Video Poker Game Tutorial

Video Poker is without doubt one of the most played games at online casinos. Often dubbed 'the thinking persons slots' it's quick, easy to learn and very, very enjoyable to play.

The game is basically a blend of slots and traditional poker and because of it's simplicity and great payout potential, it's not hard to see why it's a favorite with a lot of players. So let's get started.

Video Poker Game Rules

The rules below illustrate the basics of playing standard Video Poker. There are a number of different versions of the game and some machines will offer a single hand to play whilst other machines offer multi hand video poker.

The game format is the same but you can play more than one hand at the same time on the multi versions. The graphic you see below is one of the standard video poker games and one of the most popular namely Jacks or Better.

How to Play

In Video Poker games, the dealer (the machine) deals the player a hand of five cards. When cards are turned face up the player decides which cards to hold (keep) or discard. Then the player draws to replace any discarded cards.

The objective of the game is to finish with the strongest hand possible. The payout at the end of the game is dependent on the value of the hand the player is holding, and the size of the wager.

The pay tables consist of a payout column and a payout row. The payout column(s) show the number of coins bet and the payout values. The payout row(s) show the poker hand and the payout values for each hand combination. The payout column is highlighted automatically. If you win, the winning row on the pay table is highlighted.

When playing any Video Poker game, decide on the coin size that you wish to play with by clicking on the 'coin' buttons. Then simply decide how many coins you wish to bet by clicking on the column on the pay table.

After the first deal, any viable cards in your first hand are automatically held and highlighted for you.

Choose the cards that can potentially give you the highest payout.

Draw your next hand of cards. The cards you have not held will be removed and replaced with fresh cards from the deck.

If you win you can 'collect' your winnings. If you want to try and win even more, press the 'double' button. The cards will be removed from the screen and a further five cards will replace them. You must choose a card and if it has a rank greater than that of the dealer's card, you will win an amount double that of your original payout.

You will then be given the chance to double your payout even further or to collect your winnings.

Once you have collected your winnings you can begin another hand of Video Poker by pressing the 'deal' button again.

The payout at the end of the game is based on the card combination you are holding and the size of your wager.

Video Poker Strategy

So there you have it. As you can see the game is straightforward and easy to play. But as with all games there are ways you can play it so that you have a better chance of winning.

Remember this is not like a game of poker with other real players. You might be able to bluff them but you can't bluff a machine. To help you get the odds more in your favor take a look at our Basic Jacks or Better Video Poker Strategy which has been written by Henry Tamburin, a professional gambler for many years.

Use our Slot Tips and Video Poker Paytables Guide too and you'll be on your way to maximizing your winning opportunities.

Want to try it? Then you can play for fun first at any of our online casinos or try it now using our Free Video Poker Games. Choose from either of our Free Microgaming Video Poker Games or our
Free Playtech Video Poker Games.

Get the hang of the game, develop your strategy and skills, then, when you're ready, start playing playing to win real money.

Whatever video poker game you choose to play we're sure you have some great times playing it. But above all, enjoy yourself.