Best Video Poker Variants for Beginners

Video poker has become a favorite for many players worldwide, including those in the UK. It blends the excitement of poker with the convenience and speed of slot machines. If you’re new to the world of video poker, you might feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but don’t worry! In this article, we’ll dive into the best video poker games for beginners, offering helpful tips and strategies to make your experience more enjoyable and successful. Whether you’re playing at a casino or trying it on your mobile device, this guide will help you understand the rules, strategies, and variations of this exciting game.

What is Video Poker?

Before we dive into the different types of video poker, let’s quickly go over what the game is all about. Video poker games are a digital version of five-card draw poker. You play against a machine (rather than other players), and the goal is to make the best possible poker hand based on five cards dealt to you. The payouts are based on the strength of your hand, with higher payouts for rarer hands like a royal flush.

Unlike traditional poker games, there’s no bluffing or betting rounds. You simply choose which cards to hold and which to discard. The machine then gives you new cards in place of the ones you discarded, and the hand is evaluated based on poker hand rankings. Simple, right? Once you’re familiar with the basics, you’ll see that the game is both fun and rewarding!

Why Video Poker is Perfect for Beginners

For beginners, video poker games offer the perfect balance between simplicity and strategy. Unlike other casino games like roulette or slots, video poker requires a bit of skill to improve your chances. The rules are easy to grasp, and there are no complicated betting rounds or strategies to follow—just the basics of poker hands.

Another reason beginners love video poker is the low house edge. In many games, if you play your cards right, you can significantly reduce the house edge and increase your odds of winning. Since the game is played at your own pace, you can take your time to understand the strategies before placing bigger bets.

Additionally, video poker has clear and transparent pay tables. The pay table shows you how much you’ll earn for each winning hand, making it easy to plan your strategy and know what to expect. This accessibility, combined with a bit of practice, makes video poker an excellent option for newcomers to the world of online gambling.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Video Poker Variant

When choosing a video poker game, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider to ensure you’re playing a beginner-friendly variant. Let’s go over them:

• RTP (Return to Player): The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning. RTP can vary significantly between variants, so always look for games with a high RTP.
• House Edge: The house edge is the casino’s advantage over you. As a beginner, you’ll want to choose games with a low house edge so that you keep more of your winnings.
• Volatility: Some video poker games have higher volatility, meaning you might win less often, but the payouts are bigger. If you’re just starting, it’s often better to choose lower-variance games to help you build your bankroll.
• Betting Options: Video poker allows you to adjust your bet size, so choose a variant that fits your budget. Some games also let you play multiple hands at once, so be mindful of how much you’re willing to risk.

Now that we know the factors to consider, let’s explore the best video poker variants for beginners.

Top Video Poker Variants for Beginners

1. Jacks or Better Jacks or Better is arguably the most popular video poker variant and an excellent choice for beginners. The rules are simple: you need a pair of Jacks or better to win. The pay table is straightforward, and the strategy is basic: hold the highest-value cards and discard the others.
   • RTP: 99.54%
   • House Edge: 0.46%
   • Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: With its simple rules and relatively high RTP, Jacks or Better is perfect for newcomers. It’s easy to learn, and it gives you the chance to develop your strategy as you go.
2. Deuces Wild Deuces Wild offers a fun twist: all 2s (deuces) act as wild cards, meaning they can substitute for any other card. This increases your chances of hitting a winning hand, but it also requires a slightly different strategy than Jacks or Better.
   • RTP: 100.76%
   • House Edge: -0.76% (when played optimally)
   • Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: While the strategy is a bit more complex, the increased chance of hitting a winning hand makes Deuces Wild exciting. Beginners can still enjoy it while learning the ropes.
3. Bonus Poker Bonus Poker offers slightly higher payouts for hands like 2 pair, three of a kind, and four of a kind. It’s very similar to Jacks or Better, but with higher rewards for certain hands.
   • RTP: 99.17%
   • House Edge: 0.83%
   • Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: It follows the same basic rules as Jacks or Better, with a twist of higher payouts for specific hands. Bonus Poker gives beginners the chance to win more without a complex strategy.
4. Double Bonus Poker In Double Bonus Poker, payouts for certain hands are doubled, offering higher rewards than in traditional Bonus Poker. For beginners, it’s a bit more challenging, but the increased payouts can make it worthwhile.
   • RTP: 100.17%
   • House Edge: -0.17%
   • Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: The increased payouts are tempting, and although the strategy requires a bit more thought, the potential for bigger wins can make the game exciting and worth the effort.
5. Aces and Faces Aces and Faces is another variant with higher payouts for certain hands, like four Aces or four Faces (Kings, Queens, Jacks). Like Bonus Poker, the added rewards make it more appealing.
   • RTP: 99.26%
   • House Edge: 0.74%
   • Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: It’s similar to Jacks or Better with added payouts for specific hands. Beginners can start with simple strategies and move to more advanced tactics as they progress.

Basic Strategies for Beginners

While video poker may seem simple, there are basic strategies that can help increase your chances of winning. Here are some tips for each of the beginner-friendly variants:

• Jacks or Better: Always hold onto any pair of Jacks or better. If you don’t have a high pair, consider holding onto any high cards (10 or above) or a flush draw.
• Deuces Wild: Hold onto any deuces, even if they don’t form a pair. If you have no deuces, hold any pairs or strong hands (e.g., three of a kind or a straight).
• Bonus Poker and Double Bonus Poker: Prioritize holding onto four-of-a-kind hands, as they offer the highest payouts in these variants.
• Aces and Faces: Hold onto Aces and Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) for better payouts. Prioritize four-of-a-kind combinations.

How to Play Video Poker on Mobile

If you enjoy playing games on your mobile device, you’re in luck! Many video poker games are optimized for mobile play, making it easy to enjoy them on the go. Whether you’re commuting, waiting in line, or just relaxing at home, mobile video poker lets you play whenever and wherever you like.

The best mobile video poker apps are designed for both iOS and Android, offering smooth gameplay and responsive interfaces. Many of these apps also let you try out free video poker games before committing real money, so you can practice without risk.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced players make mistakes in video poker. Here are some common errors beginners make and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the Pay Table: Always check the pay table to understand the payouts. Some variants offer different rewards, and knowing this will guide your strategy.
• Choosing the Wrong Variant: Some beginners pick high-volatility games like Deuces Wild without realizing they need to learn more advanced strategies. Stick with variants like Jacks or Better until you’re confident.
• Not Following Basic Strategy: Always try to follow the basic strategies we discussed to maximize your chances of winning. Randomly discarding cards is a surefire way to lose more often.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of video poker games and the best variants for beginners, you’re ready to dive in! Whether you choose to play Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or any other variant, remember to start with simple strategies, keep track of the pay tables, and have fun. As you gain experience, you can move on to more advanced tactics, but for now, focus on building your skills with the games we’ve discussed. Happy playing, and always gamble responsibly!