An Introduction to Video Poker

Combining the elements of two popular gambling pastimes, – slots and poker – video poker has become a class of its own in the industry. The game’s popularity has reached dizzying heights in recent years, with software companies creating better games with more elaborate themes and state-of-the-art features with each new series.

Video poker caters to almost every level of player. New players will enjoy the simple nature of the game, without the need to delve too deeply into strategies, while the more advanced player will enjoy the skills that can be acquired to play the game in a poker-like fashion and even beat the odds using the right strategy. Today, video poker games can be found on practically every casino floor and at most online casinos.

History

In 1975, the Fortune Coin Company decided to combine two forms of entertainment that had already proven themselves in the industry and join them to create the video bell slot machine. Slots had already shown enormous success in its short history of just over 100 years in the gambling world, while poker was an icon in itself. The creation of draw poker followed in 1979 and soon video poker machines were found in most established casinos.

With the advent of the online casino world, video poker made an easy move over because of the fact that most of its internal features relied on computerization to begin with. Video poker is definitely one of the most popular games available in the online casino industry today, with an entire industry of software developers and sites revolving around it.

How to Play Video Poker

Since the creation of video poker, several variants have been developed over the years. However, the basic method of play remains similar throughout. In general, players pick a video poker machine and insert between 1-5 coins. They are then dealt five cards by the machine. The skill element of video poker now comes in, when players need to decide which out of the five cards to keep and which to discard. Once players have decided which to discard, they are dealt new cards in their place. If the player has any winning combinations, he or she is paid out according to the payout schedule.

Variations of video poker include games such as ‘Jacks or Better’ (where players need to get at least one pair of jacks to obtain a winning combination) and ‘Deuces Wild’ (where the twos in the game are considered wild cards).

One popular form of video poker is the progressive game. Essentially, many video poker machines are linked together within a network and the jackpot offered on these machines increases every time a player tries out for the jackpot on one of them. Eventually, a player will win the jackpot and the jackpot goes back to the original base amount.

Video Poker Tips

 Learn to understand the payout tables that accompany each video poker machine. These will enable you to make educated decisions about your choice of game.
 Play the maximum amount of coins if you can afford to. Even if you don’t hit the progressive jackpot, your winnings on smaller combinations will also increase.
 Unpaired high-valued face cards are called kickers in video poker. Avoid holding on to them as they reduce your chances of getting a winning combination.
 Become good at one or two versions of video poker instead of spreading your money on all the variants. By practicing one variant, you will most likely do much better in the long run.
 Read the rules and understand the specific features of each new game that you play. Variants differ significantly and what may be applicable in one may not be in the other.
 Free video poker software is out there for the taking! Get in lots of practice time to understand the game and its rules and aim for eventual optimal strategy to increase your odds.

Video Poker Tournaments

Video poker tournaments are becoming increasingly popular on the internet today and players can find a wide range of options in this exciting sphere. Players can take part in a straightforward entry fee tournament (where they pay an entry fee and are given credits and a time limit to try and obtain the maximum number of credits) or they can enjoy progressive tournaments (which works in a round elimination format). Faster, more advanced players can try speed tournaments that allow those who are quicker at the game to win more often.

Where to Play Video Poker

Video Poker is incredibly popular and available at nearly every online casino. Check out our Casino Reviews section for some ideas on tried and tested casinos.