How to Play Video Poker (Learn How to Play Video Poker)

Video poker is a popular form of gambling that is frequently compared with slot machines. But unlike the latter that relies on pure luck, video poker is actually a game of skill, and this differentiates it from playing slots. Because of the nature of video poker games, players who wish to score huge payouts from playing them must, then, learn everything about the game, including the various strategies and important details that will ensure them to finish with some earnings. Although this may sound scary and challenging, learning how to play video poker is actually simple and fun.

Basic steps on how to play video poker

Whether you’re playing in an online or land-based casino, you only need to know the same basic steps and rules to start a round of video poker. The first thing you need to know is that you’re not playing against another player unlike in Texas hold ‘em where you sit on a table along with other players. So, you will just be on your own, playing in front of a video poker machine or your computer screen.

Make your wager to officially start the game, and see to it to play maximum bet so that you can receive higher payouts and have a chance at the jackpot when you catch a royal flush. You will, then, be dealt five cards, which you need to analyze carefully to spot which cards you should discard and which to hold. Hit the corresponding button to draw replacement cards to complete your final hand, which determines the amount you win based on the pay table.

Essential details about poker hands

When you want to learn how to play video poker, it’s important to master the various poker hands first. After all, these hands dictate your winnings. Each hand consists of five cards that should match certain combinations. There are nine poker hands that you need to memorize, and these are: royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, and pair of jacks or better. These follow a hand ranking system that makes royal flush the highest paying hand and pair of jacks or better the least.

Importance of various strategies

If you want to take home loads of money, then you should dedicate some time to learn how to play video poker and its strategies. After all, it isn’t enough to just master the various five-card poker hands. But keep in mind that a specific strategy won’t work for all game variations, that’s why you have to make sure that the video poker strategy you’re learning is for the video poker game you wish to excel at. For example, the Jacks or Better strategy isn’t compatible with the game of Deuces Wild because both have different sets of rules.

Moreover, you may want to stick to the basic strategies first if you’re a beginning player. In this way, you will understand the optimal strategy much easier later on. Indeed, you must first be comfortable with the idea of knowing which card needs to be replaced in order to form a higher-ranked hand.

To achieve these, you can use training software like Video Poker for Winners or Frugal Video Poker. Using either software will certainly help you become the better video poker player after learning all the tips and strategies to win more every round.