Video poker is one of the most popular and common casino games. It is in high demand both at land-based online casinos.
Video poker looks like a slot machine with cards dealing on the screen. In fact, it is an automatic version of table poker.
The main advantage of video poker
The gameplay of video poker is quite monotonous. Specifics of strategy do not leave room for fantasy. The best solutions in all theoretically possible situations have been predicted by mathematicians. The graphics and animation are rarely very attractive.
It turns out that we are dealing with a dull and unspectacular game. So what is it that attracts millions of users? The answer simple:
Video poker offers very favorable terms and high chances of success.
Think about it: the return to the player exceeds 99% at key versions. In some games, it is over 100%. This means that the player has a mathematical advantage over the casino. But you can only achieve this through strategies tailored to each game.
That's why video poker is one of the games preferred by real pro gamblers.
Basic rules of video poker
The goal is to collect one of the combinations defined by the rules. If necessary, you can change any number of cards but only once.
The payoffs are guaranteed. You don't need to win the dealer, as there is no one, or depend on other circumstances.
Some video poker games can be played on multiple hands. You get the cards on the start line, keep the desired, and they are duplicated at all positions. On every hand, new cards are dealt from special decks. The payoffs are made for all the combinations.
Usually, you can withdraw the win to the balance or can stake it in the gamble feature. In the latter case, you need to choose one of the face-down cards. If it is stronger than the dealer cards, the payout is doubled. If it's weaker, the player loses money. The draw is possible too.
All video pokers have particular features:
- Different lists of combinations
- Particular odds,
- The presence or absence of jokers
- Bonus payouts and so on.
Basic rules of the key variations are discussed in the thematic section of Casinoz. The nuances of particular games are explained in the video poker reviews.
The key varieties of video poker
Some software providers offer dozens of video pokers. Let's take a look at the main varieties:
- Jacks or Better – the classic game, combinations of a pair of jacks and better are paid;
- Bonus Poker – this video poker is like Jacks or Better, with special odds for different types of Four of a Kind;
- Deuces Wild – all deuces play like a Joker, and the minimum combination is three cards of the same value;
- All American – is another traditional game which makes difference in payments;
- 10's or Better – the minimum combination is two 10s;
- Joker – a Joker in the deck substitutes other cards;
- Aces and Faces – four same Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces are paid out at inflated odds.
The payouts for the same combinations may vary in any of the above games. Always begin with the paytable.
The rules of video poker of the same type may vary slightly in versions by different developers. Please check it out in the reviews.
Bonuses in video poker
Most popular prize features of video pokers:
- Jokers and unique features of some cards;
- Increased payoffs for large combinations while playing by the maximum bet;
- Special odds for certain poker hands
- Thematic rounds.
Be sure to check the prize features in the reviews.
Video poker jackpots
In some games, you can compete for progressive jackpots. Most often, they are played by the maximal combinations assuming you made the highest bet. There are games with prize rounds, which have unique rules.
Video poker strategies
To reach the maximum efficiency playing video poker at the casino, you don't need to rely on intuition. The overall strategy boils down to the choice of the best variety and selection of the optimal strategy developed particularly for this game. It can be found at Casinoz online or generated with the help of special software.
Next, you need either to learn or to use a crib. Of course, the first option is preferable. We discuss all possible gaming situations in different articles in this section. These posts help players to understand why they need to take particular actions in a particular scenario.
We recommend starting with the free testing mode. Most casinos offer demo versions to play for fun. Develop your game skills according to a video poker strategy to prevent accidental mistakes.
In general, if you master the basic knowledge, all the recommended actions seem logical and understandable.
We beg you:
Forget about the intuition in poker. Feelings don't work here.
Only math and calculations!
In short, read articles, learn strategies, develop yourself, and achieve success.
How to choose a video poker?
This is a game, which entertainment, the convenience of the interface, settings, and other aspects stand sideways. The main point here – is the chances of winning. The higher the return to the player and lower the math advantage of the casino, the better.
That means you need to choose the most profitable video poker. Such will be the game with the maximum RTP. Try to find one which index exceeds 100%.
Then you have to choose the optimal strategy. It is not necessary to learn it by heart if you are going to play video poker at online casinos. As was mentioned above, you can always use a cheat sheet although it is not the most reliable approach.
Playing video poker professionally
Can I play video poker on a professional basis? Of course. This is one of the most suitable games for these purposes. It offers high RTP, so the chances of winning in every session are significant.
But be prepared to work hard. Again: the gameplay is pretty monotonous. You need to be careful to avoid mistakes.
Also, stock up on bankroll and learn how to distribute the money. Otherwise, you risk not to survive the troubles and fail.
In addition, be prepared for unpleasant surprises from the side of the casino management. Usually, video poker cannot be used for wagering bonuses and other promotions. So please read the terms of all the promotions in which you are going to participate.
Video poker articles in other sections
You can find articles about video poker on other pages of Casinoz as well.
- See the Strategies for instructions on how to play different types of video poker.
- Specific features of different variations of the game are discussed in the Rules.
- Find out about the best video pokers by popular developers in our thematic pick.
- Software for video poker fans can be found in the Soft.
If you're a fan of this game, you will not be bored at the website.
Conclusion
The main advantage of video poker is that it allows to minimize the mathematical advantage of the casino and even win over the institution. Yes, it takes effort. But isn't it worth it?
Play video poker, if you want to win at the casino often. And our articles will help you to achieve the maximum results.
