The rules of video poker are found somewhere in between slots and cash-game poker, and video poker combines automated gambling with elements of poker strategy. In slots, you don't have any options besides how many coins you decide to wager. In video poker, on the other hand, you must make decisions based on the hands you receive.
Therefore, it's very important that you know the rules of the game before you sit down by a video-poker machine or start playing in an online casino.
Video Poker Fundamentals
Usually video poker is based on five-card draw. In five-card draw, players receive five cards, discard 0 - 5 of them and then receive new replacement cards. The object of the game is to get a five-card poker hand ranked as high as possible.
Hand ranking (listed from best to worst)
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
How to Play Video Poker
Make an initial bet. Always study the payout chart before you make a wager. Usually, it's best to wager the maximum amount allowed since these bets give you better payoff.
Press the "deal" button. You will now receive your starting hand.
Decide which cards to keep. This is when the video-poker strategy comes into play. Press the "hold" button below the cards you wish to retain.
Press the "deal" button. Now you will receive the replacement cards and your final hand appears.
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