Pull up a chair by the console and get ready to hit the jackpot. We will teach you how to play video poker and show you some strategies to become a better player.
If you want a trusty sidekick, a partner in crime, a go-to source for understanding the gameplay and its exciting strategies, don’t sleep on this video poker guide!
Here's what you'll learn:
Video Poker is a fun and easier variation of the five-card draw format. In a land-based casino, it is played on a computerized console - or fridge, as I like to call it - a bit similar to a slot machine. Its online counterpart is a faithful replica that you can play from anywhere and enjoy the classic, retro vibe.
You don't play against the dealer or other players. It's just you and the RNG software.
The goal of video poker is very similar to traditional poker - making the best possible hand using the cards you are dealt.
In video poker, you place a bet and are dealt five cards. Then, you can keep some or all of the cards and discard the others.
The discarded cards are replaced by new ones, and your final hand determines whether you win or lose.
The gameplay is an interesting addition to the exciting world of poker, and it's a sweet starting point for beginners who prefer going solo instead of facing their opponents in the classic Texas hold'em poker.
Keep in mind
The payout for each winning hand depends on the game's paytable, your bet value, and variations (more on that shortly).
Some types of video poker offer bonus payouts for specific hands, which adds to the excitement and depth of playing.
The traditional game has simple rules with different mechanics and strategies. Video Poker is no exception, albeit more accessible to new players.
Let's start this video poker tutorial with the basics, shall we?
The first step in crafting your skillset is understanding two main things:
- The hand ranking;
- Reading the paytable.
Once you get a hold of these core concepts, your life as a video poker player will become easier.
The reasons why you should learn them by heart:
- It helps you better assess your situation and winning chances;
- You will make better decisions as you get used to the payout of each hand.
What Are The Hand Rankings in Video Poker?
Your final hand will tell whether you win or lose. There are certain combinations of cards with different rankings, so there are different payouts.
In video poker, the hands are ranked just like in traditional poker. Here are the basic hands, listed from the highest to lowest ranking:
- Royal Flush - The OG, the highest-ranking, the champion. You have a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush - This is where you have five cards in sequential order and of the same suit.
- Four of a Kind (Quads) - Four cards of the same value.
- Full House - Three cards of one value and two cards of another value.
- Flush - Five cards of the same suit, but not in sequential order.
- Straight - This is where you have five cards in sequential order.
- Three of a Kind (Trips or Set) - Here, you have three cards of the same value.
- Two Pair - Two sets of two cards of the same value.
- One Pair - Two cards of the same value.
- High Card - This is the lowest-ranking hand in video poker, where you have no matching cards.
Note
Different video poker variants can have their own types of winning hands. So, pay attention to the next section, where we discuss how to read the paytable.
Understanding the Paytable
The Paytable is video poker's Bible. It is a chart that shows the payouts for each winning hand (see the different hands above) in the game.
The payout is based on the rank of your final hand and the amount of your bet.
The paytable is easy to spot.
It's usually located on the machine's screen, in the middle of the online game, or on a sticker attached to the machine.
As an example, we used Joker Poker.
How to Read the Paytable
A typical video poker paytable consists of six columns. From left to right, they will indicate everything you need to know about hand rankings and possible winnings.
Here are the columns and what they mean:
- Hand Ranking - The rank/name of each possible winning hand, from highest to lowest;
- One Coin Payout - The payout amount for each winning hand when betting ONE coin;
- Two Coin Payout - The payout amount for each winning hand when betting TWO coins;
- Three Coin Payout - The payout amount for each winning hand when betting THREE coins;
- Four Coin Payout - The payout amount for each winning hand when betting FOUR coins;
- Five Coin Payout - The payout amount for each winning hand when betting FIVE coins.
The more you bet (or, the more coins you place, depending on the machine or online game), the higher the payout for each hand.
Example
The payout for a royal flush is 100 for a one-coin bet. So, the two-coin bet payout could be 200, the three-coin bet payout 400, and so on.
The paytable can vary between different video poker versions, and that's another reason for always checking the paytable before playing. It will greatly help you adjust your strategy!
By itself, poker allows for multiple variations and mechanics. If you're the type who loves the excitement of diversity and strategy,
I will lend you a secret: video poker offers multiple variations.
These variations slightly change the basic rules and adapt them to offer unique and fun gameplay.
Hand rankings are changed, some cards come with bonuses, payouts go wild, and much more. That's the coolest part about video poker.
Though looking a bit outdated (I lovingly call it retro), video poker is always fresh and popular among veterans and newbies alike!
So, let's look at a couple of lovely video poker variations!
