How to Play Video Poker online
One of the main virtues of video poker is how dynamic it can be. While the game has simple rules and moves quickly, it also requires the player to do more than just press buttons and wait for the result.
What do we mean by that? Well, we are just saying you will have to use your brain if you want to truly enjoy what video poker has to offer. It involves understanding what are the best odds you have after seeing the first cards, then deciding which ones you will keep.
The truth is that video poker can be fun and challenging at the same time. That's why we bring you a quick guide to enjoy each round of this game to the fullest: with fun and, who knows, some nice profit in your pocket.
Video Poker Rules: How to play the game
The general rules of video poker are quite easy to learn. The way the game works may vary slightly depending on the variation of video poker you choose. However, the main aspects remain the same. So, you will not have so much of a problem adapting from one variation to another.
Unlike other poker games, this is a solitary game. Only you will receive cards. Instead of comparing your hand with other players or with a casino dealer, the goal here is to form a combination that pays out according to the game's paytable.
Here's how it works:
- You must first select a value for your bet.
- Next, click on DEAL to reveal the five initial cards.
- Analyze the cards, choose which ones you want to keep, and click on HOLD.
- Then, click on DRAW to receive new cards in place of the ones you discarded.
- If you get a valid combination, you will automatically receive a prize according to the paytable.
Some steps may vary depending on the version you are playing. In some games, you can activate the auto-hold feature to automatically choose which cards to keep in your hand, for example.
In any case, keep in mind that the cards are dealt randomly, similar to online slot machines. You can try to adopt strategies to win at video poker, but you cannot predict which cards the game will draw for you.
Hands in Video Poker
Those who have played other versions of poker will quickly recognize the possible card combinations in video poker. After all, they include the most popular — and desirable — options, such as Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.
Depending on the variation you are playing, some combinations will be possible and others will not. Therefore, it is important to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start.
The payouts for each combination obtained are calculated according to the odds of getting them. In other words, the harder it is to get a winning hand, the higher the prize you will receive. The paytable may vary slightly in each game, but generally follows a similar structure.
Below, we list the most common hand rankings and payouts in the main variations of video poker.
Jacks or Better
In this version of video poker, the main feature is the possibility of winning with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, when you get a Jacks or Better combination, the payout is equal to the amount of the bet you placed.
- Royal Flush: 1 to 250
- Straight Flush: 1 to 50
- Four of a Kind: 1 to 25
- Full House: 1 to 9
- Flush: 1 to 6
- Straight: 1 to 4
- Three of a Kind: 1 to 3
- Two Pairs: 1 to 2
- Jacks or Better: 1 to 1
Deuces Wild
In this other version of video poker, the main feature is the presence of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for other cards.
Naturally, this changes the entire payout structure. At the same time, it requires a bit more attention when choosing which cards to keep in your hand or discard.
- Natural Royal Flush: 1 to 800
- Four Deuces: 1 to 200
- Wild Royal Flush: 1 to 25
- Five of a Kind: 1 to 15
- Straight Flush: 1 to 10
- Four of a Kind: 1 to 4
- Full House: 1 to 4
- Flush: 1 to 3
- Straight: 1 to 2
- Three of a Kind: 1 to 1
FAQ
How do I play Video Poker in South Africa?
First, find a reputable online casino in South Africa that offers a variety of video poker games. Register an account, deposit funds (using ZAR), and choose a video poker variant like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Start the game, select your bet amount, and click "DEAL". Review your hand, choose which cards to hold, and discard the rest. The game will replace the discarded cards, and you'll see if you've formed a winning hand. Remember to gamble responsibly and set a budget before you start playing.
What are the winning hands in Video Poker?
Winning hands in video poker depend on the specific game version. Common winning hands include a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, and Two Pairs. In Jacks or Better, a pair of Jacks or higher (Queens, Kings, or Aces) is enough to win. Deuces Wild uses 2s as wild cards, allowing you to create winning hands more easily. Always check the paytable of the specific game you are playing to understand the payouts for each hand.
What are the basic rules of Video Poker?
Video poker is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. You start by selecting your bet amount in ZAR. The potential payout is directly related to your wager. You're dealt five cards initially. You then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. The discarded cards are replaced, and if your final hand is a winning combination, you receive a payout based on the game's paytable. Remember to play responsibly and within your budget.
