THE BEST VIDEO POKER GAME TO PLAY

If you’ve ever played a video poker machine, we hardly need to mention the entertainment one can derive from it. Should you be green on video poker games, we can say that it’s just like playing blackjack and slot machines within the same game!

Of course, looking at a video poker game is enough to make you understand that video poker games are a completely different ball game, but rest assured the gameplay is pretty straightforward.

In this post, we’ll not only get you up to speed on how to play video poker, but we’ll also tell you where you can play it and which are the most popular video poker variations out there.

HOW DO VIDEO POKER MACHINES WORK?

Video poker machines are online games that combine elements of traditional poker with the simplicity of slot machines.

When you take a virtual seat a video poker machine, you’ll usually find a screen displaying a virtual poker table. Once you’ve made your bet, you click a button to deal the cards. The machine then randomly generates a set of five virtual playing cards.

Your goal in video poker is to create the best poker hand possible from the five cards dealt. The machine typically follows standard poker hand rankings, such as a pair (the lowest-paying hand), two pairs, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush.

Different hands offer varying payouts, with the highest rewards for achieving a royal flush.

After the initial deal, you can choose which cards to keep and which to discard. Once you’ve made your decisions, you press another button to replace the discarded cards.

The final hand determines your winnings based on the pay table displayed on the machine.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF VIDEO POKER IN AN ONLINE CASINO?

To get a deeper understanding of what video poker is all about, check out EnergyCasino’s post about video poker.

That will fill you in on how video poker casino games are played.

The purpose of video poker in an online casino is to bring the excitement of poker to players in a virtual environment.

Video poker combines the thrill of traditional poker with the convenience of online gaming.

In an online casino, players can enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes using computers or mobile devices.

Although video poker is very simple, it won’t be the easiest game you’ve ever played.

The game offers a blend of skill and chance, allowing players to make strategic decisions about which cards to keep and which to discard.

With various video poker variants available, players can choose from different rule sets and gameplay styles. Whether it’s classic Jacks or Better video poker, Deuces Wild, or other variations, players have options that cater to their preferences and skill levels.

Additionally, video poker serves as an alternative to traditional slot machines for players who enjoy card games. It provides a different kind of gaming experience while still offering the simplicity and accessibility that slot games are known for.

Finally, one significant purpose of having video poker in online casinos is the favorable house edge that it often offers to players.

Unlike some other casino games, certain video poker variants come with a comparatively low house edge, giving players a better chance of winning over the long run.

The presence of a favourable house edge not only enhances the entertainment value for players but also provides an opportunity for those who appreciate a strategic approach to gambling.

BASIC RULES FOR VIDEO POKER GAMES

While specific rules can vary slightly between different variants, here are the basic rules that apply to most video poker games:

1. Getting Started: To begin, players insert money or credits into the video poker machine. After making a bet, the game is initiated by pressing the “Deal” button.
2. Card Dealing: The machine deals a virtual hand of five cards. The player’s objective is to form the best possible poker hand from these five cards.
3. Decision Time: Players then decide which cards to keep and which to discard. Pressing the “Hold” button locks in the chosen cards, while the rest are replaced in the next step.
4. Card Replacement: The discarded cards are replaced with new ones, forming the final five-card hand.
5. Winning hand: Payouts are determined based on the strength of the final hand, following standard poker rankings. Common winning hands include the lowest-paying hand pairs, three of a kind, straights, flushes, full houses, four of a kind, straight flush, and the highest-ranked hand, the royal flush.
6. Payouts: The machine’s pay table displays the corresponding payouts for different hands and bet sizes. Higher bets often result in increased payouts for winning hands.
7. House Edge: Players should be aware of the house edge, which represents the casino’s statistical advantage. Choosing games with a lower house edge can enhance a player’s chances of success, so always make sure to check the house edge before playing a video poker game.
8. Strategy: Video poker involves an element of skill. Players can employ strategies such as holding certain cards based on the initial deal to increase their chances of forming a winning hand.
9. Game Variations: There are various video poker variants, each with its own set of rules and potential winning combinations. Common variants include the Jacks or Better game, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker.

HOW TO PLAY VIDEO POKER FOR REAL MONEY?

Need a thorough breakdown of how to start playing video poker?

Check out EnergyCasino’s article about how to play video poker here.

