Video Poker is one of the few casino games that is able to incorporate the intensity of table poker with the swiftness and excitement of slot machines. In addition, the game allows for skill to factor into winning, unlike regular slot machines which are random. Understanding the game of Poker will greatly increase your chances of winning, while the absence of a dealer gives you the freedom to play against yourself.
Countless variations of online Video Poker are available to be played at internet casinos today, but if you would like a bit of help before you start gaming, check out our helpful Video Poker Strategy page for tips and hints on how to win.
Online casinos have made playing Video Poker so simple that you can let the game do most of the work for you. When you first jump into a game, you will have the option to automate several different features of the Poker machine, such as automatic holding, betting, and the number of successive rounds you wish to play. If, however, you prefer traditional games, you can leave everything up to yourself and enjoy playing an immersive online casino game.
While there are many different types of Video Poker, the rules are often similar throughout. Depending on which online casino you choose to play at, you will be able to find a list of rules and regulations regarding each different Video Poker variation. Familiarize yourself with these rules before you start playing and you will have no trouble winning big.
When you enter a Video Poker room you will be asked to make an opening wager. There are many different elements that factor in to the initial bet including whether you are playing single or multi-hand, how many coins you play, and what the minimum and maximum bets are.
The minimum and maximum bets are often the same for each game across all online casinos, with multi-hand games allowing for bigger stakes. For example, in a game of Aces and Faces Video Poker, the minimum is 25c and the maximum $10. However, in a game of multi-hand, that wager will be multiplied by the number of active hands being played; so if the wager is $2, and you are playing four hands, then the bet will be $8. Additionally, if you decide to play the coin multiplier, the bet will be changed again according to how many coins you choose to play. In most online casinos, anywhere up to five coins can be played at a time.
After the bet has been made, you will receive five cards facing up. If there is a winning combination that can be made, the computer will automatically hold those cards. If the combination does not suit you, however, you may deselect the cards at any time.
Once you have finished making your card choices, all the unselected cards will be forfeited and new ones will be added. From this final hand of five cards you must create the best possible winning combination. If a hand qualifies, you will be paid out according to the online casino�s paytable. If not, then the initial wager is lost and you may play again.
When you win a round of Video Poker you will be offered the chance to enter a bonus round. In this bonus round you can risk your winnings for the chance to double your money. You will be shown five cards all facing down except for one. The object of the game is to select a facedown card that is of higher value than the one facing up. If you are correct then your stake is immediately doubled; a loss will lose your winnings, and a draw (selecting a card of the same rank) will allow you to keep your stake with the offer to play again. You may play the bonus round as many times as you want until you decide to collect, or lose.
Possibly the best feature of Video Poker is the fact that it is open-ended. There are no predetermined start or finish times like there are in table Poker; rather, you may come and go as you please, whether you play one hand, or one hundred.
The following is a list of the three most popular online Video Poker games. You will be able to find them at all reputable online casinos.
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Aces and Faces: Based on a version of Jacks or Better, Aces and Faces offers increased payouts on Four of a Kinds, and any winning combinations including Aces and Face cards.
Deuces and Joker Wild: Wildcards are the name of the game in Deuces and Joker Wild. One Joker is added to the game, with 2s also doubling as Wilds. The ability to build a winning hand is greatly increased with the addition of the five Wildcards.
Jacks or Better: Jacks or Better is by far the most popular of all Video Poker variations. It also boasts one of the best return percentages when optimal strategy is implemented.