Jacks or Better
If you're a complete beginner and can't tell your flush from your straight, don’t worry; this one's for you!
In Jacks or Better, you must have a pair of jacks or higher to win. Anything else, and you're out of luck. Nice and simple!
Deuces Wild
Who needs jokers when you got deuces?! In this format, all the twos are wild, meaning they can stand in for any other card to help you make a winning hand.
It's like having a pocketful of wildcards. Rad, huh?
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker gives you bonus payouts for certain hands, like four aces or four twos, threes, or fours.
Because of that, it's not that risky to bet more, as you will usually score more often and even bonus coins.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is like Bonus Poker on steroids. You get even bigger payouts for those bonus hands, so it's betting more is the obvious follow-up.
Just make sure you don't run out of coins too fast.
Joker Poker
Ah, yes, the cliche ‘’Why so serious?”
Indeed, Joker Poker is supposed to be fun because the Joker becomes a wild card and can help you make all sorts of crazy hands.
It's like playing poker with a wild card that’s…Well…Really wild.
With the advancement of technology, gamers discovered the RNG just like our ancestors discovered fire.
The Random Number Generator is a piece of software you find in many online casino games and land-based casino machines. Video Poker, just like slots, for example, uses the RNG extensively.
Think of it like a chip that spits out random numbers. This determines which cards you get dealt in what order.
The RNG is something like a personal dealer. It's always shuffling and dealing, ensuring you don't cheat or rig the game.
The RNG software doesn't give the house an edge. You are playing against the software, not a live dealer.
The RNG is totally random and unbiased, which is the perfect introduction for any beginner who wants to go for a slower pace more quietly and intimately.
And because of that, you can't really blame it if you get a lousy hand.
Nice read
If you want a more in-depth approach to the inner workings of the RNG, check out this interesting guide.
Playing video poker is as easy as 1,2,3 (and 4 and 5…). Just follow a simple routine at any casino you want to play at.
| Step 1 | Pick your preferred video poker variation. You can go for the traditional video poker or try a wackier, more exciting version (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, etc.) |
| Step 2 | Put your money in the machine. No, not all of it! Just the amount you want to bet. |
| Step 3 | Press the “Deal” button and watch as the RNG spits out five cards on your screen. Inspect them and decide which ones to keep and which ones to ditch. |
| Step 4 | Press the “Draw” button. The machine replaces the cards you tossed with new ones, leaving you with your final hand. Then, if you have a winning hand, the machine will pay you out based on the paytable. |
| Step 5 | Repeat all the steps above until you're rich, famous, or broke. Just remember to play within limits and enjoy the ride. |
Online casinos are your best friend if you'd rather be playing at home on your smartphone or computer.
Here's how to get started playing online video poker straight away.
Step 1 - Pick a High-rated Online Casino
A high-rated online casino means fairness and unbias in both payouts and overall gameplay. Look for an online platform with positive reviews and quality video poker games.
You can do that by checking our dedicated Casino Reviews section. The feedback is sent by other fellow gamblers and will help you a lot in making an informed decision.
Players will often leave tips, tricks, and important information in their reviews, so keep an eye on them before signing up for an online casino!
Step 2 - Check Payment Options
When you want to play video poker online for real money, you need to make sure the online casino you pick accepts your desired payment method.
Most online casinos will accept bank transfers, e-wallets, debit cards, and even Paysafe cards or PayPal. You just need to pick one that suits you best.
You can check out our Online Casino Payment Methods page for a nice and efficient look at all casino banking options as well as country eligibility.
Tip
Want to get your winnings as fast as possible? Consider using our Fast Payout Casinos list to browse online casinos offering speedy transfers and easy access to your funds.
Step 3 - Create an Account and Fund It
Once you've picked the preferred platform and payment option, time to sign up and add some funds.
Note that some online casinos might offer you a welcome bonus on your signup. These are usually quite handsome bonuses that will give you the upper hand in your early plays.
You can also browse our list of Video Poker Bonuses and claim the ones that help you the most.
Remember
Carefully read the terms and conditions. You must make sure you are aware of any rules, exceptions, or special mentions.
Besides, T&Cs can contain important information on payouts as well!
Step 4 - Open Your Favorite Video Poker Game
With all set, it's time to pick your favorite video poker game and deal those cards. As we’ve seen earlier, video poker comes in different types, so it's up to you which variation you want to try your hand at.
Recommendation
If you are a beginner in video poker, I highly recommend you start out with a couple of free video poker games.
These games do not require any wagering and you can play them absolutely free on our website.
This is a great advantage, as it lets you practice your skills at your own pace, discovering new strategies and mechanics.
Constant practice will show you in time how to win at video poker.