Here’s a quick rundown of what every video poker player needs to do before loading up their video poker game:

1. Choose a Reputable Online Casino: To play video poker for real money, start by selecting a trustworthy online casino. Ensure that the casino is licensed and regulated to guarantee a safe and secure gaming environment.
2. Create an Account: Sign up for an account at the chosen online casino. Most casinos ask you to provide some personal information and creating login credentials.
3. Deposit Money: Once your account is set up, you’ll need to deposit money to play. Online casinos offer various payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Before depositing money, playing video poker games for free is a good option.
4. Navigate to Video Poker Games: After depositing funds, navigate to the video poker section of the casino. Most online casinos have a variety of video poker variants to choose from.
5. Choose Your Game: Select the video poker variant you want to play. Popular options include Jacks or Better video poker, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Each game has its own rules and potential winning combinations.
6. Place Your Bet: Before starting a game, decide on the amount you want to bet. Most video poker machines allow you to choose the coin size and the number of coins per hand. Winning a bet with max. coins will grant you the highest payout for that particular hand.
7. Deal the Cards: Press the “Deal” button to receive your initial cards. Evaluate your hand and decide which cards to keep and which to discard.
8. Card Replacement: After choosing the cards to keep, press the “Hold” button. The discarded cards are replaced, forming your last hand.
9. Check for Winning Hands: The machine will automatically determine if your last hand is a winner based on standard poker rankings. Payouts are then awarded accordingly.
10. Cash Out: If you win, your winnings will be added to your casino account. You can choose to continue playing or cash out your winnings.
11. Practice Responsible Gambling: Keep in mind the importance of responsible gambling. Set limits for yourself, and don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.

PAY TABLE FOR VIDEO POKER MACHINES

You’ll find different pay tables for video poker from one game to another, but if you’re looking for a general overview of some pay tables, here you have it.

Do keep in mind, however, that you may find better pay tables than the one shown below.

If this is the case, make sure to check the game’s payback percentage, since the developers might increase it to compensate for the better odds.

These transparent odds help players know the payouts before beginning a single game round.

RTP IN VIDEO POKER GAMES

In video poker games, you might come across the term “RTP,” which stands for Return to Player. RTP, or payback percentage, is a crucial concept because it helps you understand how much of your money you might get back over time while playing.

The payback percentage is a way to express the game’s generosity to players. Let’s say a video poker game has a payback percentage of 95%.

This means that, on average, if you were to play for a long time and bet €100, the game might give you back an expected value of €95 in winnings.

It’s important to remember that this is an average, so individual rounds of play can vary.

When you see a higher payback percentage in a video poker game, it generally means that a larger portion of the money players bet is returned as winnings.

This can be good news for players, as it suggests a higher likelihood of getting some of your money back over the course of your playing sessions.

Checking the payback percentage is a smart move when choosing which video poker game to play, helping you make informed decisions based on potential returns and your preferences for an enjoyable gaming experience.

THE PERFECT VIDEO POKER STRATEGY FOR YOU

Whatever video poker version you decide to play, it’s vital to do so with strategy in mind.

When you play perfectly — that is, employing correct play in the sense that every move gives you the best odds of landing a win — you might just be able to extend your bankroll.

For more information about strategies in video poker, check out our dedicated article about video poker strategies here.

If you want some quick tips on how to become a better video poker user, consider the tips below!

• Starting with a Good Hand:Always hold onto a strong starting hand. If you’re dealt at least a pair of Jacks or higher, or if you have a high-ranking hand like a flush or straight, it’s usually a good idea to keep those cards.
• Understand the Pay Table: Pay tables show the payouts for different hands. Knowing the pay table helps you make informed decisions about which cards to keep or discard. Opt for machines with favourable pay tables.
• Using Max Bet Wisely: Playing with the maximum bet can lead to higher payouts, especially for a Royal Flush. If your budget allows, consider betting the maximum amount for a chance at increased winnings.
• Recognise the Value of a Wild Royal Flush: A wild royal flush is a powerful hand because it combines the high-ranking cards of a royal flush with the flexibility of a wild card.
• Use Good Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your video poker sessions and stick to it. This ensures you don’t spend more money than you can afford. Managing your bankroll wisely helps extend your playtime.
• Discard Unnecessary Cards: After the initial deal, carefully evaluate your hand. Discard cards that don’t contribute to potential winning combinations. Focus on building a stronger hand with the cards you keep.
• Avoiding the Gambler’s Fallacy: Each hand in video poker is independent of the previous one. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that past results influence future outcomes. Stick to sound strategy rather than trying to predict patterns.
• Learning Game Variations: There is a significant difference between different video poker variations when it comes to their rules and strategies. Familiarise yourself with the specific rules of the variant you’re playing to make optimal decisions during the game, but don’t be afraid to try other video poker games.
• Taking Advantage of Promotions: Some casinos offer promotions or bonuses for video poker play. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, as they can provide additional value and enhance your overall gaming experience.

