Getting Started with Video Poker: A Beginner's Guide

The appeal of video poker in the iGaming community is truly exceptional. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the most captivating casino games ever, second only to the widespread popularity of slot machines. Despite sharing initial similarities in machine appearance, video poker, though slightly intricate, is quite comprehensible. This often leads to comparisons with slots, especially in regions where gamblers commonly refer to slot games as "pokies."

However, it's essential to recognize that video poker is a distinct game, requiring a certain level of skill for success compared to the simplicity of slots. While slots involve minimal expertise and often leave players in the dark about their odds, video poker (VP) boasts the best odds in any casino lobby. Consequently, with the right strategy, players can strategically determine their winning hands in VP.

Returning to the main focus—video poker is a card game utilizing a 52-card deck that's reshuffled after each round. Notably, joker cards can be incorporated, a feature not applicable in other card games like Blackjack. Despite its apparent complexity, video poker is beginner-friendly, and our guide will unravel all the essentials. As you progress to advanced levels, you'll delight in the exhilaration of playing VP.

Video poker's numerous variations are available on both online casino platforms and traditional terminals. Regardless of the chosen venue, the rules remain consistent for this iconic game. While physical gaming terminals exist, the majority of gameplay occurs online. Therefore, once you grasp the fundamentals, consider trying Real Money Video Poker for a more immersive experience.

Within this beginner's guide to VP, we will elucidate the fundamental rules and strategies of the game. Additionally, we'll delve into the odds and payouts associated with different hands, recommend where to play, and explore the intriguing history of video poker.

The Evolution of Video Poker: A Concise Overview

Let's rewind the clock to an era predating most of our births. Although video poker isn't considered an ancient stalwart in the realm of casino games, its origins are indeed captivating. In 1891, the innovative Sittman and Pitt Company introduced the first poker machine. This machine featured five drums or reels, each adorned with 10 playing cards. To initiate play, a coin was inserted, and players would pull the handle to set the five drums in motion. The drums would spin and come to a stop, each revealing a card that contributed to the eventual poker hand.

Fast forward to 1898 when Charles Fey, often hailed as 'The Father of The Slot Machine,' crafted a poker machine named the 'Card Bell.' This machine rewarded a maximum of 20 coins for a Royal Flush. Fey continued his innovation with the introduction of the 'Skill Draw' machine in 1901, allowing players to retain cards and enhance their hands—marking the advent of the first five-card draw machine.

The introduction of the hold feature resonated with gamblers, creating a sense that they could influence the odds in their favor. In 1970, Dale Electronics developed the initial video poker machine known as Poker Matic. Though it didn't immediately capture widespread attention, it gained fame around 1981, courtesy of Si Redd.

Si Redd underwent a transformation with his company, SIRCOMA, renaming it to IGT (International Gaming Technology), a now esteemed software developer. Gradually, video poker machines found acceptance among gamblers in various gambling establishments.

The Contemporary Transformation of Video Poker

The late 19th century witnessed the dawn of the inaugural online casinos. Fast forward to 1994, and Microgaming, a renowned software developer, took the lead in crafting the first online video poker games. The online iterations of the game swiftly gained favor among the burgeoning community of Internet-savvy players.

Online video poker rapidly gained acclaim within the realm of online gambling, captivating players with its unique blend of skill and the prospect of strategically holding cards to enhance one's hand. Consequently, physical casinos experienced a gradual decline in video poker enthusiasts.

Why bother with a trip to a brick-and-mortar casino where the chances of missing out on a video poker machine are high, when you can indulge in the game's pleasures from the comfort of your home? This paradigm shift is made possible by globally recognized game providers such as IGT, NetEnt, and Microgaming, ushering in a transformative era in online gaming during the 21st century.

In the contemporary landscape, the convenience of playing video poker knows no bounds—you can enjoy the game anywhere with just an Internet connection and a device, whether it be a PC, tablet, or mobile (Android or iOS). The diverse array of game variations only adds to its allure.

Furthermore, online versions incorporate the Random Number Generator software, ensuring that every game outcome is genuinely random. This guarantees that results are not predetermined but rather honest and equitable. Boasting the best odds in any casino, video poker stands as a beacon for those seeking optimal winning opportunities.

