Video poker is like a slow sip of fine Kentucky bourbon compared to the fast-pouring beer-bong action of slot machines. If you’re past pulling a lever and hoping for the best, video poker brings something else to the table—strategy.
Unlike traditional poker, there are no sweaty palms or shady looks from across the table. It’s just you and a screen filled with possibilities. It’s more than a game of chance, and for those willing to invest a bit of brainpower, it can offer better odds than most casino games. The key? You need to know how to play your cards wisely—quite literally.
How To Play Video Poker: A Master Class
This how-to-play video poker master class is designed for everyone, whether you’re new to video poker or a high roller to sharpen your strategy. We’ll walk through what video poker is, why you should give it a go, and the best strategies to make the house sweat a little.
What is Video Poker?
Let’s start with the essentials. Video poker is essentially a hybrid of slot machines and five-card draw poker. You’re not sitting at a table staring down other players, and there’s no one to bluff. It’s just you and the machine. The goal? Build the best five-card poker hand you can, using a mix of luck and smart choices.
The machine deals you five cards after you place your bet. Then, you get to choose which cards to keep and which to toss. Once you’ve made your decisions, the machine gives you replacement cards for the ones you ditched, and boom, you see if you’ve got a winning hand. It’s poker, streamlined for the digital age, and the beauty is in its simplicity.
A History of Video Poker
Before video poker became a staple in casinos, it had the humblest of beginnings. It all started in the late 1970s when the first video poker machines popped up in Las Vegas. The technology was rudimentary, more Commodore 64 than today’s sleek, high-def touchscreen wonders, but it was enough to capture the imagination of gamblers looking for a new game.
By the 1980s, video poker was everywhere. It took off like wildfire because it blended the strategy of poker with the simplicity of slots. You didn’t need to be an expert to play, and you didn’t need to deal with the pressure of a live table game. Casinos loved it because it was easy to manage, and it was a hit with players who liked poker but preferred to gamble solo. Fast forward to today, and now you can play online video poker on your phone, your computer, or wherever you’ve got an internet connection. The game has evolved, but the fundamentals remain the same.
Why Play Video Poker Online?
If you’re looking for convenience, online video poker has got you covered. You don’t need to put on your Sunday best or hop on a plane to Vegas. You can play video poker from your couch, your favorite coffee shop, or heck, even on the beach.
The allure of playing video poker online goes beyond how easy it is. First, online video poker often offers better pay tables. Why? Simple, online casinos have less overhead, which means they can offer better odds and bonuses to players.
You also get a greater variety of games online. Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos might have a handful of video poker machines, but when you’re online, you have access to dozens if not hundreds of different versions, from classic Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild and Bonus Poker. And since you’re playing on your terms, there’s no rush. You can play at your own pace, make thoughtful decisions, and improve your skills without feeling pressured.
The Basics About Video Poker
Alright, now let’s get to the ins and outs of how to play video poker online. While video poker has hundreds of variations, the core rules are consistent across the board.
1. The Bet
You start by placing your bet. And here’s a golden rule: always bet the maximum. Why? Because if you hit a Royal Flush, the payout for a max bet is significantly higher than if you’d cheaped out with fewer coins.
2. The Deal
Once your bet is in place, the machine deals you five cards. This is where the strategy begins. You get to decide which cards to hold and which to discard. Most video poker games will have a “hold” button under each card, making the decision process simple.
3. The Draw
After deciding which cards to hold and which ones to discard, you are dealt new cards to replace the discarded ones. Now, you’ve got your final hand, and if it matches any of the game’s winning hands (which range from a pair of Jacks to a Royal Flush), you win. The better the hand, the bigger the payout.
Advanced Video Poker Strategies
Now that you’ve got the basics of video poker down let’s take a look at some advanced tactics that can boost your chances of winning big. Unlike slots or roulette, video poker isn’t purely a game of chance. It requires a level of skill and strategic decision-making that can shift the odds in your favor if you play intelligently.
Know the Pay Tables
Every video poker game has its own payout structure, known as the “pay table.” Some games offer a better return for certain hands than others. For example, in Jacks or Better, a full house pays 9-to-1, and a flush pays 6-to-1. That’s why you often hear the term “9/6 Jacks or Better”—it’s shorthand for the pay table. Learn to read the pay tables before you start playing, and always go for the game that offers the best returns.
Hold High Cards and Pairs
If you’re dealt a pair of Jacks or better (hence the name of the game), hold onto them. The chances of improving your hand are lower than the guarantee of winning with a pair. If you have a high card (like an Ace or King), it’s usually worth holding onto it, especially if you don’t have any other strong hands.
Go for the Royal Flush (Sometimes)
The allure of a Royal Flush is real. But it’s rare, so you’ve got to be strategic about when you go for it. If you’ve got three cards to a Royal, it’s often worth the gamble to discard your other two cards and take a shot at completing the hand. But don’t throw away a sure thing—like a low pair—just because the Royal Flush jackpot is dangling in front of you.
Video Poker: Dos and Don’ts
Mastering how to play video poker requires a mix of smart play and self-discipline. Here’s a rundown of the essential do’s and don’ts to keep you on track.
Dos:
- Max Bet: Always, always, always bet the max. The payouts for a Royal Flush aren’t worth it if you skimp on your bet.
- Check the Pay Table: Don’t just jump into a game because it’s convenient. Look for the best pay tables to maximize your odds.
- Practice: Before diving into real-money games, try out some free versions of online video poker. It’s a great way to refine your strategy without the risk.
Don’ts:
- Chase Losses: If you’re on a losing streak, don’t double down or increase your bet in desperation. Gambling is about having fun—if it stops being fun, step away.
- Ignore Strategy: Video poker isn’t slots. There’s a strategy behind every hand, so don’t just hit “draw” without thinking.
- Overplay Wild Cards: In games like Deuces Wild, having a wild card is great, but don’t over-rely on them. Stick to basic poker strategies and make informed decisions.
Video Poker vs Traditional Poker
If you’ve ever sat at a poker table, you’ll know that video poker is a very different animal. In traditional poker, you’re up against other players. It’s all about reading the room, bluffing, and leveraging your hand against your opponents’. But when you play video poker, it’s you versus the machine just like Skynet envisioned.
That means there’s no bluffing in video poker. The machine doesn’t care about your poker face. It’s all about the cards. In traditional poker, you might win a hand with a weak pair by bluffing your way through it. In video poker, a weak hand stays weak, and no amount of bravado is going to change that.
The flip side is that video poker is much less stressful. There’s no one to outwit, no poker sharks waiting to take your chips. It’s you, the machine, and a clear set of rules.
Conclusion
So there you have it: how to play video poker in all its glory. It’s a game that offers a unique blend of luck and strategy, and when played right, it gives you some of the best odds in the casino. Whether you’re in a Las Vegas casino or enjoying a few rounds of online video poker from your couch, the principles are the same—bet smart, play smart, and always keep an eye on the pay tables.