VIDEO POKER

Poker has evolved and branched out more than any other casino game in history. From the original five-card draw poker, there are literally hundreds of poker game variations today. Video poker, similar to other poker game versions, is very loosely based on the original five-card version. But, unlike all other poker versions, video poker is played by a single player on an electronic machine.

A video poker machine resembles a slot machine in its nature of being a single-player electronic console. Today, video poker games are one of the most popular casino games in the world. Proof of this can be seen on the casino floors that are normally more than half covered by video poker and slot machines.

Similar to the way poker has branched out, there are hundreds of different versions of video poker machines. For players who enjoy the opportunity of playing poker by themselves and like the added element of putting in a small amount of money and possibly winning large, video poker is a clear choice.

Remember to find out if there is a slot or players' club at the casino where you're playing. Every game of video poker you play will allow you to earn comp points good for an array of great casino promotions, including various vouchers from free dinners to free hotel room stays.

How to Play Video Poker

Video poker machines made their entrance into the casinos around the 1970's and their popularity has been increasing ever since. Today, video poker is the most popular form of slot machine gambling and new versions of video poker machines are being created every year. The basic objective of all the machines remains the same, though.

To win at video poker, a player must simply beat the machine with a winning hand. First, choose your poker game. Decide the amount of coins you want to enter into the machine; almost all video poker machines are coin operated devices. You are permitted to bet between one and five coins. The height of the winnings will be in accordance to the amount you decided to wager. The machine will show the amount of credits you have entered. Most serious gamblers recommend always playing the maximum amount of credits. The height of the winnings will be in accordance to the wager you opted to place.

Once you choose your betting limit, the machine will deal you five cards. You will have the option of saving or getting rid of certain cards. Keeping the good cards and get rid of the bad ones is the best strategy for video poker. Most machines will show the hand rankings but, generally, the order- from highest to lowest, is as follows; royal flush, five of a kind, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, and, lastly, one pair. This order may vary slightly between games.

Video Poker Rules

The video poker machine does a lot of thinking for you in the sense that it reads your eventual hand and evaluates its worth. After the first deal and a player's removal of certain cards, the machine will then deal again and replace the cards you have chosen to get rid of. Lastly, the machine will automatically credit your bank in the case of a win. To finish playing at a certain machine, simply hit cash out. Some machines will cash out with actual coins while others will print out a ticketed stub with your dollar amount printed on a receipt-like paper.

For players wanting to challenge their poker skills but would rather play alone or for those players just seeking a great game with a low house edge, video poker is a good match. The prospect of a huge jackpot from a small bet, and the thrilling element of chance combined with skill characterize video poker quite accurately. Video poker does without the element of competition against other players at the table and this is probably its most attractive feature to so many of its fans.