Even though identical in gameplay, land-based poker slightly differs from its online counterpart. The differences are usually in terms of pace, convenience, atmosphere, and availability.
| Land-based | Online |
| The pace is slow, as you have to make deposits (insert bills), press the buttons corresponding to your decisions, etc. | Online Video Poker is faster and more responsive. New technologies make the game run smoothly while keeping the overall retro vibe. Chances are games feature a “speed-up” option. |
| You can play at multiple consoles in brick-and-mortar casinos, and even different variations at once, but it can get a bit cumbersome and slow. | You can't really play different variations simultaneously, but certain games (e.g. Ultra Bonus Poker Multi Pay) let you play multiple hands at once to increase both the excitement and winning chances |
| Physical casinos have a unique appeal and atmosphere. By playing video poker on a land-based machine, you soak in all the fun and glamour of the casino while getting the chance to socialize with other players around you and even get some tips from them. | Online video poker is much more accessible, and comfortable. You can play on almost any device, from anywhere, anytime. You can play it from the comfort of your own home if you're far from a land-based casino, for example, or prefer a quiet environment. |
Your future video poker champion self will thank you later for that. Choosing the right machine will significantly impact your winning chances and payouts.
To better understand how to play video poker, you first need to know how to pick the most advantageous video poker machine.
I know time is of the essence, and you're eager to start playing right away, so I will be fast and clear on this one.
| Step 1 - Check the RTP (Return to Player) Percentage | The RTP - short for Return to Player - is an important indicator and something you should always look for when going for video poker consoles or slot machines. It tells you how much money you can expect to win back over time. So look for machines with high RTP to leverage your gameplay. |
| Step 2 - Look for Progressive Jackpot Machines | These are basically video poker machines cranked up to eleven. Every time you play and don't win the jackpot, the jackpot grows bigger. In video poker, a progressive jackpot is a flexible payoff for the royal flush - the best and highest-paying hand - that continues to rise until someone hits it. If you hit the right hand, you win the progressive jackpot plus any other winnings you might have earned from the game. |
| Step 3 - The Paytable Is Your Holy Book | Always. Check. The Paytable. This is like your cheat sheet for winning at video poker. It tells you how much each winning hand is worth and what you need to get it. The paytable helps you make better decisions and adjust your bets and strategies accordingly. |
Progressive jackpots are super popular in many types of casino games
That's the perfect starting point for any video poker newbie because they offer you the chance to win big with relatively small bets.
And even if you're not that experienced and you find it hard to score a royal flush, progressive jackpots are a cool addition to the overall video poker experience.
That's because it takes elements of slot machines and combines them with the strategic aspects of video poker.
.
Whether you're a novice, an intermediate or an advanced player, there are some core things to consider.
They lay the foundation for further strategies and experimentation. But let's focus first on the groundwork and talk about some useful video poker tips
Basic Video Poker Strategy
If you are wondering how to win at video poker, I'd say don't skip the basics. So, never overlook starting hands and drawing decisions!
Starting Hands
It's important to know which starting cards to keep and which to ditch. As a rule of thumb, always keep any winning hands (like a pair or better) and keep any four cards to a straight flush or royal flush.
If you don't have either, keep any high cards like aces, kings, or queens, and discard the rest.
Note
The best-starting hands in video poker are a pair of jacks or higher, two pairs, three of a kind, a straight, a flush, a full house, four of a kind, a straight flush, or a royal flush.
If you have any of these hands, you should always keep them.
Drawing Decisions
Once you've kept your starting cards, it's time to decide which ones to hold onto and which ones to toss when you draw new cards.
This is where it gets trickier. The main point is to always aim for the highest possible payout.
For example, if you have three cards to a royal flush, always keep those and discard the other two.
Or, if you have two pairs, keep them both and ditch the fifth card.
If you're not close to a winning hand, keep the high cards and hope for the best. For instance, if you have a Jack and a Queen, keep them and discard the other three cards.
Advanced Video Poker Strategies
Next, it's time to know how to handle risky plays and your own bankroll. If you have a balanced and calm approach to the game, you won’t lose too much money or too quickly.
Even though the RNG highlights the idea of luck and chance, video poker is also a game of strategic thinking.
Risk Management
Knowing how to play video poker also implies being able to handle risks. Taking risks can pay off big time, but it can also empty your pockets in the blink of an eye.
One way to do this is by playing video poker games with lower volatility. The game will pay out smaller wins more frequently, which can help you build up your bankroll over time.
On the other hand, high-volatility games will pay out larger wins less frequently, which can be riskier but also more exciting.
