Video poker – a combination between poker and slots
More and more online gamblers enjoy playing video poker games. But why? And how do video poker games work?
Video poker is a mix of video slots and the card game poker. When you play, you are usually dealt five cards. You can choose to hold some cards that might be useful and replace the rest with new ones. Once you have your new cards, the round is over.
Your goal is to make one or more good combinations with your five cards. These combinations can include one pair (usually jacks or better), two pair, three of a kind, or a flush.
Playing video poker requires a bit of luck to get the right cards. Additionally, you need to use some skill to hold the best cards for each situation. Since the game forces you to make choices, you need to stay active while playing.
In this article, i will explain more about video poker, the different types of video poker games, and the best casinos where you can play!
Summary
- Video Poker games are based on the five card Poker game.
- Although this game is available in many different versions Jack or Better is the most popular game type.
- Video Poker games are normally played with a 52 cards.
- The outcome of Video Poker games are based on algorithms but you can have a effect on the outcome of a round by choosing the right cards.
- Video Poker games became popular since they offer more interaction with the player then regular video slots.
The history begin video poker
Video Poker games are already around since the early 70’s. The first Video Poker slot was introduces in the magic city of Las Vegas. And since the introduction the game of Video Poker became pretty popular through the years.
The most important reason for the growth of Video Poker is that the games offers a bit more action than regular video slots. While playing Video Slots you simply press a button and wait. When the slot has stopper you will see your prize and the round is over. While playing Video Poker you can have sort of an impact of the outcome of a game. You can for example hold cards to improve your chances of winning. The better you do this, the bigger the chance that you make a profit.
Since the rise of the internet more and more gamblers play Video Poker games online. There are many reliable online casinos that offer exciting video poker games. Although the game of Jacks and Better is the most popular there are many versions of Video Poker games. This keeps the game very interesting for its players. When you get bored of one version, you can simply switch to the next one. Since the Video Poker machines don’t take up space online, a casino can have a lot of them!
In the paragraph below you will find some of the best casinos to start playing video poker games online. Have a look at the top casinos right know and sign up to collect a generous welcome offer.
Trustworthy Canadian online casinos that offer video poker games
Underneath casinos offer players from Canada an interesting range of video poker games.
How to play a video poker machine
Ready to start some action? Sign up for a free account at one of the online casinos listed in the table above. Once you’ve registered, you can access the Video Poker games available in the gaming lobby. Most casinos have a special category for Video Poker games, making it easier to find your favorites.
After selecting a game, decide how much you want to bet per round. You can do this by choosing the number of coins and the value per coin. Betting the maximum amount of coins often gives you a chance to win a special jackpot. Some games also allow you to set bets for the next 10 or 25 rounds.
Once your bet is placed, press the “Deal” button. The computer will deal you five cards. You can hold cards you think will help you form a strong combination. Sometimes, the computer will automatically hold certain cards for you, like a pair. You can undo this action if you prefer. To hold a card, click on it, and click again to undo. After selecting the cards to hold, click “Draw.” You will receive 1 to 5 new cards, depending on your luck, to improve your hand.
If you make a winning combination, your winnings will be added to your account automatically. Many games also offer a gamble feature, allowing you to try and double your winnings. Usually, this involves picking a card higher than the computer’s card. Winning doubles your money, but losing means you forfeit your winnings. Most Video Poker games let you double your winnings multiple times, offering a chance for significant payouts.
Winning combinations
While playing Video Poker you will need to make Poker combinations in order to win money. The harder the combination is, the better the payout will be. During almost every Video Poker game the Royal Flush is the top paying combination. Other good combination are a 5 of a Kind, a Straight Flush or for example 4 Deuces during the game Deuces Wild. When you make a easy combination like a Three of a Kind, a Flush or a Straight you will only earn back your stake most of the times. When you make no combination at all you will win nothing.
During a game of Video Poker you will always need to think which card(s) you want to keep. You can for example keep a few cards which almost make a (Royal) Flush. You do this when you hope you can finish the combination during the next draw. Other combinations you might want to keep are pairs. When you hit one pair you can go for a Three of a Kind. During some games you will also get paid for a One Pair or a Two Pair. When you get Two Pair on the first draw you might want to keep them in order to make a Full House after the next round. When you hit for example a 6,7,8 and 9 you might want to hold these in order to make a straight (flush) after landing a 5 or 10. While playing you will learn more about which combination are smart to keep and when to throw cards away. In the end you will of course also need a lot of luck in order to win money. Video Poker stays a game of chance, and not really a skill game!