Understanding Video Poker: Gameplay and Rules

If you're familiar with traditional poker, navigating through video poker should be a breeze. However, even if you haven't played poker before, the rules are refreshingly straightforward. Video poker offers various versions, and you can select the one that suits you best, a decision we'll delve into later in this guide. Winning in the game requires, at a minimum, achieving the lowest paying hand. For instance, in Jacks or Better, a pair of jacks constitutes the lowest hand.

Understanding the rankings of the hands you'll encounter in your preferred video poker game is crucial. These rankings are prominently displayed at the top of the pay table, each hand offering distinct payouts. It's noteworthy that the hands are organized in descending order, with the Royal Flush representing the highest paying hand. Further details on these hands will be explored later in the guide.

Certain video poker variations introduce a wild card feature, commonly represented by the Deuces (2) or the Joker. In Deuces Wild, for instance, the wild card is the number 2, while in Joker Wild, the Joker card serves as the wild card.

Guidance on Playing

Engaging in video poker is a straightforward process. The key objective is to secure a distinctive set of cards that forms a winning hand. As is customary in casino games, a wager is a prerequisite before commencing the game. In contrast to card games like Blackjack, which involve playing chips, video poker utilizes credits or coins for gameplay. Casinos typically allow bets of up to 5 coins per hand, each coin having varying values, with some as low as $0.20. On certain platforms, a minimum bet of $0.10 may also be permitted.

Once your preferred bet is in place, simply press the deal button. Adhering to the 5-card draw rule, the RNG software randomly assigns you 5 cards. Depending on the cards dealt and the specific variation you're playing, you have the option to retain or discard certain cards. Alternatively, you can opt to discard all cards in an attempt to form a more robust winning hand. If you achieve a winning hand or card combination after the draw, your payout is determined by the corresponding values on the pay table.

Breaking Down the Process of Playing Video Poker:

Choose the number of credits or coins you want to bet.
Press the draw/deal button to receive your initial hand of cards.
Use the hold option to retain any favorable cards; discard the others.
After selecting your holds, click draw/deal again to finalize your hand.
In the event of a win, payouts are awarded.
If you wish to continue and play another hand, click draw.

The video poker pay table comprises five columns, each representing different hands. Your winnings are determined based on the number of coins you bet (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5). Detailed explanations of payouts can be found in the odds section of this guide.

Various Hands in Video Poker

Having acquainted yourself with the game's rules and gameplay, let's delve into the prevalent hands in online video poker. In video poker, a "hand" refers to the cards you retain from the initial deal. The payouts for these hands vary based on the specific variant you are engaged in. Keep in mind that the overarching objective is consistently to secure the most robust hand possible. Each round initiates upon card distribution and concludes either upon securing a victory or opting to fold.

Royal Flush

A royal hand comprises an Ace (A), King (K), Jack (J), Queen (Q), and a 10, all belonging to the same suit, resulting in a Royal Flush. For instance, having the A, K, J, Q, and 10 of diamonds, spades, clubs, or hearts constitutes a Royal Flush. This hand stands as the pinnacle, automatically triumphing over all other combinations. While it is the best hand achievable, its rarity adds to its allure, and in certain games, obtaining a Royal Flush may trigger the progressive jackpot feature.

Straight Flush

Comprising five consecutive cards in numerical value, a Straight Flush hand necessitates these cards to share the same suit. For instance, a Straight Flush could consist of the 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of spades, clubs (commonly referred to as "flowers" in slang), hearts, or diamonds. This hand ranks as the second-best possible combination you can achieve.

Four of a Kind

True to its name, a Four of a Kind hand consists of four cards sharing the same rank. This could include four Queen (Q) cards, irrespective of their suits, whether hearts, clubs, diamonds, or spades. Alternatively, it might be four Aces (A) of any suit.

Full House

In poker, a Full House refers to a hand that comprises three cards of one rank and a pair of another rank. An illustrative example would be having three 5s (spades, diamonds, and clubs) and two 7s (diamonds and hearts).

Flush

A Flush is a hand composed of five cards sharing the same suit, arranged in no specific order. For instance, you could secure a winning Flush with cards like Ace, 6, 3, 8, and 10, all belonging to the hearts, clubs, or any other suit.

