Video poker is one of the most popular games found in online casinos. It combines the excitement of poker with the simplicity of a slot machine, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of video poker games available and provide you with some tips and strategies to help you win big.
- Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is one of the most common video poker games you’ll find in online casinos. The objective is to create the best possible five-card poker hand by holding or discarding cards from the initial five-card hand. To win, you’ll need to have a hand that’s better than a pair of jacks.
The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded. The final hand will determine whether the player wins or loses.
Jacks or Better has a relatively low house edge, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their chances of winning. To improve your odds of winning, it’s recommended that you keep any high pairs (jacks, queens, kings, or aces) and discard the remaining cards.
- Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is another popular video poker game found in online casinos. The game is played using a standard deck of 52 cards, but with all the twos (deuces) serving as wild cards. This means that they can be used to represent any card the player needs to complete a winning hand.
The objective of the game is to create the best possible five-card poker hand, with a minimum of three of a kind required to win. The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded.
Because the twos are wild cards, the odds of creating a winning hand are higher than in other video poker games. However, because of this, the minimum winning hand is typically higher than in other games, with three of a kind being the minimum requirement.
- Joker Poker
Joker Poker is a popular variation of video poker that uses a deck of 53 cards, including one joker. The joker is a wild card, meaning it can be used to represent any card the player needs to create a winning hand.
The objective of the game is to create the best possible five-card poker hand. The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded.
Because of the added joker, the minimum winning hand in Joker Poker is typically higher than in other games, with a pair of kings being the minimum requirement. To increase your chances of winning, it’s recommended that you keep any pairs or high cards, and discard the remaining cards.
- Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is a popular variation of Jacks or Better that offers higher payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands. The game is played using a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to create the best possible five-card poker hand.
The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded.
In Bonus Poker, four-of-a-kind hands are worth more than in Jacks or Better. For example, four aces will pay out more than four kings. This makes
the game more exciting, as players have the potential to win big with these high-paying hands.
To increase your chances of winning, it’s recommended that you keep any high pairs and discard the remaining cards. If you’re dealt a four-of-a-kind hand, be sure to hold onto those cards as they can potentially lead to a big payout.
- Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Bonus Poker that offers even higher payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands. The game is played using a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to create the best possible five-card poker hand.
The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded.
In Double Bonus Poker, four-of-a-kind hands consisting of aces or twos, threes, or fours with a kicker (a fifth card of a specific rank) are worth more than in Bonus Poker. This means that there’s even more potential to win big with these high-paying hands.
To increase your chances of winning, it’s recommended that you keep any high pairs and discard the remaining cards. If you’re dealt a four-of-a-kind hand, be sure to hold onto those cards as they can potentially lead to a big payout.
- All American Poker
All American Poker is a variation of Jacks or Better that offers higher payouts for certain hands, such as flushes and straight flushes. The game is played using a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to create the best possible five-card poker hand.
The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded.
In All American Poker, certain hands are worth more than in Jacks or Better. For example, a straight flush will pay out more than in Jacks or Better. This makes the game more exciting, as players have the potential to win big with these high-paying hands.
To increase your chances of winning, it’s recommended that you keep any high pairs and discard the remaining cards. If you’re dealt a flush or straight flush, be sure to hold onto those cards as they can potentially lead to a big payout.
- Tens or Better
Tens or Better is a variation of Jacks or Better that requires a minimum hand of a pair of tens to win. The game is played using a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to create the best possible five-card poker hand.
The game begins with the player placing a bet and receiving five cards. The player can then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Once the player has made their decision, they will receive replacement cards for those they discarded.
Because the minimum winning hand is a pair of tens, the odds of winning are slightly lower than in Jacks or Better. However, because of this, the payouts for high-ranking hands are typically higher.
To increase your chances of winning, it’s recommended that you keep any high pairs and discard the remaining cards. If you’re dealt a pair of tens or better, be sure to hold onto those cards as they can potentially lead to a win.
Tips and Strategies for Playing Video Poker
- Always play the maximum bet. Video poker machines typically offer higher payouts for hands when the maximum bet is played. Playing the maximum bet also increases your chances of winning a progressive jackpot, if the machine offers one.
- Learn the basic strategy for the game you’re playing. Each variation of video poker has its own optimal strategy for playing. Learning the basic
strategy for the game you’re playing can help you make the best decisions when it comes to holding or discarding cards.
- Know the pay table. Each video poker machine has its own pay table that shows the payouts for each hand. Be sure to study the pay table before playing so you know what to expect in terms of payouts.
- Keep high pairs. High pairs, such as jacks, queens, kings, and aces, are the backbone of most winning video poker hands. Be sure to hold onto any high pairs you’re dealt.
- Don’t hold onto “kicker” cards. Kicker cards are cards of a different rank that are held with a pair to create a higher-ranking hand. In most cases, it’s better to discard the kicker card and hold onto the pair.
- Practice for free. Many online casinos offer free versions of video poker games that allow you to practice without risking any money. This is a great way to become familiar with the game and its strategies before playing for real money.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Video poker can be a fun and exciting game, but it’s important to gamble responsibly. Set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it, even if you’re on a winning streak.
In conclusion, video poker is a great game for those looking to combine the excitement of poker with the simplicity of a slot machine. There are many variations of video poker available in online casinos, each with its own unique rules and strategies. By learning the basics of each game and following some simple tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of winning big at video poker. But remember, always gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.