How to play video poker – A handy guide
There are many joys to playing traditional table poker, but complex odds and a hardened poker face aren’t for everyone. That’s why video poker is a thing.
Video poker has all the best parts of playing poker without the stress of table poker – no glaring opponents waiting to pounce on your chip stack at the first sign of a rookie mistake. You play solo with rapid-fire rounds and quick payouts. It’s a popular casino game built on the convenience of slot machines with the strategy and skill of five-card draw.
You can play video poker online at online video poker sites or find a video poker machine in just about any casino, including in Las Vegas. With so many video poker games out there, you’re bound to find an exciting game that fits your style. Browse our selection at Cafe Casino, where you can find games where the house edge lowers to as little as 0.74%.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to play video poker, from mastering the video poker machine to understanding the magic of the random number generator. Let’s deal in.
What’s the goal of video poker?
The goal of video poker is simple: build the best poker hand you can with your five cards. Unlike other poker games, you’re not trying to out-bluff anyone, just beat the machine. Your mission is to create a winning hand that pays out, whether it’s a pair of jacks or the holy grail of video poker, the royal flush.
Your first deal gives you five cards, and you’ll decide which to keep and which to swap. The goal is to form a strong poker hand; the stronger, the better. A royal flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit) is the dream, but a straight flush, full house, or even two pair can still bring in solid payouts. Some versions reward you for at least a pair of jacks or higher.
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Step-by-Step Guide
When you’re ready to play video poker, here’s the full breakdown of how a video poker machine works.
- Choose Your Bet Size: Before the fun begins, decide your bet size. Most video poker machines let you bet up to five coins, and going with the max bet unlocks the best payouts (especially for that dreamy royal flush).
- Check the Pay Table: Take a peek at the pay table displayed on the video poker machine. It’ll show you what each poker hand is worth, from a humble two pair to the legendary royal flush.
- Deal Your Cards: Hit “Deal,” and you’ll get five cards. This is where the play begins.
- Hold or Discard: Choose which cards to keep (hit the “Hold” button) and which to toss. You want to turn those five cards into the best winning hand possible.
- Draw New Cards: Hit “Draw” to replace the cards you discarded – this reveals your final hand. Cross your fingers for that royal flush or at least a two pair to keep the bankroll rolling.
Hands For Winning Video Poker
In video poker, your winning hand is everything. Unlike blackjack vs. video poker, where blackjack is all about hitting 21, video poker is a game of building the best poker hand possible. Here’s a rundown of the hands.
- Royal Flush: The crème de la crème. A royal flush is A-K-Q-J-10, all in the same suit. It’s rare, but when it hits, it pays big.
- Straight Flush: Five cards in a row, all the same suit. Think 7-8-9-10-J of hearts. Not quite a Royal Flush, but close.
- Full House: Three cards of the same rank plus a pair. For example, three queens and two 5s. A solid winning hand.
- Two Pair: Two sets of pairs, like two jacks and two 7s. It’s not the flashiest, but it’ll keep your bankroll ticking on.
- Pair: In a basic game like Jacks or Better, you’ll need at least a pair of jacks to win. It’s the bare minimum, but hey, a win’s a win!
The Difference Between Poker And Video Poker
While both involve poker hands and a love for strategy, video poker and traditional poker are two games that are about as different as slot machines and table games.
In table poker, you’re up against other players, reading their bluffs, battling for the pot, and hoping no one notices how sweaty your palms are.
But in video poker, it’s just you, the video poker machine, and five cards. Video poker machines offer the ultimate in fairness since every hand is determined by a random number generator, and you don’t have to worry about a bad beat ruining your night.
Another way video poker differs is speed. Video poker is lightning-fast, whereas, at a table game, you might spend hours.
Video Poker Odds And Strategy
The video poker odds depend on the variant, but the best video poker machines have a low house edge when using an optimal video poker strategy.
Take our Aces and Faces multi-hand game, for example. Video poker players love this particular game because it has a return rate of 99.26%.
Using a reliable video poker strategy is how to play video poker to win. According to optimal strategy, if you’re dealt two cards of the same value, like a pair of 10s, always hold them. Discard low cards when chasing a straight or a flush, and never break up a winning hand for a long shot. If you’re playing jacks in Jacks or Better, always hold onto a pair of jacks or higher. Stick to full-pay versions and study the pay table.
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What Is The Best Card To Hold In Video Poker?
When it comes to video poker strategy, the best card to hold depends on the five cards you’re working with.
Always keep a winning hand like a pair, two pair, or three of a kind. If you’re chasing a royal flush or straight flush, hold cards of the same suit or in sequence.
For example, if you have four cards to a royal flush, hold them all, even if it means ditching a low pair. And if you’re one card short of a full house, keep the three of a kind and ditch the rest. Remember: basic strategy is your best friend!
Different Variants Of Video Poker
Video poker games come in all shapes and sizes, each with a unique twist. The best video poker games include classics like Jacks or Better, where you need at least a pair of jacks to win, and Deuces Wild, where every 2 is a wild card. For potentially bigger payouts, try Double Bonus Poker and Bonus Poker, which offer different bonus payouts for four aces. Always check the pay table to see what you’re working with.
If you’re chasing a massive win, look for progressive jackpot games or full-pay games like 9:6 Jacks or Better, which have some of the best odds.
Video poker is super popular at online casinos. Whether you’re coasting with two pair in Jacks or Better, chasing a royal flush in Double Bonus Poker, or strategizing for the progressive jackpot, here’s the deal: the best place to play online video poker is Cafe Casino. Try it out for free in Practice Play, then switch to Real Play for the real deal.
Disclaimer from the Cafe Casino team: No matter your strategy, roulette is a game of pure luck, so never expect a guaranteed win. Focus on playing for fun, not necessarily for profit. Know your limits, and whether things are going your way or not, there’s no shame in walking away. The real win is playing smart and having a good time. The strategies outlined in this article are the beliefs of the author and have no guarantee in securing a win.