BEST VIDEO POKER GAMES LIST

Video poker players, listen up!

In this section, we’ll be mentioning some of the best games the world of video poker has to offer.

• Jacks or Better: Jacks or Better is a classic video poker game where the goal is to get a hand containing at least a pair of jacks or higher to win. When playing Jacks or Better, players are dealt five different cards, and they can choose to keep or discard cards to improve their initial hand. The game follows standard poker rankings, and the minimum successful hand is a pair of jacks. Jacks or Better is dubbed the best video poker game out there, and it is hugely popular among casinos.
• Double Bonus Poker: Double Bonus Poker is a video poker variant that builds on the Jacks or Better format. In addition to the standard payouts, Double Bonus Poker offers enhanced rewards for specific four-of-a-kind hands, particularly those involving aces. Players aim to get the best poker hand possible, and Double Bonus Poker offers bonus payouts for certain card combinations.
• Bonus Deuces Wild: Bonus Deuces Wild is an exciting video poker game where all 2s (Deuces) act as a wild card, substituting for other cards to create winning hands. Bonus Deuces Wild introduces bonus payouts for specific hands, adding an extra layer of excitement. Players strategise to take advantage of the wild cards and maximise their winning potential. Bonus Deuces Wild is far from a bad game to play if you like strategising with wild cards.
• Super Aces Bonus Poker: Super Aces Bonus Poker is a video poker game with an emphasis on high payouts for four aces. Similar to other variants, players are dealt five different cards and can choose which ones to keep or replace. The goal is to form the best poker hand, with extra bonuses for achieving four aces.
• Aces and Faces: Aces and Faces is a video poker game that introduces higher payouts for hands containing aces or face cards (jack, queen, king). Players strive to obtain winning combinations, and the game rewards higher for hands featuring aces and face cards. It’s a variation that adds a twist to the standard video poker experience.
• Double Joker Poker: Double Joker Poker is an exciting video poker game that includes two jokers in the deck, acting as wild cards. These jokers can substitute for any other card, enhancing the chances of forming winning hands. The game follows standard poker rankings, and players aim to create the best possible hand with the help of the wild jokers.

VIDEO POKER TOURNAMENTS IN THE ONLINE CASINO

A video poker tournament is a fun and competitive event where players gather to showcase their video poker skills and compete against each other.

Although there isn’t such a big difference between tournaments and video poker games, there are some things you should know about.

HOW DOES A VIDEO POKER TOURNAMENT WORK?

To participate in a video poker tournament, players usually need to pay an entry fee. Once registered, each player is given a set amount of tournament credits, and all participants play on equal footing.

The goal is to accumulate as many credits as possible within a specified time frame.

Video poker tournaments typically consist of multiple rounds. Each round has a predetermined duration during which players try to achieve the highest credit score by playing video poker.

The number of rounds and the duration can vary depending on the tournament structure.

Players earn credits based on the outcomes of the multiple hands they play. The higher the hand’s ranking, the more credits they receive.

Successful players focus on making strategic decisions to maximize their credit accumulation during the limited tournament time.

The final round of the video poker tournament typically determines the ultimate winners.

The player with the highest overall credit score or the one who advances the farthest in the competition is declared the champion.

Prizes can include cash, vouchers, or other rewards, depending on the tournament’s rules and organisers.

VIDEO POKER TIPS FROM ENERGYCASINO

Tens of thousands of players enjoy video poker, but how many of them are aware of the tips and tricks we at EnergyCasino have up our sleeve?

Before loading up your favourite video poker game, consider the tips below:

• Consider breaking up a jacks or better hand to increase the chances of forming a straight flush.
• Choose to keep a low pair over a single high card for a more favourable hand.
• Retain four cards that create strong combinations, discarding the other two in a three-of-a-kind to open up possibilities for superior hands.
• When you achieve two pairs, eliminate the fifth card to create space for a full house.
• Discard a flush or straight only when you possess four cards that could potentially lead to a royal flush.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, video poker offers an exciting blend of strategy and luck, making it an exciting casino game for players of all levels.

With various game variations and strategies to explore, it provides an engaging and potentially rewarding experience.

Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the fun that video poker brings to the gaming world.