Video Poker at the Casino
Video poker is not the most spectacular game and is a combination of poker and slots. There are no flashy animations or a huge number of bonuses. But the game has a loyal following, so it’s present in almost every casino. The terms and conditions of video poker will be discussed below.
The basic rules
The aim of the game is to get one of the winning combinations. A participant does not need to analyse the cards or calculate combinations by themselves. The software does this automatically, so if a winning combination occurs, a message appears on the screen. However, the list of paid combinations may vary depending on the machine model.
At the start of each round, the player places a bet. Usually the betting range is 1-5 coins. The denomination of each coin is specified in advance. Next, a virtual dealer hands out five cards. In Video Poker there is an option to substitute a specific number of cards (or the entire combination), but only once per round. If there is a winning hand, the player receives a set amount of coins.
Some machines provide the option of playing in multiple hands. Initially the cards are dealt to the starting table, then the combinations are received by the remaining virtual players. The cards the player chooses to keep are duplicated across the remaining slots. When an exchange takes place, the hand is dealt to all hands (separate decks are used for this). There is no additional preference for playing in multiple hands. The only advantage of this method is that it speeds up the process.
What are the payouts?
The rules of video poker are much the same as those of standard poker, at least in terms of the winning combinations. From a pair to a royal flush the payouts are set up here. The minimum combinations for a payout are:
- two pairs;
- a pair of tens;
- sometimes three cards of equal value.
The number and features of winning combinations depend on the type of video poker. For example, when there are jokers in the deck, a pair of ten cards combination does not pay. Manufacturers introduce their own payout odds, so you should familiarise yourself with them before playing.
Types of video poker
Let’s list the popular types of the game, which are set in various casinos:
- Jacks or Better – the traditional version, where winning card combinations start with a pair of jacks;
- 10’s or Better – the standard counterpart to the game, where player accruals come from a pair of tens and combinations ranked higher;
- Deuces Wild – the minimum winning combination consists of three cards, and on a roll of twos they are considered jokers;
- Bonus Poker – a lot like Jacks or Better, but with an original payout ratio;
- Aces and Faces – increased bonus is provided for the presence of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces (cards with higher denominations);
- Joker Poker – a distinctive feature is the presence of a joker, which can be used as a substitute for other cards;
- All American – a classic variant with a unique interface and an original system of payout odds.
Thus, video poker is a specific counterpart to standard poker, which automatically calculates winning combinations. By choosing games with a maximum RTP, you increase your chances of making a profit.