Surely you have heard that video poker is one of the most
profitable casino games. Indeed, return to player (RTP) often exceeds 99%. It can be even over 100%, although might be difficult to find such games in modern casinos.
Does this mean that any user will automatically
play video poker on an equal footing with the casino? Not at all. To achieve maximum
return, you must choose a strategy for the selected game and
strictly follow it in all situations.
Articles of this section of Casinoz will tell you about how to play casino video poker.
Basic rules
In any video poker, a player is guaranteed to receive a payout if he has a set of cards respected by the rules. Respectively,
The goal of the game is to land a poker combination.
It is always allowed to change up to five cards once for free. This move is optional. The client can keep the starting hand if he's totally fine with it.
Royal flush (from tens to aces of the same suit) traditionally considered as a maximum combination. Exceptions are found only in rare versions.
The minimum combination depends on the type. In Tens or Better a pair of tens is paid. In Jacks or Better, payouts are made for combinations starting with a pair of jacks. Deuces Wild requires at least three cards of the same denomination.
Thus, this paragraph should be specified in each particular game.
Traditionally, the bet per round can vary from 1 to 5
coins. The client chooses the quantity and cost. Five chips can
activate inflated payouts on the highest combinations, so
it is recommended to always make the maximum bet in chips.
The gamble feature begins at the client's request. The house has no advantage here, so the chances of winning are 50:50. Here you need to pick a random card and compare it to the dealer's one. If you win, the payouts are doubled. You can also lose your bet or
bring the round to a draw.
Read the rules and video poker reviews to find out about possible bonuses, jackpots, playing video poker on multiple hands, and other additional features.
Varieties of video poker
You will find numerous types of video poker at online and land-based casinos. Usually, the general principles of the gameplay are pretty much the same, while multipliers may vary. Also, some games use jokers.
Let's list the most common variations.
- Jacks or Better is one of the most popular
games, which pays for combinations starting from a pair of jacks;
- 10's or Better – land at least a pair of tens and win;
- Deuces Wild – all deuces play as wild cards, and the minimum combination is three of a kind;
- Bonus Poker – a variety similar to Jacks or Better, but
with different multipliers in some cases;
- Aces and Faces – four of a kind,
made of jacks, queens, kings or aces, bring higher payouts;
- Joker Poker – Joker substitutes other cards;
- All American – another traditional
video poker featuring standard rules and particular multipliers on
some combinations.
In the video poker rules section, we discuss features of all versions in detail.
Video poker math
Studying the specifications and rules of the game, you should,
first of all, pay attention to RTP. This is the most important indicator of any
video poker.
In classic Jacks or Better, it is 99.54%, but some games offer an even higher return to player. For example, in All Aces Poker
produced by Microgaming, it reaches 99.92%. And in Zero Jacks or Better from
Playtech, the RTP is 100%.
Once again, you can get such a high return
only with the help of the strategy designed specially for this particular game. Besides, it should be understood that the practical results of a single session can
significantly differ from the theoretical parameters.
Is it possible to win on video poker against the casino?
Fortune is a very capricious lady. Even if you play video poker correctly and choose a game with the RTP over 100%, there is no guarantee,
that you'll go home in the black. RTP can only be effective in a long period of time.
If you manage to find a video poker game with a negative house edge, and you choose the optimal strategy, sooner or later your balance will be positive. Also, good casinos award players with comp points for bets, offer bonuses and other privileges, which increases the chance of success.
So you can win in video poker. Either way, it is more profitable than roulette, slots or table poker.
General provisions of video poker strategy
A different strategy should be used for each game.
It gives clear instructions on how to deal with a given situation. We explain this in the thematic articles on Casinoz, but there is no need for you to get into details, but merely follow the recommendations.
Video poker systems are not interchangeable. Do not play Deuces Wild relying on Bonus Poker strategy. This won't help you to achieve the maximum return to player.
Jacks or Better strategy
Jacks or Better is one of the most popular video pokers.
Many experts recommend this game to beginners, because of its simple strategy. This gives an opportunity to understand the nuances of the gameplay.
Jacks or Better is found in two main variations:
- 8/5 – full house and flush bring 8 and 5 coins accordingly,
- 9/6 – the same combinations bring 9 and 6 chips.
Sure, the second option is much more profitable for the player. Always look for Jacks or Better 9/6.
Bonus Poker strategy
This game features unique payout ratios for
some combinations. The most common game is Bonus Poker 8/5. Full house and
flush give 8 and 5 coins. Different types of Four of a Kind pay by special multipliers. Also, the Royal flush brings an inflated payout.
These features require a special bonus poker strategy.
It is discussed step by step in an exclusive article at Casinoz.
Deuces Wild game strategy
The highlight of this variety is that all deuces are jokers.
They can complement the combination, substituting for the missing cards.
The minimum payout is charged for three of a kind.
Also, 4 deuces, five of a kind, and a straight flush with jokers pay by special multipliers.
Before you play "Wild Deuces" for money, carefully
study the strategy published above.
Joker Poker game strategy
In Joker Poker, the lowest combination is a pair of kings.
It features a Joker, that brings additional combinations:
- Poker (five of a kind);
- A Royal flush with Joker.
Special multipliers are applied.
All American strategy game
This model differs from Jacks or Better by the odds, which requires modifications to the overall strategy. Besides, the winning
for a Royal flush with five coins at stake is inflated. This should also be taken into account.
General tips for beginners in video poker
Finally, a few basic recommendations:
- Look for video poker with maximum return.
- Start playing on the standard varieties for which
simple strategies have long been developed.
- Remember that even games with the same name can have significant differences in the rules.
- Don't chase bonuses and prize features. Usually, such
games are not the most profitable.
- Always stake five coins in video poker with a progressive jackpot.
- Do not forget to track new models. Many of them offer
tempting terms.
We also advise you to pay attention to video poker tournaments. Sometimes they are free. Competition in tournaments with an entry fee is not always tough, and the prize fund can be large.
Conclusion
Read articles on video poker at Casinoz. They will teach
you to play professionally and succeed more often.
