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.
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.
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.
In the video poker rules section, we discuss features of all versions in detail.
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.
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.
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 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:
Sure, the second option is much more profitable for the player. Always look for Jacks or Better 9/6.
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.
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.
In Joker Poker, the lowest combination is a pair of kings. It features a Joker, that brings additional combinations:
Special multipliers are applied.
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.
Finally, a few basic recommendations:
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.
Read articles on video poker at Casinoz. They will teach you to play professionally and succeed more often.