Straight

A Straight hand serves as the antithesis to a Straight Flush. While a Straight Flush requires five consecutive cards of the same suit, a Straight hand entails five cards of different suits.

Illustratively, a Straight could consist of 4 (spades), 5 (clubs), 6 (hearts), 7 (diamonds), and 8 (clubs).

Three of a Kind

In line with its name, a Three of a Kind hand comprises three cards of the same rank. For instance, you could have three 7s, regardless of the suit—be it hearts, clubs, diamonds, or spades. Put simply, it might consist of 7 clubs, 7 spades, and 7 diamonds.

Two Pairs

In poker, a Two Pairs hand is characterized by having two cards of one rank and an additional two cards of another rank. For instance, you might hold Q (hearts), Q (clubs), 5 (diamonds), and 5 (spades).

Pair of Jacks or Better

A pair of Jacks, Aces, Kings, or Queens constitutes this particular hand.

Fundamental Strategies for Video Poker

Achieving consistent victory in online video poker isn't about having a cheat sheet, as casinos invariably maintain an edge. Despite video poker boasting the lowest house edge among casino games, the casino's advantage prevails. Nevertheless, employing effective strategies can enhance your chances of success against the house.

The crux of these strategies lies in deciding whether to discard or retain specific cards from the initial five dealt cards. The decision to hold or discard cards can either bolster or jeopardize your hand. Consequently, our beginner's video poker strategy provides guidance on the optimal cards to hold, improving your odds of winning.

It's recommended to always retain a Straight Flush, Royal Flush, Four of a Kind, Two Pair, Full House, or Three of a Kind. However, in the case of a three-of-a-kind hand, it is advisable to discard the remaining two cards, opening the possibility of securing a four-of-a-kind hand. This approach not only increases your chances of a four-of-a-kind but also enhances the potential for a full house hand.

For hands with two pairs, it's advisable to discard the fifth card, increasing the likelihood of obtaining a full house. Only break up a straight or a flush when holding four cards, leaving one to form a Royal Flush. For instance, if you have the K, Q, J, A, and a 9, all in hearts, discard the 9. This discard strategy aims for the elusive Royal Flush, requiring a 10 (hearts). It also opens the possibility of a Jacks or Better (JoB) hand with any K, Q, J, or A.

Additionally, split a pair of JoB when holding four cards, aiming for a lower Straight Flush or a Royal Flush. These are fundamental techniques for playing video poker. Once you're familiar with these tactics, you can progress to an optimal strategy that is more precise but complex.

Different Versions of Video Poker

Statistically, there are about 100 variants of video poker on online gaming platforms. That’s overwhelming for beginners trying to learn the game, primarily because each features multiple pay tables. Therefore, we won’t glut you with all these variations. We’ll discuss the most popular variations, including Jacks or Better, Tens or Better, Deuces Wild, and Aces and Eights.

There are other versions of the game, such as Bonus Poker, which have a higher payout. You may also find jackpot and multiplay variants of the game. In multiplay versions, you can wager several hands simultaneously.

Jacks or Better: For newcomers venturing into the world of video poker, we recommend commencing their online experience with Jacks or Better. This variant boasts a more straightforward paytable compared to others, making it an ideal starting point. Widely popular among gamblers, it follows the principles of 5-card draw poker and utilizes a standard deck of 52 cards. The minimum winning hand in Jacks or Better is a pair of Jacks or higher, which lends the game its name. The pinnacle hand is the Royal Flush, offering a payout of 4,000 coins with a maximum bet of 5 coins/credits. Some may refer to this game as "9/6."
Deuces Wild: Another esteemed video poker game is Deuces Wild, where all 2s serve as wild cards. This unique aspect allows 2s to substitute for other cards, enhancing your chances of achieving a better or winning hand. Notably, a pair of Jacks is not considered a winning hand in this version. Furthermore, achieving a Royal Flush with the assistance of a wild card is termed a "Deuces Royal Flush," ranking as the second-best hand after the standard Royal Flush.
Tens or Better: Tens or Better is a favored variation akin to Jacks or Better, with a slight twist—the minimum winning hand is a pair of Tens instead of Jacks.
Aces and Eights: Last but certainly not least, Aces and Eights presents a variation similar to Jacks or Better. In this version, a Four-of-a-Kind featuring either Eights or Aces brings higher rewards. With a maximum bet of 5 credits, securing either 4 Eights or 4 Aces will earn you 400 coins. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the paytable mirrors that of Jacks or Better.

