Video Poker is arguably the oldest form of the video slot, since the very first slot machines (invented in the 1890s) were all about spinning for a poker hand. However, modern video poker involves no spinning: it’s all about spotting the potential, just like real poker.
The Aim of the Game
In video poker, the game works similarly to regular Stud Poker, the same as you’d play with a dealer or against other humans. Except with video poker, there’s no competitive angle. If you make any poker hand at all, you win. The amount of money you win is based on how powerful a hand you’ve managed to make.
How to Play Online Casino Video Poker
A game of video poker begins with you making a bet. This is very important because the size of the pot you win if luck is on your side is directly proportional to the size of your initial wager. You don’t get to increase your wager later in the game – the opening bet is your only shot. In a sense, it’s like permanently being the Big Blind.
Once your wager has been placed, the machine will deal you five cards. Take a good long look at them – there’s no time limit to act, and success at this game comes from being able to spot what could turn into a big hand.
If you’re unfamiliar with the poker hands, they are: a pair, two pairs, and Three of a kind. The next most powerful is a Straight, which is 5 cards of any suit in incremental sequence.
After that comes the Flush, which is any 5 cards of the same suit. Next comes the Full House, which is three of a kind and a pair together in one hand. This is followed by Four of a kind.
The final two most powerful hands are the Straight Flush – five cards of the same suit in ascending numerical order – and the Royal Flush, which is a Straight Flush comprised of the 10 through Ace of any suit.
So, when you’re looking at your initial 5 cards, you need to be thinking about where this could go. If you see the makings of a decent hand, you need to hang on to the cards that can make it for you.
You click the cards you want to keep – you could keep all or none of them, it’s entirely up to you. But once you’ve committed to the second round, you can’t change your mind. Any cards you didn’t click to keep will be discarded, and will be replaced by new ones. This is now your final hand. If there is any workable poker hand in it at all, you will be paid out what it’s worth based on your opening bet.
Tips for playing Online Casino Video Poker
It’s all about being aware of what could be, and taking risks at the right time. For example, suppose that you have a pair of aces, but also four spades in your opening hand. Even though the pair of aces is a winner, it’s much better to discard one in the hopes of making a higher paying flush.