Video Poker is another casino game that recently became popular, started during the 1970s with the creation of the microcomputer chip. The first video poker machines are really unlike those we have nowadays! Video poker is in essence like a slot machine, but with a poker gimmick. The player deposits one or more bills into the machine and presses the button to deal the cards.
The player receives 5 cards from the machine and he makes money if the hand is on the pay table. The higher the hand, the better the payout. Many variances on this rule exist, though. Some new machines are dealing classic Five Card Draw, where players have the chance to swap up to three cards in their hands. They can switch four cards if they have an Ace. In that instance, the player must trade in all his cards except the Ace.
Below is a list of the winning video poker in increasing order:
Pair
Two cards of the same rank. Ex. 7, 7, K, 6, 2. Video poker games typically do not pay out for any pair lower than Jacks.
Two pair
Two pairs of cards. Ex. 3, 3, 9, 9, 6. If you have a two pair, neither pair needs to be higher than Jacks.
Three of a kind
Three cards of the same rank. Ex. Q, Q, 8, 2, K.
Straight
Five cards in sequential order; cards do not need to be of the same suit. Ex. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Flush
All five cards have the same suit; cards do not need to be in sequential order.
Full house
One pair plus a three of a kind. Ex. 4, 4, 4, J, J.
Four of a kind
Four cards of the same rank. Ex. A, A, A, A, 7.
Straight Flush
Five cards in sequential order of the same suit. Ex. 8, 9, 10, J, Q, all clubs
Royal Flush
The highest straight flush. Ex. 10, J, Q, K, A, all spades. The Royal Flush is the best possible poker hand and gives the maximum payout when the player bets the maximum amount.
Below is a list of some basic versions of video poker.
Jack or Better
A pair of jacks is the minimum winning hand, paying even money.
Tens or Better
A pair of tens is the minimum winning hand, paying even money.
Deuces Wild
In this version, the game treats a two ("deuce") as a wild card. Wild cards can substitute for any other card to improve your hand. Deuces wild has a very low house edge. If you play with the highest number of credits and play perfect strategy you may even have an advantage on the house!
Bonus Poker
Bonus relates to increased payouts for a four of a kind hand. Some of these machines have added a double bonus, which gives an additional increased payout for four Aces. You can even earn a "double double" bonus! This is only available if you have a particular "kicker" card to go with your four Aces, such as 2, 3, or 4. Another bonus offer on a "double double" machine comes with four twos, four threes or four fours that also has an Ace as the kicker.
Tip
The ratio of payments increases when you play the maximum number of credits. To get the best return rate, you should play with the most coins every time.
