this genre so you’ll be spoilt for choice and find it very difficult to ever get bored! Unlike poker which is played at a table, video poker is played on a console which resembles a slot machine.

There are numerous reasons why video poker games are so popular amongst players who enjoy skill games, including the fact that it is very easy to learn and play, has a low House Edge which can be lowered even further when employing solid basic video poker strategy, the potential for huge payouts on limited budgets as well as the amount of game play that you get for your money compared to other casino games. Not to mention that it is not as intimidating as sitting down to an actual poker game at a casino.

The object of Video Poker and how to play the game

The aim of video poker is to build the best 5 card poker hand possible in order to win according to their various values:
Winning Video Poker Hands (in descending order)

  • Royal Flush (an ace high straight flush of the same suit e.g. 10 of hearts, Jack of hearts, Queen of hearts, King of hearts and Ace of hearts in any order).
  • Straight Flush (five cards of the same suit in consecutive order)
  • Four of Kind (four cards of the same value e.g. 4 of hearts, 4 of aces, 4 of spades and 4 of clubs)
  • Full House (a hand comprised of three of a kind and a pair)
  • Flush (5 cards all of the same suit)
  • Straight (5 cards in sequential order but of differing suits)
  • Three of a Kind ( three cards of the same value plus two different cards)
  • Two Pair (two separate pairs of cards)
  • Jacks or Better (a hand made up of Jacks or higher value cards, anything lower in value is a losing hand)

No matter which video poker game variation you’re playing, the objective remains the same and each hand begins in the same manner. Once you have selected your wager on the machine console, click or push the “deal” button and your 5 cards will be dealt.

Should your hand consist of strong cards that could potentially help you win, you are required to “hold” these by pushing or clicking the Hold button. So if you are playing Jacks or Better you should hold any Jack cards as well those of a higher value (King, Queen, Ace), some machines will do this for you while others require manual holds.

Once you have selected the cards you want to hold, press the “deal” button again and the cards you didn’t hold will be replaced with new ones. If some or none of the cards can assist you in improving your original hand you’ll be paid out according to what it was (if applicable) or if you receive additional winning cards you’ll be paid out accordingly.

The Video Poker Gamble Feature

Many video poker games offer players the “Gamble” or “Double” feature which allows for the opportunity to either double your full winning amount of half thereof should you not wish to cash it out by selecting “Collect” on the console.

If you’re someone that enjoys a high risk element to your game play then you may choose to Double all of your winnings or Double half of them by selecting the Gamble feature. Five cards will be dealt, one face up and the rest face down and you will then be required to select one of four face down playing cards and if it is higher in value than the face up card you’ll double your winnings but it if is lower you’ll lose them according the bet (full or half). You can then collect the winnings or choose to activate the gamble feature once again.

Video Poker Strategy

While there are some advance video poker strategies and techniques, the most effective way to win is to learn the odds of each bet and which cards are best discarded or retained and to use the gamble feature sparingly.