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Online Video Poker
Loads of people are looking to play video poker online. This is not exactly surprising. This game, a hybrid between poker and slot machines, provides players with a unique gaming experience.
Quite simply, once you try this famous casino game, it will become your go-to gambling game when you play online.
Below we look at all you need to know about playing online video poker for real money at top-rated gambling sites, including how to play, the variations available, and so much more.
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How to Play Video Poker
It’s likely that you already know how to play video poker because it’s one of the easier casino games. While video poker has elements borrowed from poker, many players are apprehensive to try the game. Don’t be afraid to give it a shot.
Video poker borrows hand combinations from Five Card Draw (variation of poker), and everything else is just a themed slot machine. If you do not completely understand the game based on our simple description, below is a simple way to learn how to play starting from right now:
1. Choose your Variation
There are many video poker variations available. Generally, the differences come in the rules, return-to-player (RTP) percentage, and paytable. Gameplaywise, it is important to know these differences so that you know what constitutes a winning combination.
Before you pick your variation, play a few video poker games online for free to decide which game truly fits your playstyle.
2. Place Your Bet
Every gambling game starts with a bet. Most games let you place a bet between one and five coins. The value of a coin varies from games.
So, when deciding on a game, you will also need to consider the minimum and maximum bets. Just make sure that the game you choose to play is within your bet range.
3. Click on ‘Deal’
After placing your bet, you will need to get your cards. So, click on the game’s ‘Deal’ button, and the game will give you five cards.
4. Consider Your Hand
After you get your cards, decide which cards you would like to keep and which you would like to throw away. After you have discarded the cards you don’t want, you can click on the ‘deal’ button again. The cards you discarded will be replaced with new cards.
5. Get Paid
Based on the value of your hand, you will either win or lose. As such, you will be paid out. As mentioned above, the value of the hand is based on standard poker hands. Some games may have unique rules for hands, so not all standard hands will apply to payouts.
Standard Poker Hands
Here is the standard list of poker hands used in video poker. Most variations alter the rules a bit, so it is important to ensure you read up on these rules before playing the game:
Types of Video Poker Games
There are loads of video poker variants. Most casinos allow you to play more than one variant. Here are some of the most popularly played video poker games online:
Jacks or Better
Is the highest in popularity among variance of video poker because it seems like the first form of the game created. You get paid with a minimum of a pair of jacks which is why it’s called Jacks or Better, it’s the lowest paid hand you can receive. If you get anything less than that you don’t receive any payout.
Deuces Wild
Is the second most popular kind of video poker. The wilds are the “deuces” (any two card) because they can be utilized to create making winning hands. Deuces Wild is an easier way to get a winning combination versus Jacks or Better, you can tell that by checking the paytable.
Joker’s Wild
Is also similar to Deuces Wild, however, it also includes a joker in the deck and can also be used as wild card. When you have the chance of getting a winning hand that includes a joker you will have an additional payout (bonus payout). However, depending on which game you choose your paytable may vary.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is a spinoff of a spinoff of Jacks or Better. This game offers greater payouts for four-of-a-kind hands but has a reduced payout for the two pairs’ hand. You can earn a lot of money while playing this game, but the paytable is quite harsh, seeing as two pairs get you a 1 to 1 payout.
Aces and Faces
Aces and Faces is a spinoff of Jacks or Better. The game pays out more for the four-of-a-kind hand made up of either aces or “faces” (king, queen, or jack.) The game has some good returns compared to many other poker games.
Tens or Better
Tens or better is another spinoff of Jacks or Better (we feel we should mention that most video poker games are derivatives of Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild.) The game only pays out if you have a pair of tens or better.
Online Video Poker Real Money Tips
Video poker is a game based on chance, so any strategy you use will have minimal effects on your odds of winning. However, this shouldn’t deter you from trying to refine your game. Here are three tips to help you win more video poker games.
1. Learn the Differences Between Video Poker Games
Remember that not all video poker games are the same. In fact, two versions of Jacks or Better may even differ. So, before you settle on a game, make sure that you research it by looking at its RTP percentage, house edge, paytable, progressive jackpot, and rules.
The best video poker players select games that have great odds and equally good pay tables.
2. Learn Basic Strategy
Basic strategy isn’t something limited to blackjack. Each video poker variation has its own basic strategy, which tells you how to react in different scenarios. Studying this video poker strategy will help you make better decisions.
3. Stick with Winning Hands
Don’t discard a winning hand in the hopes of getting something better. This is a surefire way to ensure that you walk away from a game with a bust bankroll. Yes, a two-pair hand may not payout better than a full house, straight flush, or royal flush, but it is better than nothing!
Play Video Poker for Money on Mobile
You can play video poker for real money on your mobile phone if you like. Most casinos have made their website compatible with iOS and Android devices, meaning you can access their services through your mobile web browser.
Some casinos have even made personalized mobile apps if you don’t like needing to search for the website every time you play games.
The mobile experience is in no way sub-par to the desktop experience. The only real difference is that you are playing on a smaller screen. Aside from that, the graphics, gameplay, and jackpots are all there.