How to Play and Win Video Poker

Everyone knows the classic poker game played in casinos, as well as the popular online version – but did you know there’s another variation to try with Video Poker? Many of the strategies and gameplay are similar to the online version, but you can play alone, so you can try different hand types and betting styles without worrying about other players. With our guide from 8K8, we’ll explore the origins of the game, how to play it, and some of the variations you can try.

What is a Video Poker?

‘Video Poker’ is the term commonly used to refer to poker games offered by online casino sites. It is different from ‘online poker’ – a poker game played online but with other players, whereas this is played solo, like most other casino games. Unlike casino games of chance, where the outcome is based on a Random Number Generator, there is a greater element of skill involved. This makes it a great option for practicing your hand before you play live – either online or in a real casino!

How to Play Video Poker

Almost all of the games offered are based on 5 Card Poker. The goal of the game is the same as any other 5-card Poker game: build the strongest hand possible by choosing to keep or discard specific cards and betting accordingly.

In simple terms, it works like this:

You are dealt a hand of five cards.

You have the opportunity to keep any cards you want and discard any cards you don’t want.

You can receive new cards to replace any cards you discard. This is your final poker hand.

Learn more about how to play 5 Card Poker with PokerStars Ambassador Mason Pye!

When playing video poker, you usually have to place a bet up front, assuming you have deposited enough money into the online casino you are playing at. Sometimes there may be a specific bet or max bet option. You can also refer to the ‘paytable’ on the screen, which tells the player how much they can win for different hand types, such as straight flush, full house, etc. There will be a ‘Show’ button that you can press to receive your five cards. After a hand is played, any winnings are paid according to the paytable.

Best Strategy

Indeed, video poker is often said to be the most popular casino game, and the low house edge is a big part of that. However, there are still a few strategies you can learn and apply to try to beat the game every time you play.

So what are the basics of a good strategy?

Understand the rules: It may sound a little silly (not to mention obvious!), but you should at least be familiar with the rules of 5 Card Poker before you play. Since the outcome of the game depends on a good poker hand, you should know how to decide which of the five cards you’re dealt to keep and which to discard.

Understand the odds: Understanding the odds will help you learn what combinations of cards you need to play to get the biggest win depending on the hand you build.

Check the paytable: Each game you play will display a paytable that shows the odds for each winning hand, so it’s a good idea to review this before you play. If you know the deck needed to get a certain payout, this will make it easier for you to make decisions about your cards.

Video Poker Games To Play Online

You’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of games to play, and most decent online casinos offer some or all of them. Below we’ve listed some of the better and more exciting versions you can play, as well as links to specific strategy pages for each of these games.

Play Video Poker Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is very similar to regular 5 Card Poker, but you get an extra point for every pair of Jacks (or higher) you get. You can also play more hands with Jacks or Better, giving players more winning potential.

Play Video Poker Deuces Wild

Before we tell you anything else about Deuces Wild, you should know that it has one of the highest RTPs (Return to Player) of any game! This makes it a compelling and worthwhile option, alongside any of the other variants on this list.

Video Poker Deuces Wild includes the option to replace any card with a 2, turning the 2s into wild cards (cards that can substitute for any other card). This means that the paytable for a Deuces Wild game is more attractive when you consider the potential profits.