Video Poker Basics - An Introductory Guide
Video poker is a simplified version of online poker , as the rules are quite simple, requiring minimal expertise for success. The main knowledge needed involves hand rankings, as payouts depend on the hand you hold.
Here, we’ll outline standard video poker rules, though each game version has its nuances. Always review the game's specific rules or paytable before trying out a new version.
Card Deck
Video poker is traditionally played with a 52-card deck, though variants like 'Joker’s Wild’ add extra cards. The online random number generator mimics deck shuffling every round, making strategies like card counting ineffective.
Hand Rankings
Poker hands determine outcomes in all standard video poker variants, ranking from highest to lowest as follows:
- Royal Flush:A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards sharing the same suit.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards with identical ranks.
- Full House: Three cards sharing one rank and two cards of another.
- Flush: Five unsorted cards sharing one suit.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards across different suits.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards with the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two pairs of cards across different ranks.
- One Pair: A pair of similar ranked cards.
Some games feature unique or differently valued hands compared to the standard structure.
Winning Hands
The minimal winning hand varies per game version. For instance, Jacks or Better pays only if you have at least a pair of Jacks. The stronger your hand, the greater your potential payout. Some games reward extra for specific hands or max-bet Royal Flushes.
Wild Cards
In certain games, specific cards become wild, substituting any card to create a winning hand. For example, in Deuces Wild, all deuces can act as any card. Decks with jokers treat them as wild cards too.
Betting
Video poker wager limits are governed by the game's providers, with in-game currency often acting as chips from traditional poker. Maximum bet games sometimes offer increased payout multipliers.