How To Play Video Poker
Playing Video Poker – a single player poker experience
While many players tend to mistake video poker as being a chance-based casino game akin to slots, this only tells you half of the story. While we certainly can appreciate the comparison, video poker allows you to make your own decisions meaning that you can influence the outcome of the game rather than merely accept what the reels give you.
Ok, so we know there is more skill involved in video poker than slots, but what else is there? Well, video poker has one of the smallest house edges in the casino so, if you play your cards right, you can pretty much guarantee yourself a winning night. So long as you know how to play video poker games, that is.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most common video poker game and, consequently, the most popular. This game plays exactly like the outline above, but those qualifying hands we mentioned need to include at least a pair of Jacks to get paid in this game.
Payouts are made according to a predetermined paytable (below). Bear in mind that payouts only apply to the highest hand value you are holding. So, if you have four of a kind, you will not get paid for three of a kind as well, even though, technically, you have it in your hand.
Jacks or Better Typical Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
| Royal Flush | 250x (4000x bonus with max coins paid) |
| Straight Flush | 50x |
| Four of a Kind | 25x |
| Full House | 6x to 9x |
| Flush | 5x or 6x |
| Straight | 4x |
| Three of a Kind | 3x |
| Two Pair | 2x |
| Pair of Kings or Better | 1x |
Jacks or Better Video Poker Strategy
- If you have been dealt four to a straight or a flush, hold all four cards and draw one
- If you have been dealt three to a royal flush, hold those three cards and draw two
- IWhen you have been dealt any pair, you should hold the pair and draw three cards
- Hold any three cards to a straight flush
- If you have none of the above, hold any cards that are higher than the jack inclusive
- If you have none of the above, bin them all, draw five new cards and hope for the best
Joker's Wild
The video poker game Joker's Wild uses 53 cards in total, a standard 52 card deck plus one joker, and, just like a wild in slots, the joker can substitute for any rank or suit.
Joker's Wild Typical Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
| Royal Flush (without joker) | 250x (4000x bonus with max coins paid) |
| Five of a Kind | 200x |
| Royal Flush | (with joker) 100x |
| Straight Flush | 40x or 50x |
| Four of a Kind | 15x to 20x |
| Full House | 5x to 8x |
| Flush | 5x |
| Straight | 3x |
| Three of a Kind | 2x |
| Two Pair | 1x |
| Pair of Kings or Better | 1x |
Joker's Wild Video Poker Strategy
Seeing as this game is very close to Jacks or Better, the same tips apply, and it would be wise to stick to the same basic strategy as before, but remember that jokers change everything. Also:
- Hold on to all three of a kind hands and higher, especially if holding a joker
- Keep all four cards that lead to a big paying hand
- Hold on to three cards that lead to a big paying hand, if you are holding a joker
More Video Poker Variants
Video Poker games can vary slightly but the above games give you the gist of this simple, yet thrilling casino game. Other popular variants include:
- Deuces Wild
- Tens or Better
- Bonus Poker
- Joker Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
Where To Play Video Poker
That, in a nutshell, is video poker and how you play it. Obviously, there are other variants of this casino game, and paytables will differ from site to site, but its only the essentials you need, after that, you will be fine. The next thing to ask yourself, then, is where to play.
Well, you certainly aren't short of options. Most if not all of the online casinos we know include one or more types of video poker in their games menu so you have plenty of choice. Ultimately though, the final decision is yours.
How To Play Video Poker FAQ
While they do seem and even appear to be related, video poker machines are, in fact, quite different from slots. All slots are entirely random and you have no say in the outcome, whereas in video poker, you have control over your decisions which can turn things in your favour.
Yes, you can get progressive jackpot video poker machines that pay out from a shared prize pool when you hit a Royal Flush.
Yes, you can play up to 100 hands at a time on a multi-hand video poker machine but you will require a much bigger bankroll in order to do so.
No, and, while we’re at it, neither do slots, that is a myth. Both games have no recollection of what happened in the previous game.
To keep games fair, video poker machines employ what is known as a Random Number Generator (RNG). An RNG is an internal computer that runs through all the numbers and card permutations at the rate of thousands per second.
In video poker, the probabilities are all built around a standard deck of playing cards, which enables you to calculate the correct strategy, as well as the house edge, for each hand.
Casino Games – How To Bet On ThemAbout this author
Was this article helpful?
3 People have found this article helpful. Your feedback helps us improve our work.
Get all the latest sports news, expert tips and reviews.
We are committed to sharing our expert betting knowledge so you can have a winning chance against the bookie, the house or even naming the winner of the next Dancing with the stars.
HowToBet.com is part of Raketech Group - licensed and operating in PA, NJ, IN, CO, WV, MI, TN, IL, VA. Address: 263 Shuman Blvd Ste. 145, Naperville, IL 60563, United States
Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to check gambling regulations in your jurisdiction. Howtobet.com does not accept responsibility for factual errors that may be evident. The site contains commercial content. This website is not responsible for third-party privacy policies.