Video poker at online casinos

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Also available under the names "Joker" or "Jacks or Better", video poker is the most popular version of the game. The basic rules combine the mechanics of a slot machine and the rules of five-card exchange poker. Unlike slot machine games, video poker gives you the opportunity to learn and increase your chances of winning by counting cards and using simple statistics. Below you will find out what video poker is, how to play and what strategies to use to increase your chances of winning.

Explanation of the rules of online video poker

If you've played online poker before, video poker shouldn't be a problem. The same schemes are used here. After receiving cards, the player can exchange any number of them to get the best possible combination. After exchanging or deciding to leave the cards in hand, a comparison with the pay table is made. The amount of the bet is multiplied by the number indicated in the table.

It is worth remembering a few rules:

  • don't bet all your money on one game;
  • trade cards that will give you the least chance of winning anything;
  • don't aim for high hands unless you have a strong foundation for your first hand.

As an example of how the game will play out, here is a random deal:

  • bet setting - 20;
  • the player is dealt 7, 8, K, K, K, 2;
  • seeing 2 kings, the player decides to exchange the remaining cards (7,8 and 2);
  • after the exchange the player's hand is K, 4, K, K, K;
  • the player's cards (K, 4, K, K, K, 9) are compared to the pay table;
  • the player has three kings (K, K, K, K), which according to the table gives him a triple win;
  • the player receives a payout of 60.

Hand types and payouts in video poker

Starting with the lowest score, victory is guaranteed by the appearance of one of the following hands:

  • pair: in the case of "Jacks or better" it will be at least a pair of Jacks
  • two pairs: two pairs of cards. In this arrangement, there is no longer a need to collect high pieces.
  • Three: three cards of the same value.
  • Straight: five consecutive cards of any suit.
  • suit: five cards of the same suit (clubs, spades, hearts or diamonds).
  • Full House: a three and a pair.
  • Poker: consecutive cards of the same suit.
  • Royal Flush: a type of poker in which the cards are an ace, king, queen, queen, jack and ten.

Video Poker Payouts

Video poker payouts are based on the size of the hand. The lowest payout will be a pair and the highest payout will be a poker bet. Below you will see a table describing the amount of individual winnings.

Understanding the basic features of video poker

Video poker is based on the mechanics of slot machines. As such, it is easy to use and once you familiarize yourself with the features, it shouldn't be a problem for anyone. You have a few buttons and your own strategy at your disposal. The rest happens on its own.

If you have any doubts, use the instructions below. Here you will find descriptions of the buttons and individual elements that you will use in the game. Knowing them will give you more confidence during the game. The machine will also prevent you from making mistakes.

Buttons

A typical vending machine has several buttons. Its role is to make the game easier, so that the user can focus on the game itself without having to constantly look at the prompts.

  • Bet first: here you can increase the amount of your bet.
  • Deal/Draw: starts the game and is responsible for dealing the cards.
  • Hold: The cards remain in your hand.
  • Max Bet: Bet the maximum amount available.

Terminology

Here are the terms you need to know. Conscious play is the foundation!

  • Coin - the "tokens" used in the game;
  • Credits - the money you play with;
  • Bet - the bet amount and bet increases;
  • Payout Table - the payout table that tells you how much winnings you are entitled to in a given hand;
  • Win - the win is the value of the hand multiplied by the number of coins used.

Welcome promotions for video poker players

Don't waste your time looking for unique video poker bonuses, we can tell you right away that there are none. However, fans of the game can still supplement their earnings by taking advantage of the standard welcome offer. Packages created for new members regularly include a first deposit opportunity that can easily double your budget.

Some online gambling sites also offer a no deposit bonus to any player who opens an account. In either case, you will need to win back your bet before you can withdraw your winnings. Video poker stakes can vary greatly from site to site, so be sure to read each site's terms and conditions. In addition to welcome gifts, video poker players can also receive reload bonuses and loyalty points that can be redeemed for real money, cash bonuses and/or other gifts.

All about odds, RTP and casino margin

The casino has its own rules. It is worth knowing them, as your chance of winning and the amount of your winnings depends on them. Casinos can take a certain percentage of your winnings, so it pays to know the rules of a particular game well every time.

Video poker has one important advantage - a high return for the player. Casino games offer a probability of winning that is a certain percentage lower than the probability of losing. Otherwise, their existence would not make sense from a business perspective.

With the strategic opportunities that video poker offers, this disparity is very close to zero. A player who knows how to utilize the opportunities available is capable of winning large sums of money. The key here is to spend enough time and learn the strategy.

Interesting betting strategies

Regardless of the version of poker, strategy is the key. However, there is no one strategy that can guarantee you will win every game. The most important thing is to learn how they work and adapt the strategy to your specific case. Poker, like any game of chance, also requires a certain amount of luck. If the odds are in your favor, strategy will do the rest! Here are 2 simple and effective examples:

Big layouts

This is quite a risky strategy, but it can yield the highest profits. It involves sacrificing potential gains in favor of higher gains.

Let's say you have a hand of 9, 10, J, J, J, Q. This will bring you the lowest winnings. However, if you are aiming for a high combination, you will trade one jack and hope for an 8 or K. The chances of getting one of these cards are slim, but the possible winnings may be worth the risk.

Remember, however, not to look for high hands where there are none. When you see a hand of Q, Q, 2, 7, 4 you can count on a three or four, not necessarily a straight flush or straight. Play smart and remember:

  • draw cards to the highest matching hand;
  • do not try to get more than the cards actually allow.

Any deal

If you are aiming for any winning combinations, you are unlikely to get a big win. It will be more certain. If you see a pair in your hand, don't change it. Instead, you can draw cards. If luck is on your side, you will draw another matching card. If not, you will lose nothing.

Using this strategy, you are not focused on the highest, but on the most likely winnings. This is even more effective, as it will probably allow you to play more rounds than using the big hand strategy.

Of course, even aiming to collect any hand does not preclude a straight flush. However, it will be much more difficult. Whatever strategy you choose, don't forget that poker is first and foremost fun!

The rules of the game for any hand are:

  • Don't substitute cards from a ready-made hand,
  • don't take unnecessary risks.

By keeping an eye out for bonuses and promotions, you increase your chances of extending your video poker play time, giving you more opportunities to win.

Kellee Maize Team

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