Table Games
How to Play Video Poker
How to Play Video Poker – Rules & Beginner’s Guide
Video poker is an engaging game that merges the excitement of poker with the thrill of slot machines. Learning how to play video poker is quick and easy. In this guide,
we'll show you how to play casino video poker, and explain what makes a winning hand.
Whether you're curious about how to beat video poker machines or how to make money playing video poker, this beginner's guide will help you get started and improve your game.
Video poker combines the fun of poker with the excitement of slot machines.
Picking up how to play video poker is straightforward and enjoyable.
By Philip Lucas | Updated 17 Sep 2024
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Video Poker Rules
The rules of video poker at top online poker sites are quite similar to traditional poker. Let's simplify the basics to help you get started;
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Initial DealFirst, place your bet. The machine will then deal five cards to you. This is your initial hand.
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Holding CardsNext, decide which cards to keep and which to discard. Your decision should aim to create the best possible winning hand.
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Drawing CardsNew cards from the deck replace the ones you discard. This step is called drawing.
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Final Hand EvaluationAfter drawing, your final hand is evaluated. If your hand matches any of the winning combinations listed on the paytable, you'll receive a payout.
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Winning HandsWinning hands vary, from a pair of Jacks or better to a Royal Flush, depending on the video poker variant you're playing.
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Betting LimitsEach game has set minimum and maximum betting limits. Be sure to know these limits before you start playing.
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Double Up/Gamble FeatureSome video poker games offer a double-up feature, allowing you to increase your winnings by guessing the outcome of a card draw.
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Progressive JackpotsCertain iterations of video poker feature a progressive jackpot that grows with every round until it's claimed.
Video Poker Rules
The rules of video poker at top online poker sites are quite similar to traditional poker. Let's simplify the basics to help you get started;
-
Initial DealFirst, place your bet. The machine will then deal five cards to you. This is your initial hand.
-
Holding CardsNext, decide which cards to keep and which to discard. Your decision should aim to create the best possible winning hand.
-
Drawing CardsNew cards from the deck replace the ones you discard. This step is called drawing.
-
Final Hand EvaluationAfter drawing, your final hand is evaluated. If your hand matches any of the winning combinations listed on the paytable, you'll receive a payout.
-
Winning HandsWinning hands vary, from a pair of Jacks or better to a Royal Flush, depending on the video poker variant you're playing.
-
Betting LimitsEach game has set minimum and maximum betting limits. Be sure to know these limits before you start playing.
-
Double Up/Gamble FeatureSome video poker games offer a double-up feature, allowing you to increase your winnings by guessing the outcome of a card draw.
-
Progressive JackpotsCertain iterations of video poker feature a progressive jackpot that grows with every round until it's claimed.
How to Play Video Poker: Step-by-Step Guide
There are various versions of video poker but the fundamental gameplay stays the same. Here’s a detailed guide on how to play video poker;
Start by choosing your bet amount. In video poker, bets are made using coins, also known as credits. You first decide the value of each credit and then how many credits you want to wager on each hand.
There are buttons for easy betting. One button allows you to bet a single credit, while another lets you bet the maximum number of credits, which is typically five.
At the top of the screen, you'll see the paytable. This shows the winning hands and their payouts based on your bet.
There are buttons for easy betting. One button allows you to bet a single credit, while another lets you bet the maximum number of credits, which is typically five.
At the top of the screen, you'll see the paytable. This shows the winning hands and their payouts based on your bet.
After setting your bet size, press the Deal button to receive your first five cards. Depending on the game, the cards might be dealt face down and then flipped over simultaneously, or dealt face up from the start.
Don’t worry if your initial hand isn’t great. You’ll get a chance to improve it by drawing new cards.
Don’t worry if your initial hand isn’t great. You’ll get a chance to improve it by drawing new cards.
Now, choose which cards you want to keep. Use the Hold buttons under each card to select the ones you wish to retain.
The unselected cards will be exchanged for new ones to form the best possible poker hand.
The unselected cards will be exchanged for new ones to form the best possible poker hand.
Once you've chosen your cards to hold, click the Draw button. New cards will replace the discarded ones from the deck.
The new set of five cards forms your final poker hand.
The new set of five cards forms your final poker hand.
If you find it challenging to determine your hand, there's no need to fret. The game will automatically highlight the best possible hand you can make with your five cards on the paytable.
The stronger your poker hand, the bigger the payout. The larger your poker hand's strength, the greater the payout.
Once your winnings are paid out, the game starts again.
The stronger your poker hand, the bigger the payout. The larger your poker hand's strength, the greater the payout.
Once your winnings are paid out, the game starts again.
Video Poker Pay Table
In video poker, your winnings increase with the strength of your hand. Here's an example of a
common 9/6 video poker payout structure, showing the payouts in dollars based on a bet size from one to five coins:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coin | 3 Coin | 4 Coin | 5 Coin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Hands for Winning at Video Poker
Knowing the hand rankings is crucial when learning how to play video poker. The payouts depend on the strength of your hand.
Here are the hand rankings for winning in video poker, from highest to lowest;
Royal Flush:
A - K - Q - J - 10
A - K - Q - J - 10
This is the top hand, consisting of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all in the same suit (e.g., hearts or spades).
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Straight Flush:
Q - J -10 - 9 - 8
Q - J -10 - 9 - 8
This hand has five consecutive cards in the same suit (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), forming a straight and a flush.
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Four of a Kind:
J - J - J - J - 3
J - J - J - J - 3
This means you have four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Queens or four 2s).
Full House:
J - J - 5 - 5 - 5
J - J - 5 - 5 - 5
A full house includes three cards of one rank and two cards of another (e.g., three Aces and two 6s).
Flush:
J - 10 - 4 - 6 - 3
J - 10 - 4 - 6 - 3
A flush is five cards of the same suit, but they don't need to be in sequence.
Straight:
6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10
6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10
A straight consists of five consecutive cards in different suits (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
Three of a Kind:
7 - 7 - 7 - 9 - 3
7 - 7 - 7 - 9 - 3
This hand has three cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s).
Two Pair:
K - K -2 -6 - 6
K - K -2 -6 - 6
Two pair means you have two pairs of cards with the same rank (e.g., two 8s and two 4s).
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Jacks or Better (Pair):
J - J - 2 - 7 - 4
J - J - 2 - 7 - 4
This means you have a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Pairs lower than Jacks usually don't count as winning hands in most video poker games.
Tips & Tricks to Play Video Poker for Beginners
Mastering how to play video poker extends beyond just knowing the rules. It’s a blend of strategy, patience, and smart choices. This game lets you influence the outcome with informed decisions. Here are some quick tips and strategies to boost your experience and winnings in video poker for beginners;
Understand Hand Rankings
Know the ranking system for the variant you're playing. Chasing a hand that doesn't pay out is a common mistake.
Maximize Your Bet
Use the maximum number of coins to get full value for a royal flush. Betting max coins usually pays 800 to 1 for a royal flush compared to 250 to 1 with lower bets.
Check Paytables
Always check paytables before playing. This helps you decide whether to discard a second pair to chase a better hand.
Choose Variants with Better Odds
Play a variant that offers better odds, even if it requires some practice. This will help you preserve your bankroll over time.
Stay Focused
Avoid playing when you're tired or under the influence of alcohol. Mistakes made in these states can cost you big, like missing out on a royal flush.
