How to Play Video Poker

One of the most basic forms of poker is used in Video Poker. Five-Card Draw involves the player being dealt 5 cards face-up. The player then selects which cards to keep or "hold", and any cards not held are then discarded and replaced with one draw of new cards from the deck. After one draw, the player will then have the final hand to compare against the pay table.

The game is played using a standard 52-card deck, plus jokers if applicable.

Single-hand versions and multi-hand versions are available for the player to choose from. Multi-hand versions can range from two hands to one hundred hands. In multi-hand versions, the held cards will appear in each hand such that the player has multiple opportunities to improve the same original hand. In addition to choosing how many hands to play, the player can choose how many coins to bet on each hand.

In the most basic of video poker games, the minimum winning hand is usually a pair of tens. Such a game is often called "Tens or Better". Other variations include using two's and or jokers as wild cards.

The payouts on winning hands increase with the quality of the hand. The following charts outline the order of winning poker hands (starting with the best):

HandDescriptionExample
Royal FlushThis is the highest hand in Poker. These cards must be face cards and the 10 and in the same suit.A K Q J 10 of spades
Straight FlushFive sequential cards of the same suit.2 3 4 5 6 of hearts
Four of a KindFour of the same cards.Four 7s or four Kings
Full HouseThree cards of one denomination and two cards of another denomination.8 8 8 5 5
FlushFive cards of the same suit.3 6 7 J A of diamonds
StraightFive cards in sequence of any suit.7 8 9 10 J Q
Three of a KindThree cards of the same denomination and two unmatched cards.4 4 4 7 J
Two PairsTwo cards of the same denomination, two cards of the same denomination and one unmatched cars.A A 9 9 3
Tens or BetterTwo cards of the same denomination that are Tens or higher and three unmatched cardsQ Q 2 5 9

 

The following is a sample paytable for Tens or Better from an online casino:

Player's Hand1 Coin2 Coins3 Coins4 Coins5 Coins
Royal Flush500100020003000 4000
Straight Flush50100150200250
Four of a Kind255075100125
Full House612182430
Flush 510152025
Straight48121620
Three of a Kind3691215
Two Pairs246810
Tens or Better12345

For example: if the player bets four two-dollar coins and draws a "four of a kind", the payout is $200 or 100 times the coin bet.

The majority of games give an enhanced payout for a Royal Flush if the player bets the maximum number of coins. Where wild cards such as two's and jokers are involved, the payout on a "wild" royal flush is less than that given for a "pure" hand.

An added feature in many casinos is a double-up bonus game that is available to a player once a winning hand has been awarded. If the player so elects, five cards will be drawn: one up and four down. The player must choose one of the four face-down cards that is higher than the face-up card. If the chosen card is higher than the face-up card, the winnings are doubled and the player has the option of trying to double-up again or collecting the cumulative winnings. If the chosen card is lower, the winnings are forfeited. In the case of a tie, no winnings are awarded nor lost and the game is repeated. Generally, casinos will allow the player to double-up a maximum of three times on a single hand. This is an exciting element of the game that gives the player the chance to increase a payout.

Video Poker is a great way to play poker in a non-intimidating setting. It can also be played at a fast pace which can make for a thrilling experience, making it similar to the slots experience, with once exception of course: the PLAYER can INFLUENCE the OUTCOME. From rolling drums to high-speed internet gaming, Video Poker has entertained millions of people.

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