Bankroll Management
Take care of your budget. Not only should you stick to your planned budget, but you should also know how to handle it like a boss.
A common rule is to never bet more than 5% of your bankroll on any single hand. This will help you stretch your bankroll further and give you more opportunities to hit a winning hand.
Example
If you have a bankroll of $100, your maximum bet should be $5.
It's also important to set win and loss limits for yourself. This means deciding ahead of time how much you're willing to win or lose before quitting the game.
If you hit your win limit, cash out and celebrate your winnings. If you hit your loss limit, call it a day and come back another time.
Game-Specific Strategies
Different video poker variations come with different bonus hands, aside from the almighty royal flush. In this regard, you, too, should know a thing or two about knowing which cards to keep and which to discard, regardless of game type.
Now that you are familiar with the basic stuff that comes with traditional video poker let's talk a bit about how to do well at other variants too.
Jacks or Better Strategy
As the name suggests, the basic strategy is to always keep any pair of Jacks or higher and discard the rest.
There are some other hands you should keep, too, such as:
- Three cards to a Royal Flush;
- Four cards to a straight;
- Any pair lower than Jacks (if everything else fails).
Deuces Wild Strategy
In this game, the twos are the wildcards. The best move is always to keep any twos you get, as they can replace any card and create some amazing winning hands.
Here's what hands you should also keep:
- Royal Flush;
- Five of a kind;
- Four of a kind.
Bonus Poker Strategy
The drill is similar to Jack or Better. Keep any pair of Jacks or higher. However, Bonus Poker has a little extra schtick - it pays out more for four-of-a-kind hands.
As such, you should keep:
- Any four of a kind;
- Any four cards to a Royal Flush;
- Any four cards to a straight.
Double Bonus Poker Strategy
The basic strategy is similar to Bonus Poker but with a few extra twists. You should always keep any pair of Jacks or higher, just like in Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker.
But Double Bonus Poker pays out even more for certain four-of-a-kind hands, so keep the following:
- Any four Aces;
- Any four 2s, 3s, 4s, or 5s through Kings;
- Any four cards to a Royal Flush;
- Any four cards to a straight.
Joker Poker Strategy
Keep any Joker you get because that's your wildcard and allows you to craft winning hands. You should also keep:
- Any Royal Flush;
- Five of a kind;
- Wild Royal Flush;
- Any four cards to a Royal Flush;
- Any four cards to a straight;
- Any three of a kind or better.
If you're an aspiring gambler that wants to know how to play video poker at a casino or anywhere else, this section is something you should print out and stick to your wall ASAP.
Now, I won't delve into specific strategies or other complexities anymore. Rather, I'd like you to follow some simple yet powerful pieces of advice. They will make your journey a whole lot smoother, especially if you're at the beginning of the road.
Don't Be Afraid to Take it Slow
Like a turtle crossing a dusty road, take your time. Slow and steady wins the race.
Taking things slower will allow you to study the gameplay and play at your own pace to ensure you understand the rules of any video poker game you want to try.
If You're a Beginner, Start With Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is a more beginner-friendly variant and lets you get the hang of video poker.
Once you are comfortable with making winning hands out of pairs of Jacks or higher, you can move on to other games like Deuces Wild and Bonus Poker.
This is a smoother and more efficient progression for novice players. Plus, it's a lot of fun!
Keep Your Cool and Gamble Responsibly
Don't let the flashing lights and catchy music distract you from the game at hand. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a big win or the frustration of a losing streak, but it's important to stay level-headed and calm.
Don't chase losses or struggle to win them back. Set a budget and stick to it. And most importantly, remember that video poker is a game that's supposed to be fun and train your thinking skills, not a way to make money.
Practice Makes Perfect, Champ
You should always try your hand at a couple of free video poker games before venturing into the real deal.
Playing for free lets you train that muscle memory and get used to strategies, winning hands, risk management, and all the other things you need to always be aware of.
Remember that free video poker is the perfect playground for devising new strategies and sharpening your skills!
Learn How to Play Video Poker With Chippy and Enjoy the Ride!
We hope you found this guide about how to play video poker useful and entertaining. This timeless variant of the classic Texas hold'em is the perfect introduction to any aspiring poker player.
Though it's a sweet spot for many professional players as well, video poker is a cool choice for those who want to play solo against the RNG software and experience the thrill of making that nice winning hand.
Scoring big at video poker is not rocket science. In fact, you simply have to remember a few key points from this whole guide:
- Understand the winning hands in video poker;
- Study the paytable;
- Find a comfortable format (land-based or online)
- Practice, practice, practice;
- Enjoy the whole experience;
- Keep an eye out for more amazing gaming guides on our Academy!
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