A slot machine type game Video Poker (in Lithuanian, video pokeris) is like another slot machine, but it is a game very close to poker, although it has fundamental differences. Due to its connections with regular poker, it is very popular and loved both online and in slot machine salons or casinos.
Video poker. Where is the best place to play poker?
Interestingly, video poker has countless variations and different calculation methods, so when sitting at a slot machine or opening a browser window with games, you should carefully look at the winning conditions. It is especially worth paying attention to which combination the winnings are paid from, as in many cases the payout starts from a pair of jacks or tens and above. For lower pairs or a high card, the payout is not paid, and it is considered a loss. The higher the requirements, the greater the casino's advantage, but often the higher the payouts for higher combinations.
Video poker, how to play it?
Traditional video poker, when played with one hand of cards, proceeds as follows:
- A bet is placed;
- Five cards are dealt;
- Choose the cards you want to keep;
- Replacement cards are dealt in place of those you did not choose to keep;
- Your hand is evaluated;
- The winnings are paid out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruRZsYaX97c
Betting
Betting ranges can be from very small to quite large. It all depends on the house policy or the specific table. Usually, the minimum bet is 1 euro or 1 US dollar, but you can find even smaller possible bets, for example, 10 cents. The maximum bet rarely exceeds 100 euros/dollars.
Card Selection
When you receive five initial cards, you can choose which ones you want to keep and which ones you will replace. There is only one replacement, so carefully evaluate your choice. It is worth keeping when you have a guaranteed win, for example, a minimum or higher pair. Of course, it is definitely worth choosing better combinations, as it is a guaranteed victory. Unless you like to take big risks and want to get the best – royal flush. However, we doubt whether it is really worth acting this way.
For example, if the game is of the “Jacks or better” type, it would be very rational to keep two jacks if you receive them along with any other three cards. In this case, you will definitely not lose, you will get back what you bet, and maybe even win more, as you might get at least one more jack or perhaps get a second pair. Read more about payouts below.
Hand Evaluation
After the card replacement, your hand is evaluated. You do not have to win against another player, dealer, or anyone else – the payouts are fixed and depend on the specific results of your hand, not on whether it is higher than someone else's or not. In other words, video poker is a game with yourself. It is perfect for players seeking tranquility.
Video poker. Where is the best place to play?
Typical Video Poker Payouts
Since Video Poker has many different versions, payouts vary depending on the specific casinos and games. They can also differ if there is a progressive jackpot, which is often awarded to those who get a Royal Flush.
Nevertheless, the indicative or typical video poker payouts are approximately as follows:
- For a pair of jacks or better – 1:1
- For two pairs – 2:1
- For three of a kind – 3:1
- For a straight – 4:1
- For a flush – 6:1
- For a full house – 9:1
- For four of a kind – 25:1
- For a straight flush – 50:1
- For a royal flush – 250:1
It is not difficult to win minimally, the probability is quite high, but undoubtedly, the casino definitely has an advantage over the players. For this reason, it is worth withdrawing in time if Fortune has not let you down.
Doubling or All-In
Some video poker games also offer a doubling option. It is possible when you win at least some amount of money. By choosing to double, you have to guess whether the next card will be higher than the drawn one or not. If you guess correctly – you win double, if not – you lose all your won money. Risky, but sometimes quite interesting, but it has nothing to do with poker and more resembles betting. Suitable for those who strongly believe in their luck.
Video Poker Strategies
Only a very small part of slot machine games provide the opportunity to strategize. Video poker is one of those games. The strategy starts with choosing the machine. You should not look at those machines that offer lower payouts for a full house and a flush than in the table above, that is, 9:1 and 6:1.
When playing, always keep high pairs that already guarantee a return of money. This will allow you not to lose money and leave you a chance to get bigger winnings: four of a kind, three of a kind, two pairs, or a full house.
To make it easier to play, you can choose machines that allow you to play with five hands in one game. Interestingly, your first cards are the same for all five hands, saved as well, but the replaced ones are different. This allows you to win faster and more, but it may be a bit difficult for inexperienced players. However, you will definitely manage with five hands, but with more (and there can be even 50 or more), it will definitely be difficult.
Which cards to keep?
If you have only high cards (higher than the minimum required pair card) – keep the highest ones. The probability of getting a pair is not small. If you have only low cards – discard them all.
If you have a low pair that does not reach the minimum payout limit, keep it, except if you are one or two cards short of a straight flush.
If you have a higher pair – always keep it. Some more experienced players tend to discard a high card if they are one or two cards short of a straight flush. However, this is already a risk, while a pair is a guaranteed payout.
Two pairs – always keep them. Unless you want to take a risk and hope to get a straight flush. It is worth discarding for such a reason only if you are one or two cards short.
Three of a kind – keep them without question. The same goes for four of a kind – hoping to get something better would be very naive.
Big Bets – Big Wins
If you came to video poker to win, not just to spend time calmly – try playing with larger, for example, maximum video poker amounts. This results in much more significant winnings when you get a royal pair or another high combination. Often, just a few wins are enough, and you will feel that you have had enough – you will reach your goal. Of course, this increases the risk, so you should carefully evaluate whether it will not be too dangerous and risky for you.
