Learning how to play video poker changed the way I saw casino games. Though the game is fun and easy to learn, what sets winners and losers apart is strategy.
If you’re looking to improve your poker skills, you’ve come to the right place. In this short guide, I’ll teach you everything you need to know from understanding the rules to picking the right game. Along the way, you’ll also learn tips to help you make better decisions, how popular variants differ, and how to play video poker like a pro.
How to play video poker – Basic rules
When I first learned how to play video poker, I realized it’s a unique blend of slot simplicity and poker logic. The game starts with five cards dealt from a virtual deck. You choose which cards to hold and which to discard, then draw new cards.
If the final hand matches one of the winning combinations from the paytable – like a pair of Jacks or better, a straight, flush, or royal flush – you get paid accordingly. The better the hand, the higher the payout. The goal isn’t to beat other players, but to make strong hands that match the paytable.
Video poker betting options
Every time I log into one of the
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to play video poker, I start by placing a bet, usually between one and five coins per hand.
Choosing cards to hold or discard
After the deal, I carefully decide which cards to keep. For example, if I get a pair of Jacks, I’ll usually hold them and draw three new cards.
Understanding the paytable
Each game displays a paytable that tells me how much each hand is worth. A full house might pay 9x your bet, while two pairs pay 2x.
Common side bets and features
Once you learn how to play video poker and win with mainstream bets, you can try some side bets. I’ve played variants where a small extra coin activates a jackpot feature or bonus hand. Others offer a gamble feature after a win, letting me double or quadruple my payout if I guess a card correctly.
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Video poker odds and payout structure
What I love about playing video poker is that it offers one of the best odds among casino games. Many games have a return-to-player (RTP) percentage of over 99% if played with the best poker strategy. That’s rare.
Here’s a sample payout table for Jacks or Better (full pay, max bet):
| Hand | Payout (5 Coins) |
| Royal Flush | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 125 |
| Full House | 45 |
| Flush | 30 |
| Straight | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 15 |
| Two Pair | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 5 |
Payouts may vary based on variant and casino, so I always check the table before playing. That’s essential if you want to know how to play video poker at casinos with a
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Top video poker variants
When people ask me how to play video poker, I tell them to start by learning the differences between game variants. Each version tweaks the rules slightly, changing the odds and strategy. Here’s my breakdown of the 5 most popular poker variants to help you get the edge you need:
As the most beginner-friendly version, Jacks or Better is the most widely available poker variant on online poker rooms. In Jacks or Better, a pair of Jacks is the minimum hand for a payout. The game offers a straightforward paytable and 99.54% RTP if played optimally.
In Deuces Wild, all 2s (Deuces) act as wild cards, making it easier to hit powerful hands like a five of a kind. However, here, the payout structure changes – hands like two pair don’t pay, which adds challenge and excitement that other variants might lack.
All American Poker is very similar to Jacks or Better. The only difference is that there are boosted payouts for straights, flushes, and straight flushes. I noticed this game pays well if you’re the type to consistently hit mid-tier hands.
Aces and Eights players can benefit from bonus payouts for hands like four Aces or four 8s. I play this when I’m looking for a poker variant with higher volatility than the others and the eexciting of hitting specific four-of-a-kind combinations.
A wild Joker is added to the deck, increasing my chances of hitting strong hands. However, the minimum payout hand is usually two pairs or Kings or better, depending on the version you’re playing.
Choosing where to play video poker
Now that you know how to play video poker, you should feel confident enough to look for the right online poker room you can call home. But not so fast; picking the right site makes all the difference when I play video poker online. Here’s what I look for:
- Payout transparency:
I always check if the game clearly lists the paytable and RTP. That shows the site knows what it’s offering.
- Game variety:
I like platforms that offer multiple variants, like Deuces Wild and Joker Poker, not just the basics.
- Low coin denominations:
Some of the good online casinos let me play video poker for as little as $0.25 a hand.
- Mobile compatibility: Since I sometimes play on the go, smooth mobile gameplay is a must.
- Bonuses that apply to video poker:
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Video poker strategy and tips – How to win video poker
The first thing I learned about how to play video poker is that it’s a game of skill and math as much as it’s a game of chance. While I can’t control the cards dealt, I can control how I play them. Here are my top tips:
The royal flush pays out significantly more when I bet five coins instead of one. The jump from 250 to 4,000 coins is massive.
💡 Learn the Optimal Strategy for Your Variant
Each version – Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, etc. – has its own strategy chart. I practiced with free games and charts until the right decisions became second nature.
🚫 Never Hold Low Pairs Over High Card
If I have a pair of 4s and Jack, I usually ditch the 4s and go for the higher payout from Jacks or Better.
Some casinos give video poker-specific promotions. These can boost my bankroll, especially on low-variance games.
Video poker can be streaky. If I’m ahead or getting frustrated, I take a break. That mental reset helps me play better.
How to play video poker pros & cons
I’ve spent hours learning how to play video poker and, in that time, I’ve learnt that like any game, poker has its ups and downs. For example, unlike
online roulette tips, using the right poker tips can make a huge difference. Here’s what I’ve found to help you decide if poker is the game for you:
Advantages
- One of the highest RTP games
- Opportunity for strategic gameplay
- Easy to learn, tough to master
- Many variants with exciting twists
Disadvantages
- Complex strategy for optimal play
- Temptation to chase big hands like royal flushes
Start playing video poker
Video poker strikes the perfect balance between skill and chance. With RTPs often over 99%, it offers some of the best odds. Once I learned the hand rankings and practiced optimal play, it became one of my go-to games.
If you’re like me– someone who enjoys strategy and doesn’t want to leave everything to chance — video poker is worth trying. It’s easy to learn, but keeps me thinking with every hand. Whether I’m chasing a royal flush or grinding out pairs of Jacks, the game delivers solid fun and real payout potential.
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How to play video poker FAQs
🎰 How does video poker differ from slot machines?
Unlike slots, video poker involves skill and decision-making. Your choices—such as which cards to hold—directly affect your odds of winning, making strategy and knowledge crucial for long-term success.
🃏 How do you play a typical hand of video poker?
You start by placing a bet and receiving five cards. Choose which cards to hold and which to discard, then draw new cards. If your final hand matches a winning combination on the paytable, you get paid accordingly.
⭐ What are the most popular video poker games?
Top variants include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, All American Poker, Aces & Eights, and Joker Poker. Each has unique rules and payout structures, so learning their differences is key to improving gameplay.
