Surely you have heard that video poker is one of the most
profitable casino games. Indeed, the return to player (RTP) often exceeds 99%. It can be over 100%, although finding such games in modern casinos might be challenging.
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 in this section of Casinoz will tell you how to play casino video poker.
Basic Rules of Video Poker in
In any video poker, a player is guaranteed a payout if he has a set of cards respected by the rules. Respectively,
The goal of playing video poker is to get a poker combination from the payout table.
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 outstanding with it.
Royal flush (from tens to aces of the same suit) is traditionally considered 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 aspect 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. You need to pick a random card and compare it to the dealers. 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 learn 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.
Jacks or Better Poker
| A pair of jacks is the minimum hand.
|
10's or Better Poker
| The lowest combination is a pair of tens.
|
Deuces Wild Poker
| All deuces are wild cards.
|
Bonus Poker
| Special payouts for sure hands come into action.
|
Aces and Faces Poker
| Four jacks, queens, kings, or aces give higher winnings.
|
Joker Poker
| The joker substitutes for other cards.
|
All American Poker
| Higher payouts are available for some combinations.
|
In the video poker rules section, we discuss the 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 the player. For example, All Aces Poker, produced by Microgaming, 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 especially for this particular game. Besides, the practical results of a single session can
significantly differ from the theoretical parameters.
Is It Possible to Win at Video Poker in 2025?
Fortune is a very whimsical lady. Even if you play video poker correctly and choose a game with an RTP over 100%, there is no guarantee that you'll go home in the black. RTP can only be effective for an extended period.
If you find a video poker game with a negative house edge and choose the optimal strategy, sooner or later, your balance will be positive sooner or later. Also, good casinos award players with comp points for bets and 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.
Video Poker Strategies
A different strategy is available 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 you don't need to get into details. Merely follow the recommendations.
Video poker systems are not interchangeable. Do not play Deuces Wild relying on the Bonus Poker strategy. This won't help you to achieve the maximum return to the 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 allows an understanding of the nuances of the gameplay.
Jacks or Better is found in two main variations:
- 8/5 – full house and flush give 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 particular bonus poker strategy.
It is discussed step by step in an exclusive article at Casinoz.
Deuces Wild 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, four deuces, five of a kind, and a straight flush with jokers pay by special multipliers.
Before playing Deuces Wild Poker for money, carefully
study the above strategy.
Joker Poker 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
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.
Tips on Video Poker for Beginners
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 significantly differ 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 challenging, and the prize fund can be significant.
Conclusion
Read articles on video poker at Casinoz. They will teach
you to play professionally and succeed more often.
