Video poker has become a hugely popular game at online casinos over the last few decades, allowing players to experience the fun of poker from the comfort of their own home. With the same general rules as five card draw poker, video poker adds in the extra dimension of strategy that comes from the player being able to choose which cards to hold and which to replace. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started playing this thrilling game online at Bet and Play Casino.
We’ll cover the basic rules and gameplay, the various pay tables and optimal strategies for different games, and tips to boost your performance. You’ll learn the fundamentals first, then dive into more advanced tips to take your skills to the next level. So get ready to become a video poker pro!
Understanding Video Poker Basics
Video poker machines function much like a slot machine combined with a five card draw poker game. You begin by placing a wager, then the machine deals you five cards. At this point, you can choose which cards to hold and which to discard in hopes of improving your hand. Once you confirm your choice, it deals replacement cards and determines your final poker hand. If your hand meets the requirements of the pay table, you receive a payout.
Hand Rankings and Pay Tables The hand rankings are the same as standard poker hands, from high card up to royal flush. The pay table outlines the payouts for different hand strengths, with higher hands earning bigger prizes. Pay tables can vary dramatically between games, so it’s important to find ones with good payback percentages. The best pay tables pay out over 99% to maximize your gameplay.
Game Variations
While Jacks or Better is the most popular title, you’ll find many commonly available variants including:
- Deuces Wild – Deuces act as wild cards to help make winning hands
- Double Bonus – Features higher payouts for four of a kind hands
- Double Double Bonus – Adds extra high payouts for four aces
- Joker Poker – Includes a joker as an extra wild card
Each game has its own optimal strategies based on the pay tables, which we’ll cover next.
Developing Video Poker Strategy
There is real skill and strategy involved in choosing which cards to hold and which to discard to give yourself the best odds possible of landing a winning combination. Mathematical calculations determine the optimal play for each hand based on what’s been dealt and the pay table structure.
While you can find strategy charts online for common games that spell everything out, here are some general strategic tips:
- Aim for hands that pay out more – prioritize four of a kind and full houses over flushes and straights
- Break up hands like two pair and three of a kind if you could land a higher four of a kind
- Go for the royal flush if you already have a ten and ace of the same suit – the payout makes it worthwhile
The key is to understand the pay tables and crunch the numbers to know which starting hands are worth holding and which you should break up. It takes practice, but following optimal strategy minimizes the house edge and boosts your returns.
Getting Started at Online Casinos
Signing up to play video poker online is quick and easy:
- Find a licensed, regulated online casino you trust
- Create your player account with your details
- Confirm your email to activate your account
- Deposit funds via the available banking methods
- Find the video poker games in the slots or table game sections
- Select your chosen game variant and coin size
- Place your wager and click Deal to receive your cards
Many online casinos also have practice play versions of their video poker selection available so you can get comfortable with the interface and gameplay before risking real money.
Pro Tips to Boost Your Performance
Once you know the basics, it’s time to step up your game with these pro tips:
- Learn optimal strategy guides to make the statistically best plays
- Shop around for casinos with the best pay tables
- Sign up for loyalty programs for free bonuses and rewards
- Manage your bankroll wisely and set loss limits
- Play max coins per hand to qualify for royal flush jackpots
- Brush up on new strategies whenever you switch games
Follow this blueprint for getting started with video poker online, and you’ll see your skills and enjoyment of the game grow in spades. And who knows, you may even hit that lucrative royal flush jackpot! The next step on your journey to becoming a video poker pro awaits.