Video Poker

Video Poker is like another slot machine, but it's very close to poker, although it has some key differences. Its similarities to regular poker make it very popular and well-liked, both online and in slots parlours or casinos.

Video Poker. Where is the best place to play poker?

Interestingly, video poker has many different variations and different calculation methodologies, so you should take a close look at the win conditions when you sit down at a slot machine or open a game window in your browser. In particular, it is worth paying attention to the combinations on which wins are paid out, as most payouts are made on Jacks or on pairs of tens and above. Lower pairs or high cards do not pay out and are considered a loss. The higher the requirements, the greater the house edge, but in many cases also the higher the payouts for higher combinations.

Video poker, how to play it?

Traditional video poker, which is played with a single hand of cards, follows the following sequence:

• A bet is placed;
• Five cards are dealt;
• Select the cards you want to save;
• Replacement cards are received to replace the cards you did not choose to keep;
• Your hand is appreciated;
• Winnings are paid out.

Building

The frames can range from very small to quite large. It all depends on the policy of the gambling house or the table in question. The most common minimum bet is €1 or $1, but you can also find even smaller possible bets, such as 10 cents. The maximum bet rarely exceeds 100 euros/$.

Choice of cards

When you are dealt five initial cards, you can choose which ones you want to keep and which ones you want to change. There is only one exchange, so make sure you weigh your choices carefully. It is worth keeping when you have a guaranteed win, such as a minimum or higher pair. Of course, the better combinations are definitely worth choosing as they are guaranteed to win. Unless you like to take big risks and want to get the best - a royal flush. However, we doubt if it is really worth it.

For example, if the game is "Jacks or better" type (Jacks or better), it would be very rational to keep exactly two Jacks after receiving two Jacks and any other three cards. In this case you will not lose, you will get back what you bet, and you might win even more, because you might get at least one more jack or you might get a second pair. See below for payouts.

Hand assessment

Your hand is evaluated after the change of cards. You don't have to win against another player, the dealer or anyone else - the payouts are fixed and depend on the specific performance of your hand, not whether it is higher than someone else's or not. In other words, video poker is a game with yourself. Perfect for players looking for peace and quiet.

Video Poker. Where best to play ?

Typical Video Poker Payouts

As Video Poker has many different versions, the payouts vary from casino to casino and game to game. There can also be a difference if there is a jackpot, which is often awarded to those who collect a Royal Flush.

However, indicative or typical payouts in video poker are roughly as follows:

• For a pair of Jacks or better - 1:1
• For two pairs - 2:1
• 3:1 for three of a kind
• For queue - 4:1
• For colour - 6:1
• For a full house - 9:1
• For four of a kind - 25:1
• 50:1 for a single row
• For a royal queue - 250:1

It's not difficult to win minimally, the odds are quite high, but there is no doubt that the casino has a definite edge over the players. For this reason, it's a good idea to get out in time if you're not disappointed by luck.

Doubling or Va Bank

Some video poker games also offer a doubling option. This is possible when you win at least a certain amount of money. If you choose to double down, you have to guess whether or not the next card will be higher than the one you drew. If you guess, you win double, if you don't, you lose the full amount of money you have drawn. It's risky, but sometimes it's fun, but it has nothing to do with poker, it's more like betting. Suitable for those who are very confident of their success.

Video poker strategies

Only a very small number of slot games offer the possibility to strategise. Video poker is one of those games. Strategy starts with the choice of machine. You should not look at machines that offer lower payouts for full house and colour than the above table, i.e. for 9:1 and 6:1.

Always keep high pairs when playing, which already guarantees a refund. This will keep you from losing money and give you a chance to win bigger prizes: four of a kind, three of a kind, two pairs or a full house.

For simpler play, machines that allow five hands to play one game can be chosen. Interestingly, your first cards are the same for all five hands, the saved cards are the same and the replaced cards are different. This allows you to win faster and more, but can be a bit difficult for unskilled players. However, you can still manage with five hands, but with more hands (and there can be as many as 50 or more) it will be difficult.

Which cards to keep?

If you are holding only high cards (higher than the minimum required pair), keep the highest cards. The chances of getting a pair are not low. If you have only low cards, discard them all.

If you have a low pair below the minimum payout threshold, keep it unless you are one or two cards short of a straigth flush.

If you have a taller pair, keep it always. Some more experienced players tend to discard a high card if they are one or two cards short of a row of one kind. However, this is a risk, whereas a pair is a guaranteed payout.

Two pairs - keep them always. Unless you want to take a risk and expect to get one type of queue. Discarding for this reason is only worth it if you are one or two cards short.

Three of a kind - keep them without talking. Likewise with four of a kind - it would be naive to expect anything better.

Big bets - big wins

If you come to video poker to win, not just to have a good time, try playing at higher levels, such as the video poker max amounts. This leads to much bigger wins when you get a royal pair or other high hand. Often, it only takes a few wins to feel like you've had enough - you've reached your goal. Of course, this also increases the risk, so it is worth taking a hard look at whether this will be too dangerous and risky for you.