Video poker is one of the most popular casino games, combining elements of classical poker with the speed and simplicity of slot machines. Unlike table poker, which requires reading other players and strategic bluffing, video poker is played on a machine and thus is a great option for individuals who enjoy strategy-based casino games without the pressure of live poker. Equipped with a solid understanding of video poker rules, game types, and optimal strategies, players can solidly increase their winning chances.
How Video Poker Works: Basic Rules and Gameplay
Five-card draw poker is the foundation of video poker. The objective is to make the best possible hand according to standard poker hand rankings. However, unlike slot machines, video poker incorporates strategic decision-making, which lets proficient players develop an edge over time.
Step-by-Step Gameplay
- Place Your Bet: The player selects their bet, usually from one to five coins for each hand.
- Receive Five Cards: The player receives five cards randomly dealt from a standard 52-card deck (or 53 cards in some variations that include jokers).
- Choose Cards to Hold: The player decides which cards they wish to hold and which they wish to discard. The ones discarded are replaced with new cards.
- Final Hand and Payouts: Once the new cards are drawn, the machine evaluates the hand and pays based on the paytable.
Winning hands are graded based on conventional poker rankings, starting from a pair of Jacks (or better) to a Royal Flush, which has the highest payout.
Popular Versions of Video Poker
Video poker comes in various forms, with slight rule changes affecting payouts and strategy.
Jacks or Better
The most common form, Jacks or Better, requires at least a pair of Jacks to win. It has a low house edge when played with optimum strategy and is thus a huge favorite among serious players.
Deuces Wild
In this version, all the twos (deuces) are wild cards that replace any other card to form the best possible hand. This definitely increases the possibility of making good hands but requires an adjustment in strategic play.
Bonus Poker
A variation of Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker suggests higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, namely Aces, 2s, 3s, and 4s.
Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus Poker
These variations are based on Bonus Poker by offering even higher payouts for four Aces, but with lower payouts for lower hands, making them more volatile.
Joker Poker
Played with a 53-card deck, Joker Poker includes a wild Joker card, increasing the chances of landing premium hands. Players must usually have a pair of Kings or better to qualify for a payout.
Optimal Video Poker Strategies for Better Wins
Unlike slot machines, video poker requires skill, meaning strategic decisions directly impact your payout potential. Here are important strategies to improve your game:
- Always Play Maximum Coins
In most video poker games, the highest payouts, especially for Royal Flushes, are only available when betting the maximum five coins per hand. If max bets are not within your bankroll, drop down in coin denomination rather than playing with less than maximum coins.
- Learn the Optimum Strategy for Your Variation
Each version of video poker has an optimum strategy chart that dictates the best course of action for every hand. Jacks or Better strategy differs from Deuces Wild due to the wild cards. Committing these charts to memory can greatly reduce the house edge.
- Always Hold High-Value Cards
If you don’t already have a winning hand, hold any Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces since they increase the chances of making a good hand on the draw.
- Never Hold Low Pairs Over Four High Cards
Even though it may be tempting to hold a low pair, it is generally better to hold four high-value cards (such as K-Q-J-10) since they increase the chances of making a Straight or Royal Flush.
- Don’t Break a Winning Hand Unless You Have To
If you’ve already got a winning hand, it’s usually best to stick with it rather than risking trying to upgrade it, unless there’s a reasonable chance of achieving a Royal Flush.
Learning About Video Poker Pay Tables and RTP
The paytable determines the value of each winning hand. Different games have different payout structures, which have a direct influence on the Return to Player (RTP) percentage.
| Hand | Jacks or Better Payout (Full Pay 9/6) | Deuces Wild Payout |
| Royal Flush | 800:1 (with max coins) | 800:1 |
| Straight Flush | 50:1 | 50:1 |
| Four of a Kind | 25:1 | 5:1 – 20:1 (varies) |
| Full House | 9:1 | 4:1 |
| Flush | 6:1 | 3:1 |
| Straight | 4:1 | 2:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 3:1 | 1:1 |
| Two Pair | 2:1 | N/A |
| Jacks or Better | 1:1 | N/A |
The numbers in Jacks or Better (9/6) represent the Full House (9:1) and Flush (6:1) payouts. This is the best version for players, offering an RTP of 99.54% with optimal play.
Why Video Poker Is Popular in Crypto Casinos
With the advent of crypto gambling, video poker has become increasingly popular in Bitcoin casinos and other crypto-accepting online gambling websites. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Provably fair play – The majority of crypto casinos use the blockchain to provide fair outcomes.
- Fast and anonymous payments – Crypto deposits and withdrawals are instant, with lower fees than traditional banking methods.
- Exclusive bonuses – The majority of crypto casinos give exclusive video poker bonuses that are more generous than regular casino bonuses.
Video poker is an exciting mix of luck and strategy that has placed it at the forefront of casino strategy player favorites. By choosing the right variation, mastering optimal strategies, and playing with full pay tables, gamblers can maximize their winning potential and enjoy a low-house-edge casino game. From land-based casinos to online casinos and crypto gambling sites, video poker is one of the most profitable and enjoyable betting experiences to be enjoyed.
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