Video Poker
Video Poker machines are often found in casinos, and are available in many variations. Although the principle of the game is similar to standard card poker, the difference is that you are not playing against anyone but are simply trying to achieve the highest hand possible to gain higher payouts.
Game Strategy
After placing your credits bet, you are dealt 5 cards. You have the option of holding your hand, discarding cards to get new cards, or drawing a new hand.
The following table lists the standard strategy to play, depending on the cards you have been given.
| Initial Hand | Hold | Discard |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 5 | 0 |
| Straight Flush | 5 | 0 |
| Flush | 5 | 0 |
| Straight | 5 | 0 |
| Full House | 5 | 0 |
| 4 Card Royal Flush | 4 | 1 |
| 4 Card Straight Flush | 4 | 1 |
| 4 Card Flush | 4 | 1 |
| 4 Card Straight | 4 | 1 |
| 4 of a Kind | 4 | 1 |
| Two Pairs | 4 | 1 |
| 3 Card Royal Flush | 3 | 2 |
| 3 Card Straight Flush | 3 | 2 |
| 3 of a Kind | 3 | 2 |
| 3 High Cards | 3 | 2 |
| 2 Card Royal Flush | 2 | 3 |
| Pair - Jacks Or Higher | 2 | 3 |
| Pair - Lower Than Jacks | 2 | 3 |
| 2 High Cards | 2 | 3 |
| 1 High Card | 1 | 4 |
| Any Other Hand | 0 | 5 |
Video Poker Tips
When playing video poker, you need to remember a few simple rules:
- Unlike standard poker, nobody is waiting for you to make a decision, so take as much time as you need. Be sure to think each hand through carefully before acting.
- Every video poker hand comes courtesy of a random number generator, and so treat each hand as a fresh start - previous hands will have no affect on your current hand.
- Make sure that you find a machine that will pay you the best odds.
- Follow the optimal strategy guidelines shown above. However, do make sure that you check the rules of the game and the pay table, as this may affect the strategy you should use.
