One of the most famous gambling games can also be enjoyed in a video variant. The pleasure of the game is thus elevated to a whole new level, and you don’t even need to be experienced players.
Video Poker
In video poker, your opponent is the casino itself, either in the form of a slot machine or a dealer (source: sgcasino.com)
There are several variants of Video Poker, which can differ in the course of the game, rule adjustments, winning combinations, and payout methods to players. However, it is a very popular way to engage in the game outside of specialized rooms and casinos. Players can play online on websites or through slot machines from various operators (although these are less common). This game differs from regular Poker in several ways, providing players with a completely unique experience.
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History of Video Poker
This type of game began to develop around the 1970s, a time when computer technology was on the rise. The first poker slot machine was created in 1901 by mechanic Charles August Fey, who eventually left his original job and opened a factory for manufacturing slot machines. His other works include 4-11-44, Crad Bell, and Liberty Bell, of which more than 100 pieces were made. However, Video Poker was patented by William Si Redd, who, in cooperation with Fortune Coin Company in Reno, founded his own company and began mass production of video poker machines. By the end of the 1980s, the company was renamed International Game Technology and still operates today as one of the leading suppliers of software for Video Poker.
Game differences
The advantage of Video Poker is its faster pace and simple rules. Even inexperienced players with only basic knowledge of the game can participate without being particularly disadvantaged compared to other players. In regular Poker, it is important for the player to have not only the necessary knowledge but also patience. For many players, Video Poker can be a stepping stone before diving into the wild waters of classic Poker. The biggest difference, however, lies in the opponent. In the case of Video Poker, the opponent is the casino or game operator.
Overview of popular gambling games
Game process
The number of cards dealt does not differ from regular Poker and remains the usual 5 cards in the player’s hand. The basics of the game are still the same. Players are dealt cards at the press of a button, which, if lucky, form a certain winning combination. Each of them has a specific payout ratio that the player receives in case of a win. The higher it is, the lower the probability of winning the given combination. Various variants of Video Poker enrich the basic game with fun elements or benefits that allow players to achieve a win.
Winning combinations
Knowing the winning combinations is crucial for the player because it determines whether they win and how much their win will be. The payout ratio and method of payout can vary between different casinos and game operators.
- High card – the highest card
- One pair – one pair (suit does not matter)
- Two pairs – two pairs (suit does not matter)
- Three of a Kind – three of the same cards (suit does not matter)
- Straight – a sequence (suit does not matter)
- Flush – five cards of the same suit (card values do not matter)
- Full House – one pair and one three of a kind
- Four of a Kind – four cards of the same value (suit does not matter)
- Straight Flush – a sequence in one suit (can start with a card of any value)
- Royal Flush – a sequence starting with a card of value 10
Video Poker Strategy
The game begins when the player, at the press of a button, receives (gradually or at once) 5 cards from a deck of 52. In the next step, they can exchange one or all cards for new ones. If they get a certain winning combination, they receive a payout according to the payout ratio. Some variants may add a joker to the deck or favor a certain card, thus increasing the player’s chances of winning. The player’s strategy should be based on knowing which cards to keep and which to exchange if necessary.
- Simple strategy: groups some combinations that have similar expected values. Players usually learn it much more easily and quickly, increasing the probability of winning.
- Optimal strategy: The principle of the game remains the same, as players try to achieve the optimal return on their monetary investment. However, the game process is more demanding and often difficult for beginners to grasp.
Variants of Video Poker
This game is so popular that several versions have been created, differing in certain rules, the course of the game itself, the payout ratio, and the way money is paid out to winners. The five most popular variants include:
- Jacks or Better: Jokers are added to the basic deck, which can replace any card to form the strongest possible winning combination in the player’s hand.
- Deuces Wild: Cards with a numerical value of 2 are special in that they replace any cards to form a winning combination. Pairs or triplets of twos also have a much higher value than usual in Poker.
- Pick’em Poker: Unlike other versions, it differs in the way cards are dealt. Players first get two cards and then another pair, from which they keep only one. Finally, they get another two cards for a total of 5 cards.
- Double Bonus Poker: Similar to Jacks or Better, but selected four of a kind combinations have a higher payout ratio.
- Double Double Bonus Poker: Enriches the previous variant with more “bonus” combinations with higher payout ratios.
Where can you play Video Poker?
Players can participate in this game online on the websites of online casinos or entertainment game operators. They can choose whether they want to play for money or just for fun. However, to participate in money games, they must be over 18 years old. Video Poker can also be played on mobile after installing the respective app if their mobile device supports the game.
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Frequently asked questions
1️⃣ What is Video Poker?
It is a gambling game similar to classic Poker, but the opponent is always the casino or operator.2️⃣ How is Video Poker different?
There are several variants of this game, which differ in rule adjustments, the way cards are dealt, payout ratios for winning combinations, and the method of payout to winners. For players, however, it is much simpler, and the game process is faster compared to regular Poker.
3️⃣ Where can you play Video Poker?
Players can participate in this game mainly online on the websites of online casinos or gambling operators. They can choose whether they want to play just for fun or for real money.
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