Online Video Poker: Basis and Strategies
Video poker is the perfect combination of the well-known skill-based card game and slot machines guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. Like many gambling games, visitors to physical casinos first played video poker. But today, this game is available on all devices at any time.
In this guide, we share the basics and the most popular game strategies. After studying this information, you can get the most out of the gameplay.
Video Poker: An Introduction
Video poker was first heard about in the 1970s. The successful combination of a card game and everyone’s favourite slot machines into one exciting virtual game quickly won the hearts of many gambling fans worldwide, including in Canada.
Over the years, video poker has become one of the most popular games, largely due to the diverse nature of the game. It is one of those casino games that require the punter to have both luck, skills, and knowledge of some strategies.
The game is based on the classic five-card poker rules. However, the game takes place on an electronic machine (if the gambler plays in a physical casino) and on the device screen (if we are talking about virtual casinos).
As for the differences from traditional slots, in online video poker, instead of the usual reels and paylines, some cards eventually add up to a certain poker combination.
Benefits of Playing Video Poker Online
Modern gamblers do not need to travel to Las Vegas or any other city known for its gambling industry. To enjoy the process, it is enough to register on a licensed casino site.
If you are a fan of playing in a land-based casino, then you will definitely like the game’s virtual version. Online video poker has much fewer restrictions, and the variety of game versions will surprise even advanced gamblers.
The main reason for the sharp switch of players from the land-based version to the virtual one is the higher chances of winning. This is because most online slot games have a higher return to player or RTP.
In addition, the visual and sound effects that the best video poker machines boast are much better than their land-based counterparts.
Video Poker Gameplay
Before they start playing, beginners will need to get a basic knowledge of various poker hands and strategies. You cannot skip this step, as it is the foundation that underlies all subsequent actions and decisions: what bets to place, which cards to keep, and which ones to replace to add up a winning combination, etc.
This version of the game is somewhat different from traditional poker. One of the main differences is that the punter is playing against a computer (special software) and not against real opponents. Before proceeding directly to the game, please read the key points of the gameplay described below. This is a basic scenario. Depending on the video poker variant, the points may change.
- The player places a bet and waits for the cards to be dealt.
- The computer randomly gives the player 5 cards.
- After evaluating the received cards, the punter chooses which cards to keep collecting a winning combination and which ones to discard.
- After that, the player presses the button to start a new distribution, while the cards that do not suit are changed to others also randomly.
- Thus, the punter folds the poker hand, counting the number of points scored.
- If the gambler has collected a fairly good combination, then they win the bet and get the winnings according to the payouts stated earlier in the paytable.
We recommend that you study the paytable for each specific video poker game, as the odds may vary depending on the variation of the game.
Most Popular Types of Video Poker
Since the appearance of this game in physical casinos, it has become quite popular. One of the reasons why so many gamblers prefer video poker is a rather low house edge.
The variety of options for playing in virtual casinos is in no way inferior to the number of poker games in traditional gaming halls. Therefore, anyone who wants to enjoy online poker from the comfort of their homes is guaranteed to get entertainment for every taste and bankroll.
Below you will find a list of the most popular poker variations. All of them may differ in the rules, game course, and payouts. Therefore, read the game description on the particular online operator site before choosing a particular option.
- Deuces Wild
- Joker Poker
- 10s Or Better
- Two Way Royal
- All American Video Poker.
Playing in Demo Mode or for Real Money
As with all casino games, the free mode involves playing video poker without making a deposit. This is a more limited version of the game. However, the main features are available, just like in the real money version. If, in demo mode, the player does not make deposits, then it is logical that there is no money winning here either. At the same time, playing for real money has its own risks.
Understanding the difference between these two game modes will help the punter make the right choice. Then, after weighing the pros and cons listed below, you can decide what best suits your playing style.
Free Play
+ This is a poker variant without investment and risk of financial loss
+ Great way to get a feel for the game and learn the rules
+ The player may not worry about how much money is left on the game account
+ This mode allows you to master the poker hands firmly
+ You can practice your chosen strategy for free
– Not all features and bonuses are available
– No chance to win a cash prize
Play for Real Money
+ More fun and addictive gameplay
+ Opportunity to try your luck at winning cash prizes
+ The game is based on the same software as the free version of poker
+ The player can receive different bonuses for registration, deposits, etc.
+ Wider range of game options
+ All functions and features are available without restrictions
– There is a risk of losing money
Favourite Poker Game in Your Smartphone
In recent years, online gambling has taken a huge leap forward. Thanks to dedicated software and HTML5 technologies, all your favourite poker options are optimized for portable and mobile devices. This makes video poker one of the most accessible forms of entertainment for gambling fans around the world.
Now everyone can play a different part anywhere: on the way to work, without getting up from their own sofa, and even in the office. Moreover, thanks to mobile web versions of the casino and special applications, video poker is available in excellent quality on smartphones, tablets and laptops.
5 Key Benefits of Video Poker
This casino game boasts a number of advantages over other gambling entertainment available on the Internet today. The most important of them are:
- The player does not have to wait until the virtual table is filled with other participants in the game. You can play video poker alone against the computer.
- The game is available from almost all possible devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs.
- This game has one of the highest theoretical odds of winning. Therefore, poker fans are in a better position than, for example, fans of slots.
- The player wins when they manage to collect a good poker hand.
- Even by making small bets, the gambler can get considerable winnings.
Jacks or Better Poker Strategy
Jacks or Better is one of the most popular poker strategies. Although it may seem complicated for beginners, it can be understood in just a few minutes. This strategy of playing video poker does not guarantee the reduction of the casino advantage to zero and increases the player’s chances of winning to the maximum. However, this is a good option, which helps to increase the theoretical RTP to 99.46%, which is an excellent result.
How to Use
The essence of Jacks or Better is to try to collect the most successful poker hand. As we said earlier, having received their five cards, players decide which of them to keep (since they are suitable for the combination) and which ones to discard. Then, according to the strategy, the punter calculates all possible options to play their cards successfully. Then, having chosen one of the most suitable, the player follows it until the end of the game.
FAQs
Can I download free video poker games?
Yes. Almost all video poker variants are available in demo mode. Therefore, you can download the game you like to your device. However, you must understand that this will most likely be a limited version.
What is the best strategy for video poker?
There are many different strategies in video poker. Each player selects the one that best suits their playing style.
Can you consistently win at video poker?
No. Although this game is also based on the player’s skills, no one can guarantee 100% victory in each game.
Which video poker game has the best odds of winning?
In video poker, the theoretical odds of winning vary depending on the variant of the game, the player’s hand, and even the online venue you are playing on. For example, this figure can reach 99.5% in the game Jacks or Better.