Video Poker Games: Playing Video Poker Rules

Video poker has been branded "the thinker's slot machine." Indeed, if you like playing slots but just wish it could be more mentally challenging, you will enjoy video poker games.

Video poker games resemble slots on the physical level. They are both housed in metal casings with a gaming screen, betting buttons, a coin slot, and pay tables. Like slots, you activate a video poker game by inserting money into it and clicking deal (the spin in slots). You can bet one or more coins per game and you can choose from various coin denominations. When you are done playing, you press a button to cash out. Also like slots, you can use a slot club card while playing video poker for a chance to earn comp points, cashback and prizes.

As for the game itself: video poker is a computerized, solo incarnation of draw poker. Your aim is to make the best poker hand you can in every game. A single deck of 52 cards are used, though in some video poker games an extra card like a wild card is added.

Now after you bet and click on the deal button, the machine will randomly select five cards for you. You can keep those cards or throw them away and ask for a second free deal. If you like some of the first five cards but not the others, you can keep as many as you like and throw away what you don't like; the machine will replace those you discard. For example, if you keep two cards, you will be given three new cards. The second free deal gives you have your final video poker hand. You cannot ask for a third draw.

When deciding which cards to hold/discard, you want to make those poker hands that would pay the most money as shown on the pay table. Many hand decision strategies are available for video poker games. Use these strategies and you will win more often and lose less. Just remember that a good strategy for one video poker game won't fit in another game.

Payoffs and payback percentages differ among video poker games. The minimum or even money hand which returns your bet to you if you hit it also varies. Many like Jacks or Better and Aces and Eights will pay even money for a pair of jacks or better; others like Deuces Wild need a three of a kind. Pickem Poker pays even money on a Nine pair. When a video poker game has a higher standard for the even money hand, it means it is a high-paying game overall.

You should learn to play only one video poker game at a time. Start with Jacks or Better since this is standard and many games are based on it. Use at least basic strategy so you can get better odds. Next is Deuces Wild and Not So Ugly Deuces Wild. These video poker games have a high payback percentage when played well.

Before playing any game, check its payback percentage. Look for those with at least a 99% payback. We have listed some video poker sites for you in this page. Play free video poker and find out why it is "the thinker's slot machine"!