How to Play Video Poker

Introduction

Today, the online gambling industry is one of the fastest growing industries. People from different parts of the world log into these online gambling portals and play day and night. There are hundreds of different games to choose from. Video Poker happens to be one of the most popular of these online games. If you have never tried video poker, then here is a simple guide to get you familiarized with the rules of Video Poker.

Basic Information

When talking about resemblance Video poker can be closely compared to that of a slot machine. However the rules are a little different and can be best compared to that of a standard poker table game. The player needs to put down a stake into the Video poker machine and then with the click of a mouse set the machine into motion.

Operation

In Video poker, you will have to engage the machine twice, and then start to use very simple strategy. The more you play the game the more you begin to learn and understand how it works. To make it simple, once you are dealt a hand of cards, you must decide what you will keep and what you will discard. The machine will discard your cards and replace them with new card. Your new hand will then be measured with a standard poker hand scale. This means that you have to perform your actions twice and the machine corresponds and reacts twice as well. For most of the Video poker games, this operation remains more or less the same with little or no variation.

Step by Step Instructions

After you load up the video poker machine, you will see a screen divided into different sections. One section is for the playing cards, another for your payout tables and one for the game logo. Beneath the playing cards section you will see a series of buttons that help you to select and set stakes. These buttons have customized amounts which you can bet. You will also notice a plus/minus button that helps you adjust the amount you bet with. Most machines allow wagers in different denominations and if the machine has multiple playlines, you will need to click the payout table icon to see the different size of wagers. The easiest way for you to follow these step by step instructions is to get to an online video poker machine and follow these instructions.

Once you set your wager amount you can click on the deal button and this starts the game. Your cards will shuffle and then settle, after which you will be confronted with two buttons saying 'Hold' and 'Deal'. The hold button appears beneath each card and if clicked, that particular card will be held. After you decide which cards you want to hold, you can click the deal button and the rest of the cards will be replaced. Your final hand will be shown. If the hand is a winning hand you will receive an immediate payout based on the payout scale and poker hand rank.

If you win, you will have the opportunity to engage in a high card showdown. This means you will have one up turned card which represents the casino and another 5 face down cards which you must choose from. If the card you pick beats the casinos card, you will automatically double your winnings. You can again double your earnings by going through the same process. If you think that enough is enough you can locate the 'Tab' button and get out. However, if you lose all your original winnings are lost.

It does not take one very long to learn how to play online video poker. Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild which are some of the most popular online video poker games operate on more or less the same set of rules.

Follow these step by step instructions once you have logged into your online gambling portal and you will find online video poker one of the simplest games you have ever played online.

Video Poker Frequently Asked Questions

Video Poker is a favorite game choice for the poker community and fun alternative to playing slots. Widely available at land based and online casinos, it has grown significantly over the years gaining noted popularity among gamblers.

Below is a list of commonly asked questions about Video Poker.

1. What is the difference between Video Poker and Table Game Poker?

Video Poker is played on a machine that does not have a dealer. Instead of playing against the dealer in a table game setting you are playing no one but yourself non-competitively.

2. Is a Video Poker machine comparable to a Video Slot machine?

Similar only in the fact that it is a Video machine but entirely different in the way it is played.

3. Is it recommended to someone that does not know how to play poker at all?

No – there are the basics to learn before considering to play Video Poker.

4. What should I know before playing Video Poker?

Although almost every machine displays the Poker payouts above or on the side of game it is important to know what beats what in poker hands.

5. How many decks of cards are used in Video Poker?

There is one deck, 52 cards (53 if Joker is used) in a single handed game.

6. How many winning poker combinations are there?

It depends on the game variation played but the most basic poker hands include: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Two Pair and One Pair (Jacks or Better).

7. Is there a strategy to playing Video Poker?

Yes – a player needs to know what the best cards to hold are and what cards to discard on the deal.

8. Is risk part of the skill of playing good Video Poker?

Definitely – For example if you are a dealt a flush but it is 4 to the Jackpot Royal Flush it is worth risking the Flush for a chance to win the Royal.

9. What is the worst hands to hold in Video Poker?

Holding a Face card (King, Queen, Jack) with another face card not suited.

10. How much does it cost to play Video Poker?

There are penny, nickel, quarter, 50 cent, one dollar and 5 dollar machines.

11. Is there Video Poker for high rollers?

Yes – there are ten dollar, 25 dollar and 100 dollar machines.

12. Is there more than one variation to choose from?

Yes – there are many Video Poker game variations to select from.

13. When selecting a game what should a player know?

It is important to know what the winning payout hands are. For example four aces may pay more than other four of a kind hand.

14. Do some games pay more than others for the same hand?

Yes – it depends on the type of game selected which will have vary in payout value.

15. What game is recommended for a player new to Video Poker?

The most common, basic game is Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild.

16. What games are recommended for bigger payouts?

Bonus type games or special features that include multipliers.

