Online casino video poker tips and strategies

About online casino video poker

At first glance, video poker may be confused with slots. It is played on a computerized console which is a similar size to a slot machine. Based loosely on five-card draw, video poker has become a popular gaming option for online casinos. Playing Video Poker is easy, but can sometimes be confusing for a novice. Basic game play begins by depositing a bet of one of more credits into the machine (or virtual-machine for online casinos) and pressing the Deal or Max Bet button. The virtual cards are dealt and the player has the option of keeping or discarding one or more of the cards in exchange for a new card from the deck. The cards are dealt and the machine evaluates your hand and offers a payout based on the winning schedule posted at the machine (or in the rules section of the casino).

Variations of Video Poker

Online casinos are always looking for new and exciting games to catch the attention of potential gamblers. This often means that casinos will create variations of classic casino games. Video Poker is no exception and several variations now exist and more are being added regularly. For example, one variation of video poker may include Deuces Wild, where a two can serve as a wild card, and jackpots are paid for four deuces.

Video poker... making it pay off!

Players using perfect or near-perfect strategies can often obtain greater than 100% payback from a video poker machine over a long period of pay. The following are some tips to help you on your road to winning.

Find a machine and Video Poker variation that you like and stick with it. The more you play at one machine, the quicker you'll be able to develop a strategy that works best for that particular machine.
Resists holding on to unpaired cards when you have a pair. Choose your cards to hold based on a strategy, not just luck.
When trying to draw a straight, avoid waiting to draw an inside straight [4],[5], _, [7], [8]. Inside straights are very difficult to draw. Instead try to draw an outside straight _, [5], [6], [7]. _. Your odds are increased and you can obtain the straight on either end.
Avoid holding three cards in an attempt to obtain a straight flush UNLESS you hold a King, Queen, and Jack.
Pairs and three of a kind should always be played