Online Video Poker Guide

Video Poker Has Great Odds

 

Video poker has long been recognized as one of the casino games with the best player odds. The same can be said about online video poker. This fast and fun game requires basic knowledge of poker strategy, and most players can gain a profit from this game. In this article, we will examine basic online video poker techniques that can make you a winner!



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Poker Hands 101

 

Before we examine the actual game play, it is important to know the rankings of poker hands. The rankings are as follows, from worst to best (using standard Jacks or better machine):

  • Pair of Jacks or better (ex: pair of queens)
  • Two pair (ex: Kings and Threes)
  • Three of a Kind (ex: 3 Jacks)
  • Straight (ex: 4,5,6,7,8 any suit)
  • Flush (ex: any 5 cards of the same suit)
  • Full House (ex: 3 Aces and 2 Eights)
  • Straight Flush (ex: 6,7,8,9,10 suited)
  • Royal Flush (ex: 10,J,Q,K,A suited)
 

Basic Game Play

 

After choosing an online casino, make your way to the video poker section. The most common form of video poker is Jacks or Better, and this is where a beginning player should start. After making an initial bet, hit the “draw/deal” button and this will deal you your hand. Examine your hand and decide which cards to keep based upon your odds of making money. Always keep this in mind while playing video poker online. It is not healthy for your bankroll if you play hunches in this game; just make sound decisions based on common sense. At this point, hold the cards you wish to keep by clicking the “hold” button, and then press deal again to draw new cards for those you did not hold. The hand is now completed, and you will be paid out if you have a winning hand. The process repeats for the remainder of the game.

 

Online Strategy

 

While playing video poker is nearly identical online and in a land based casino, there are a few strategies you can use while playing online. First thing to remember is not to chase after straights and flushes based on a hunch or feeling. This is the quickest way to go broke in video poker. Only play straights and flushes if you have the majority of the hand filled before you draw. For example, say you are dealt 5,6,7,8,K. In this instance, it is prudent to hold all cards but the K, and hope for a 4 or 9 (this gives you 8 “outs” or chances to make your straight). Conversely, if you are dealt J,2,6,8,9, and the 6 and 8 are in hearts, it is not wise to hold those two cards hoping for a flush. The odds are stacked against you. Keep the J and get rid of the rest. Another basic strategy to keep in mind is to always err on the side of drawing rather than holding. It is always better to get rid of cards you don’t need rather than keep them and eliminate an extra chance at improving your hand. For instance, say you are dealt A,A,J,4,8. This is great, because you have been dealt a made pair of Aces, along with a Jack. But ask yourself, is that jack really helping matters? It looks nice, and it is another high card, but you are in effect giving yourself one less chance to draw another Ace, or make another pair. Hold the two Aces, and get rid of the rest. Always give yourself the best chance to improve upon an already made winner.

 

K.I.S.S.

 

Keep it simple, stupid. This phrase can apply to many situations, with online video poker being one of them. The profit potential is high with this game, with most sites paying back almost 100%. By using common sense and solid poker strategy, you may just find yourself simply making money on this game.

 

Last Updated: 5/16/2008    Casino Directory : Gamblers Anonymous : Online Casino Gambling Bill : Gambling Directory : Online Casinos and Games : Casino Affiliate Programs : Online Gambling Guide : Casino Gambling : Add Your Casino Link
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