17. Can more than one hand be played at one time?

Yes – multi-line Video is available offering up to 100 hands per game.

18. How are the cards dealt and drawn on multi-hand games?

On the deal every hand is dealt the same set of cards and on the draw each hand is dealt a separate set of cards.

19. Is Video Poker online similar to playing land based games?

Yes they are. In fact there are some Video Poker software providers that offer the same games online as in land based casinos.

20. How can I learn more to become a skilled Video Poker player?

We offer an expansive list of helpful guides plus Free Video Games to practice in our Free Games section.

The Most Common Online Poker Pitfalls

Poker’s one of those games that requires expertise, skill, strategy, and a healthy sense of competition. It’s not for the faint of heart—but even habitual solo players can find it an excellent addition to their usual gaming lineup.

After all, it’s a bona fide classic.

Without a doubt, poker’s a game of trial and error while you practice and refine your strategy. It’s also quite the transition, moving from the table to online platform. Even if you’re very well used to the traditional set up, you’ll find that you have to modify your technique and keep several new facets in mind if you want to win.

As with any new skill, it’s easy to fall into a couple of traps as you begin playing. To help, we’ve created this guide with the top mistakes that new online poker players make (and how to avoid them).

Have you read the Terms and Conditions yet?

Before playing, there’s something you absolutely must do every single time you visit a new online casino: read the terms and conditions. Every website’s a little different and this is the best way to protect yourself from surprises later on.

Make sure you’re paying especially close attention to the rules regarding cash, deposits, withdrawals, fees, and bonuses.

If you have any questions, contact customer service. It’s also a good opportunity to see how the customer service replies—this is another indicator of a reputable site.

There’s usually a waiting period before you can withdraw your winnings, but sometimes it’s out of hand. One of the biggest reasons that a casino can end up on a warning list is for extremely slow payments. If you’re trying to be responsible about your budget, this could really cut into your enjoyment. It’s vital to always know exactly when and how to expect your money.

Otherwise, you might find yourself waiting for a long time.

Don’t Assume All Poker Games are Made Equal

When people host game nights at home, typically they’ll only play one or two different versions of a game. This applies even to such beloved games as poker. However, there’s a ton of variation in the world of playing online poker and it’s worth it to familiarize yourself.

Some of the most common variations include Texas Hold’em, Five-card draw, Chinese poker, Razz, Omaha Hold’em, and Seven-card Stud. It would be easy to think that they’re all basically the same and thus interchangeable—but you’d be wrong. There are significant differences between these games. It’s not just the rules, either. It’s the vibe, the feel of the game, the pace, the concentration. All of these vary widely from version to version.

Here comes our advice: never join an online poker table unless you know exactly which variant of poker they’re playing and you’re confident that you can play it.

It’s highly worth it to at least study the top three types of poker before hopping online and giving it a go. Preparation is the key to success and you definitely want to succeed. Take the time to read the instructions and maybe watch a couple of rounds before jumping in the ring yourself and wagering some real cash. You’ll be glad you did.

Choose a Reputable Online Casino Every Time

This should go without saying, but it’s surprising how easy it is for even experienced players to fall into the trap of playing on a site with dubious ethics (and legality).

If you’re looking to wager with real cash during your time playing online poker, you need to be sure that the platform you’re using is both established and licensed. It might take a little investigation, but it’s worth it to be up to the task: it’s your money on the line.

Luckily, casinos that are on the up and up are quite proud of this fact and it shouldn’t be too hard to find their license.

There are a couple of ways to make sure you’re playing in a reputable casino, in addition to reading the terms and conditions and seeing the license for yourself. You can find an online directory on many casino news sites. You can (and should) also use the community: forums are a great place to read about new casinos.

One thing’s for sure: the gambling community does not stand for fraud.

Curb Your Drinking (Though Not Your Enthusiasm)

It’s one of the classic combinations: poker and a glass of whisky. It’s in countless movies and TV shows and it’s beloved all over the world.

But wait!

Before you pick up that tumbler, make sure that you’re not letting alcohol affect your play. When real moneys on the line, you need to avoid alcohol consumption. It impairs your ability to formulate strategy, your focus, your skill, and even your judgement—making it hard to call your opponent’s bluff.

It’s not just online: it’s even one of the problems playing in a traditional casino! Brick and mortar casinos the world wide have been accused of using alcohol (and sexy waitresses) to distract players. To play poker to the best of your ability, you need a level head. Alcohol’s not going to help with that.

Keep Control of Your Budget

We’re sure you’ve heard that old saying, “don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose.” It’s a classic for a reason: you should never bet real cash in an online poker game if you don’t have a budget.

It’s also one of the gateways to gambling addiction. Being heavily in debt and trying to climb out of the hole by making money in online poker is a sign that you shouldn’t play online poker.

The stress of having to make money instead of playing for fun is what brings mistakes. Instead, make sure you’re approaching it with a clear mind so you can bluff and strategize with no hesitation.