How Video Poker Works
Video poker combines slot machine ease with poker strategy. Players try to create the best 5-card hand from an initial deal, with payments depending on hand strength. Some popular versions are:
- Jacks or Better (Minimum pair of jacks to win)
- Deuces Wild (All 2s are wild cards)
- Double Bonus Poker (Increased payouts for four-of-a-kind hands)
- Step-by-Step Gameplay
Place Your Bet
- Select coin value (usually 0.25 to 5 per credit)
- Select 1-5 credits per hand (max bet opens highest royal flush awards)
Initial Deal
- Deal 5 face-up cards from a simulated 52-card deck
Hold/Discard
- Employ “Hold” buttons to retain good cards (e.g., high pairs, possible flushes)
- Discard bad cards (unmatched low cards, broken straights)
Final Hand
- Click “Draw” to redraw discarded cards
- Payouts according to the paytable (e.g., Royal Flush = 800x bet at maximum coins)
Hand Rankings & Payouts
(Strongest to weakest)
- Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit)
- Straight Flush (5 consecutive cards, same suit)
- Four of a Kind
- Full House (Pair + Three of a Kind)
- Flush (5 same suit, non-consecutive)
- Straight (5 consecutive cards, different suits)
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- Jacks or Better (Minimum winning hand in most games)
5 Pro Tips for Improved Odds
- Always Bet Max Coins – Guarantees full royal flush payout (250x → 800x)
- Study Pay Tables – Play games with 9/6 paybacks (9x full house, 6x flush)
- Prioritize High Cards – Hold one high card (Jack+) over low pairs
- Avoid Chasing Straights/Flushes – Chase only if you have 4 cards already
- Practice Free Games First – Master strategies without losing real money
Video Poker vs. Traditional Poker
- Solo Play: No one to bluff or read
- Fixed Odds: Payback only based on your hand strength
- Faster Pace: No delay waiting for other players’ actions
- Lower Variance: Lower bankroll needs compared to table poker
- Key Advantage: Video poker provides some of the best casino odds (as much as 99.5% RTP in best strategy games such as Jacks or Better). Unlike slots, your choices have a direct influence on results.
Beginners should begin with Jacks or Better—its simple strategy makes it a great choice for learning fundamental hold/discard concepts. Always review pay tables prior to playing since payouts differ from casino to casino and game variation.