Video Poker Rules - All the Information To Get You Started
Video poker is nothing more than an electronic poker game played on a slot machine or a PC. The most popular variants include Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better and Joker Wild.
Each player has his own profile and way of playing. Of course, he has to try all the different video poker variants before he finds the one that suits him. However, it is a fact that classic poker fans find it easier to learn and play video poker. Knowing the different winning combinations and betting systems is a considerable advantage for anyone who wants to learn the video poker game.
The Rules of Video Poker
You want to play video poker? We have summarized the most important rules for you. Irrespective of whether you play online or directly in the casino. The basics are the same everywhere. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the game before you play with real money. Use the demo mode and practice until you master the game in your sleep. Only when you know which combinations lead to victory and with which cards you have better chances, you are ready for the poker career.
Step 1: Decide on a Video Poker Variant
Playing at the online casino you will most likely be confronted with different variants. The basics are the same everywhere, you have to achieve different goals depending on the game. In addition, there are versions in which wild cards are included. We always recommend choosing games that have the highest payout odds. Whereby it depends on how you play. Are you more the type of player who invests a lot per round or someone who plays for a long time but with small stakes? This is where you should already be looking at video poker strategies to get the best winnings. We now assume that you know different variants and choose one of them.
Tip: If available, play yourself warm in demo mode. This further has the advantage that you also play the variant you know. Sometimes it happens that you mix up games or are no longer sure. The game itself usually explains what goal you need to achieve. Often a small table is included, in which the possible proceeds.
Step 2: Place a Bet
Depending on the machine, you can place different bets. Sometimes a few cents are necessary, elsewhere several euros. Sometimes you can even bet 100 euros or more. In order for the game to begin, you must place the minimum bet in any case. If you play directly in a casino, you usually have to exchange your money for chips in advance. There are also those that work with real money. Check with the casino counter if you get stuck. Chips or value vouchers have the advantage that you cannot invest your real money haphazardly. If you have to deposit the money in advance on a card or exchange it for chips, this prevents many a mountain of debt.
Tip: In the online casino you can generally only gamble away the money that you deposit in advance. In order not to lose everything at once, it is often possible to set a daily, weekly or monthly limit. If you do not find such a function in the customer account, contact the customer service. They will be happy to help you.
Step 3: Let the Game Begin
After you have determined your stake, the game can start. Click on the corresponding button and you will be dealt five cards. Now decide whether you want to keep them or exchange them for new ones. Under each card there is a "Hold" button. If you want to keep the respective card, click on this button. If you decide otherwise, you can click this button again. When you are done with the selection, tap the "Draw" button. Those cards that you do not want to keep will now be exchanged for new ones.
Step 4: The Evaluation
Already the game is over. You can no longer exchange the new cards. The computer compares the values and if this results in a usable hand, you are credited with the winnings. In some machines there is a "double" function. Attention: if you click on it, you enjoy a 50/50 chance. This means that you either double your winnings or lose them completely. Many do not use this feature because they do not want to take any risks. It is your decision whether you dare to do it or not.
How Much Can You Win in Video Poker?
How much you can win in each game is indicated by the so-called paytable. The more you invest, the higher earnings are possible. Take a look at the table below, which contains some examples.
Often the winnings table is displayed directly on the screen. If only parts of it are visible, click on the information button. In that case, you will probably find the payout values in it. The layout of the paytable is usually always the same. With the difference that the values are partly given in descending or ascending order. If it is the "Jacks or Better" variant, you need a pair for you to win. Depending on the type of poker, there are different hands to reach. Mistakes often happen here because you have the wrong variant in mind and have not read the rules in advance. Therefore our tip, always play the first round in demo mode. Then you will clearly know what you have to do to win. Depending on the method, there are different winning tables. It is important that you do not get confused.
The Value of The Hand
In order to start playing video poker successfully, you need to know the values of your hands. The good news is, once you master the combinations, you will be able to play different poker variants. This is not only true in the video games sector, all other poker games are the same. Whether it's Hold'em or dice poker, you'll be able to manage everywhere once you grasp it. We'll briefly go over the combinations.
The Banco
Every time a player wins in video poker, he can make a "Banco". In this option, the player's winnings are doubled. To do this, after clicking on "Double", the player must return one of the five cards displayed on the screen. In this case, one of the cards is already presented face up. If the card returned by the player has a higher value than the revealed card, he wins double the amount of his original bet. Otherwise, he loses his entire bet.
The Different Video Poker Variations
At the beginning we mentioned that there are different types of video poker. Now we would like to briefly discuss the different variants so that you have an overview. We recommend that you do not get cocky in the beginning. Pick one type and practice it for a while. Only when you have mastered the basics should you move on to other versions. Otherwise you will get confused.
Jacks or Better
One of the most popular methods is Jacks or Better. The advantage with this version is that it brings one of the highest RTP. The value is around 99.5%. You win already when you have a pair of Jacks in your hands. That is why this game is called Jacks or Better. If you master the rules we showed you, you can play Jacks or Better perfectly. In fact, this version follows the classic rules.
Tens or Better
As the name suggests, here you need at least a pair of tens to win. There is no rule variation here either. Tip: There is also a power version, in which five hands are played simultaneously. Admittedly, you have to place higher bets here, but the winnings are more attractive.
Aces and Eights
Don't misunderstand, here you also win already from a pair of jacks. However, you will get the best proceeds if you hold two aces or two eights in your hand. This is the second highest combination after a royal flush in this variant.
♣Deuces Wild
In this version, all pairs turn into wild cards and can thus replace many cards and help to create better winning combinations. But beware, here you win only from three of a kind. The payout rate is 99.38%.
Aces and Faces
This version is similar to Aces and Eight, with the difference that you need four aces and four eights each. If you have these combinations, you can look forward to the second biggest win. Furthermore, in case of a win, you can start the risk game and double the winnings.
Joker Poker
In this variant you play with 53 cards. In other words, it is a standard deck with a joker. The joker replaces all other cards to improve the winning combination. There is also a power version of this, where you play five hands at the same time. You should test this one only when you can handle one hand and recognize the values immediately.
Louisiana Double
Lousiana Double is an exciting variant because it adds a double to the deck. Attention, this is not a joker. In case of a win, the proceeds are doubled. If you own a three of a kind and the double, you can look forward to high winnings. The RTP is slightly lower and is set at 94%.
Poker Pursuit
This is a special game that was developed by Microgaming. Once the first three or four cards are revealed, you can increase your bets if you wish. To win, you need at least a pair of tens. If a pair is already visible during the first cards, you should not think twice.
Red Dog
Red Dog is not a classic video poker game. Rather, it can be classified in the category of "guessing games". Two cards are revealed and you have to guess whether a third card will lead to a worthwhile hand.
Deuces Wild Power
Are you a fan of wild symbols? Then you will like Deuces Wild Power. All pairs of twos act as Wilds in this game. On the one hand, they retain their value, but they can also replace other cards in the deck. Four hands are always dealt per round, so you'll enjoy even better chances of winning.
Double Joker Poker
In this video poker game there are two jokers that act as wilds. They can substitute for all other cards and suits if it leads to a win. Played according to the classic rules, except that there is no royal flush, in this variant is called a joker flush.
Video Poker Glossary
In order to improve your chances in video poker and to get along faster, you should remember the following terms:
Deal: The player is dealt the cards
Deuce: This refers to a two-card hand.
Double: This refers to the risk play option that appears at the end of a round if you have won.
Draw: The exchange of the cards you do not want to keep.
Hold: The Hold button is used to hold the cards you want to keep.
RTP: Return To Player. Here you can get information about the theoretical payout.