All of the mentioned versions are user-friendly for beginners. We recommend starting with these before exploring more intricate variations. Additionally, before transitioning to real-money play in your preferred variant, take advantage of the free versions available at our casinos for practice.

Chances and Payouts in Video Poker

In a previous discussion, we explored the diverse winning hands in video poker. Now, let's delve into the corresponding payouts for each winning hand, considering bets ranging from 1 to 5 coins. It's worth noting that each video poker variant comes equipped with its unique paytable, and these may differ among variants. Additionally, variations in paytables can be influenced by the software provider and the specific online casino operator.

For illustration purposes, let's examine a sample paytable for the popular variant known as full pay Jacks or Better. As previously mentioned, this variant is sometimes referred to as 9/6 Jacks or Better, denoting that the payouts for a Full House and a Flush are 9 and 6 coins or credits, respectively.

The minimum qualifying hand in this scenario is the Jacks or Better, which pays out at even money. This implies that if you place a bet with 1 coin, you'll receive an additional credit, and if you opt for the maximum bet of 5 credits, you'll earn an extra five coins. The Royal Flush, when wagering the maximum credits, offers an astounding payout of 4,000 coins.

Achieving the Royal Flush not only grants you a substantial payout but also propels your bankroll to heights that most can only imagine. Hence, it is advisable to consistently bet with the maximum number of coins. It's noteworthy that the house edge for this particular paytable is a minimal 0.46%, marking it as the lowest among all casino games.

Best Places for USA Players to Enjoy Video Poker

Check Out These Casinos for USA Players:

Ignition Casino – Currently our top choice for players from the USA or Australia. Ignition casino provides a selection of eight video poker versions, including Bonus Deuces Wild, Joker Poker (1 Hand, 3 Hands, or 10 Hands), Jacks or Better (1 Hand, 3 Hands, or 10 Hands), and Double Double Bonus Poker. Supplied by renowned game developers like Revolver Gaming and RTG, these games feature high-definition video graphics for a seamless gaming experience across various devices. Notably, Ignition Casino boasts some of the swiftest payouts in the industry, coupled with responsive 24/7 customer service.
Wild Casino – Tailored for USA players, Wild Casino ensures a secure gaming environment with responsive customer service. The superior software includes a diverse array of video poker games, featuring single-hand versions of Tens or Better, Joker Poker, Double Joker, Deuces Wild, Faces & Faces, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild. Multi-hand options include Tens or Better, Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, Double Joker, Deuces Wild, Deuces & Poker, and Aces & Faces. With a generous welcome bonus for new players and a variety of deposit options, including Bitcoin, Wild Casino is a reliable choice.
Cafe Casino – Although a newcomer since 2020, Cafe Casino has swiftly built a commendable reputation among players. Offering cutting-edge video poker games, responsive customer support, and swift payouts, Cafe Casino is an excellent choice. New players can enjoy a generous sign-up bonus, and the casino provides multiple deposit options, including Bitcoin.

Best Destinations for International Players to Enjoy Video Poker

Explore our guides tailored for readers from various regions:

Video Poker in Australia
Video Poker in Canada
Video Poker in India
Video Poker in New Zealand
Video Poker in South Africa
Video Poker in the UK
Video Poker in the USA

Conclusion

Video poker enjoys global popularity among online gamblers, and its allure is undeniable. The prospect of winning substantial sums, especially with a Royal Flush hand, adds to its charm. Our seasoned advice is to consistently wager with the maximum of five coins on this opportune hand—a chance akin to a Hail Mary that shouldn't be missed.

This game offers a plethora of winning hands at the online casinos we endorse. The unique aspect of video poker lies in the ability to strategically hold or discard cards, shaping your hand for potential victory.

Our beginner's guide meticulously breaks down essential details, providing you with a competitive edge against fellow players. The ultimate objective is to possess a winning hand that surpasses all others. Opt for our recommended online platforms, boasting top-tier bonuses and a diverse range of video poker variants. Register, immerse yourself in the excitement, and soon, you'll find yourself proudly displaying your video poker prowess.