Popular video poker games
At most online casinos you will find a lot of different Video Poker games. Most of these games have the same basics, but a few special rules. The most popular Video Poker game is Jacks or Better. But there are way more exciting Video Poker games including Deuces Wilds, Joker Poker and Aces and Faces. Below I will highlight some of the most popular Video Poker games and their special rules.
1. Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most popular video poker game. In this game, you win money if you get a pair of Jacks or better. If you land a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces, you usually win your money back.
If you get a better combination, such as Two Pairs, a Flush, or a Full House, you will make a nice profit. Betting the maximum amount of coins often gives you the chance to win a special jackpot if you land a Royal Flush.
While the Royal Flush offers a great prize, the chances of hitting it are very small.
2. Deuces Wild
One other popular Video Poker games is Deuces Wild. While playing Deuces Wild all Deuces (2) will be Wild. This means they will substitute for all other numbers are faces. When landing a Deuce you will probably always want to hold it. You can use it to make for example a Three of a Kind, a Flush or a Straight. While landing multiple Deuces the chances of making high paying combinations is pretty good. Most of the times you will also win a very good prize when landings 4 Deuces. Personally I like the addition of Wilds to the game, and that’s why I prefer Deuces Wild over Jacks or Better.
3. Tens or Better
This Video Poker game is kind of the same as Jacks or Better. The biggest difference between the games is that this game also offers a payout for a pair of Ten’s. One other difference is that this game pays a bit lower prizes since it will pay out more prizes. If you like to hit prize from time to time this is a good game to play.
4. Joker Poker
Joker Poker is a bit of a special game. It isn’t played with a total of 52 cards but with one more, 53! The additional card is a Joker. This Joker card will act as an Wild card. You can use this Wild card as any card to complete a combination. While playing Joker Poker the minimum pair to win is most of the times Kings or Better. When you land one pair (King or Aces) or a Two Pair you will receive you bet back. Other better Poker combination will pay a lot more. When you are in a lucky streak you can make a nice profit while playing Joker Poker.
5. Aces and Faces
The Aces and Faces Video Poker game is also a variant on the Jack or Better game. While playing Aces and Faces you will only enjoy a slightly higher payout for four of a kinds including Aces and Faces. Four of a kinds (2 to 10) will pay a bit lower. Some Aces and Faces Poker game, like the one from Betsoft below, offer multiple paytables. In this case you can make winning combinations using three, four and five cards. The downside of this is that you will bet more than during regular games.
If you want to try out one or more of these game we recommend signing up at one of the online casinos in our table. All casinos that we have listed are safe and reliable. We have tested all casinos on our site in our to know for sure they are good for our players.
Video poker tips
We have selected some tips for you which will increase your chance of succes while playing video poker.
- Get familiar with the rules and pay tables: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and pay tables of the video poker game you’re playing. Different variants (like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Double Bonus Poker) have different rules and payout structures.
- Use optimal strategy: Study and use an optimal strategy for the specific variant you’re playing. This can significantly improve your odds of winning. Strategy charts are available online for most popular video poker games.
- Play maximum coins: Always play the maximum number of coins. Most video poker machines offer higher payouts for the royal flush when you bet the maximum number of coins, which can significantly increase your potential winnings.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your video poker sessions and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and know when to walk away. Managing your bankroll helps you play responsibly and enjoy the game longer.
- Practice for free: Take advantage of free video poker games available online to practice your skills and strategies without risking real money. This helps you become more comfortable with the game before playing for real money.
- Take advantage of promotions: Look for online casinos that offer bonuses, rewards, and loyalty programs. These can provide extra value and enhance your playing experience. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any bonuses.
- Always hold high cards: When in doubt, hold on to high cards (like Jacks or higher) as they increase your chances of forming a winning hand. Discard low cards unless they form part of a promising combination.
- Avoid distractions: Stay focused while playing video poker. Avoid distractions that can lead to mistakes. Concentration is key to making the best decisions based on your cards and strategy.
- Know when to fold: If your initial hand is weak and offers no potential for improvement, don’t hesitate to fold and start a new round. Sometimes it’s better to cut your losses early.
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