The game of Video Poker was first introduced in casinos (by Si Redd) in the mid-1970s when computers and monitors were first combined to form personal computers. The 5 card poker game has gained popularity across the world over the past years thanks to the latest mobile technology that allows gamblers to play real money video poker from the comfort of their homes.
Other than the simplicity and fun that accompanies this card game, players also enjoy hundreds of game variations, betting options, and low house edge.
Currently, there are numerous video poker variations both land-based and online casinos, hence, you must read and master the variation you want before diving in to play. Nonetheless, our guideline will help you to choose the best card variation, how to play it, how to win and where to play.
The logic of playing not hard to grasp as every player is given 5 cards. The player must choose which cards to play with by clicking on them on the monitor, the ones that are not used are discarded. Once you placed your betting stake (from $1-$5), you select a number of coins you want to wager on a hand. It is recommended to start with max coins because the chances of winning are high (payout of 800:1).
Alternatively, you can scale down to the quarter machine if you want to place low stake bets which offer as low as $1.25 per hand.
What is a Pay table and how does it work?
Winning in this card poker game is determined by the strength of your hand on the pay tables. Every pay table has 5 columns representing the total cards/credits used for winning. You will notice that all payouts are uniform irrespective of the number of coins selected except for Royal Flush which offers a payout of 250:1 on all bets, less 5 coins. The following is the standard pay table that you will find in how each hand is paid.
Explanation of Poker Hands
Sequential Royal: this is the highest paying hand in this card poker and it occurs when royal flushes appear in an order across the monitor e.g. from left to right.
Royal Flush: This is a straight flush but with the highest paying cards like 2, 8, 6 and 10 and it plays the role of the jackpot.
Straight flush: this hand is both a straight and a flush. It includes J, 10, 8, and 9.
Straight: this hand has consecutive ranks like 9 and 6.
Flush: this hand includes all identical cards like Q, 4 and 6.
What are the variations in this card poker game?
There are a number of variations you will find in this game like Tens or Better, Deuces wild, Jacks or Better and Double Bonus, but with Jacks or Better is the commonly used variation in casinos. In no particular order, this is the description of the variations;
Jacks or Better
This is the most played variation with giant winning chances to the gamers. Players in this game must hit a pair of Jacks for it to count as a win. On the other hand, you can opt to play 4 lines Jacks or Better where you will have 4 rows and you can bet concurrently to win handsomely.
Tens or Better
This is a variation of jacks or better whereby you win when you get a pair of tens or better.
Deuces wild
In this poker variation, Deuces wild can substitute any card to achieve a stronger winning hand with a high payout.
What is the Winning Strategy in this game?
Since video poker game is more or less like Blackjack, it is easy to come up with a plan that will guarantee you a win on every single hand. Nevertheless, it is good to remain faithful to your instincts and gut because, despite the strategy, gambling is based on chance.
Target the Max Coins
Playing with Max coins will give you a Royal Flush hand whereby you stand a chance to get a payout ratio of 800:1 whereas Min coins will grant you a low payout of 250:1.
Practise before real gambling
There are free demo games available on the internet today. It is recommended that you do some practice before starting real money gambling. This will help you to familiarize with the pay tables and other rules of the game.
Play within your limits
Money is sweet and if you don’t set your limits in gambling, you might end up bankrupt. If you play and loose consecutively, simply log out and live to fight another day.
Avoid Alcohol
Do not be fooled by Hollywood scenes where you see rich guys drinking expensive liquors while gaming. All winning strategies are bred in your brain. Stay sober and you will hit the jackpot.
Where can I play Poker Games?
Online casinos have become so many today and this can be dangerous to beginners who want to make some good money from the comfort of their homes. Some of these casinos are legit while others are mere online scams. Fortunately, our https://best10casinosonline.co.uk/ has top certified, safe and secure online casinos for both beginners and experts. These casinos offer video poker games together with other countless casino games you can imagine.
Verdict
This 5 card poker game has great opportunities for generating good income, although it is not for every Tom, Dick, and Harry. If you cannot withstand the pressure of making decisions that will determine your chance of winning, we suggest you stay away from Video Poker.