Video Poker Basics

Forget the slots, video poker is the way to go. Before you dismiss this entire article just know that it’s simply a matter of odds and not opinion. Sure, Game of Thrones fans let out a little squeal when Aristocrat set it to reels but a in terms of your best bet, it’s video poker all day long.

Okay, so you may not be ready to play it at a casino using real money but you can practice playing it online for free to build up your skills and here’s some basics to help you on your way.

 

So, let’s dive into it.

1. Other than the fact that video poker is played on a machine, the rules are no different than playing at the tables. On the plus side, players avoid the real-life intimidation.

2. As with standard poker, you’re dealt 5 cards on a single or multi-hand game. Select your bet, hold or toss the your cards of your choosing and hit the ‘Deal/Draw’ button. Most machines have a touchscreen option.

3. Choose a game with the best payouts like Double Double Bonus or Triple Double Bonus. These variations offer higher payouts for 4 aces, 2’s, 3’s and 4’s and the Royal is worth 4,000 credits.  

All payouts are based on standard five-card poker hands.

 

 

Winning hands for video poker include:

1. Royal flush: ace, king, queen, jack, 10 of the same suit.

2. Straight flush: five consecutive cards of the same suit.

3. Four of a kind: four cards of the same rank. (depending on the game, the a kicker will increase 4-of-a-kind aces, twos, threes and fours)

4. Full house: three cards of one rank, two cards of another rank.

5. Flush: five cards of the same suit.

6. Straight: five consecutive cards of mixed suits.

7. Three of a kind: three cards of the same rank.

8. Two pairs: two cards of one rank, two cards of another rank.

9. Pair of jacks or better (queens, kings, or aces).

Playing the Game

Now that the preliminaries are out the way, on to some general rules of thumb.

Choose the best pay tables that you can. The value of each winning hand can vary tremendously depending on the game variation without changing the core principals of Poker. Opt for Double Double Bonus over Bonus Poker and even Deuces Wild for the best payouts.

Based Double Double Bonus Poker, you have to determine what to hold. I’ve actually seen a players that will dump a pair in favor of holding a Q and K of different suits. This really makes no sense when you’ve already got a pair in your hand. The idea must be to go for a straight but in this situation, in comes down to pure odds. The likelihood of getting two more cards for 4-of-a-kind are better than getting the 3 cards needed for the straight.

It’s important to make good decisions. Some strategies are better than others but a good understanding of poker basics will give you the tools to play a good hand.

Gambling has always got ups and downs, so you should determine how much you are comfortable losing. By the way, you should always assume that you’re going to lose.  

Playing video poker isn’t something that only professionals can use to their advantage. Much like other types of casino games, video poker requires thought and skill to ensure that you are making all of the right choices for every hand.

Source: https://www.yourhandsucks.com/video-poker/