Guide to Online Video Poker
Anyone who has spent time in a casino—land-based or virtual—may have been surprised by the amount of virtual poker games there.
As a prominent game in the online casino world, it's worth knowing a thing or two about this interesting game, particularly if you'd like to play it. This guide is designed to help you understand the rules of the game, develop strategies for winning, as well as find the best video poker games and casinos in the UK.
Note: Video poker is arguably the most popular casino game after slots. It combines elements of poker with the simplicity of slot machines, making it easy to pick up but difficult to master.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, our guide will provide you with valuable information and tips to help you increase your chances of winning.
So, let's get started and learn how to play video poker with Casino Meter.
What is video poker?
Video poker is a game of skill in which you must make a better card hand than the computer out of three to five cards.
Note: It often gets lumped into the same category as classic poker games Texas Hold 'Em and Omaha, but it's actually very different to them.
To make this as clear as possible, here are a few key differences to understand.
- Video poker is always played on (and against) a machine rather than at a table against fellow players.
- Typically, you must make the best hand out of the three-to-five cards you're dealt in video poker, as opposed to in combination with community cards in traditional poker.
- Video poker tends to be much quicker with players making split-second decisions. Traditional poker is famous for its dramatic pauses and 'reading' of the other players.
Video poker variations
There are also various types of video poker on offer. Here are three classic examples of video poker variants:
Jacks or Better
This is a variant where a player wins if they have at least a pair of Jacks or a higher-ranked hand. The objective is to get the best possible five-card hand from the cards dealt.
Deuces Wild or Jokers Wild
Both these variants have a 'wild' card, either two (deuce) or the Joker, which can be substituted for any other card to make a winning hand.
Double Bonus (or Double Double Bonus) Poker
As the name suggests, this variant awards double (or double double) bonus payouts for four of a kind hands. The bonus amount depends on the hand, with Aces receiving the highest and 2s, 3s, and 4s the lowest.
As mentioned, getting started at video poker is relatively easy to do, but mastering it is difficult to challenge. The next section aims to put you on the path to expert status by looking at the best strategies you can use when playing this game.
Video poker tips and strategies
Experienced poker players know that a well-planned strategy can increase your chances of winning by helping you reduce the house edge. However, it's important to keep in mind that no strategy can guarantee a win.
To start with, let's look at tips that will help make the most of this game, and possibly even improve your chances of winning.
1. Know the game
The first and most important game is to get familiar with the game's rules. This includes reading the paytable and knowing which hands are worth the most. While most video poker games are quite similar, they all have their own little quirks to be aware of.
2. Choose a game with a high RTP that's popular with other players
Players liking a game is a good sign: it often means they're fun to play and have a decent Return to Player percentage (RTP). Casino Meter can guide you to these on our free video poker games page: head there and simply start with a title you like the most.
3. Use strategy tables
Strategy tables are a great way of knowing which hands to bet on by giving us the probability of each one winning. They mean you don't have to rely on working it out in your head so much, and possibly even play quicker.
Note: You can easily find strategy tables for virtually any video poker variation online.
4. Manage your bankroll
As per our safe gambling rules, always set a budget for your video poker play and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses this way and you're much more likely to have time.
5. Have fun
Remember, video poker is a popular game and is meant to be enjoyed. Don't get too caught up in trying to win, and focus on having a good time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best video poker games?
Picking out a video poker game that everyone thinks is the best is impossible. Instead, Casino Meter's experts advise you to first try out online casino games in demo mode you like the look of for free. This way you don't lose any money finding out that you don't like it!
Also, look out for the number of likes each game has as this will tell you how well it has fared with other players.
Am I more likely to win on video poker than other casino games?
Video poker is a game of skill, which means you can directly influence the outcome of the game. This means that skilled poker players may well have a better chance of winning than on, say, online slots.
Yet, this also comes down to individual games and each of their rules, so make sure you know all about these before you start playing, especially if for money.
What's the best way to learn video poker?
Be patient and try out free video poker games. The best poker players, in any poker discipline, have spent hours honing their practice. Should you do the same, preferably without spending money (at least to begin with), you stand a good chance of becoming a video poker expert.