Types of Video Poker Games

Video poker has long been a staple in both land-based and online casinos, offering a unique blend of skill and luck. As a fan of video poker, I’ve spent a lot of time diving into the various game types. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, there’s always something new to explore. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the many types of video poker games, exploring the history, rules, strategies, and everything in between. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to navigate the exciting world of video poker, from Double Bonus Poker to Beginner Poker Variants, and Popular Poker Games that will keep you entertained for hours.

What is Video Poker?

Video poker is one of those games that blends skill and chance, offering something different from traditional slots. Unlike regular slot machines where you rely entirely on luck, video poker lets you control the outcome through strategic decision-making. You’re dealt five cards, and your goal is to form the best poker hand possible, just like in traditional poker.

What makes video poker particularly exciting is its combination of the classic poker rules with the mechanics of slots. The player competes against the house rather than other players, and the outcome is determined by both luck and skill. Over time, this form of entertainment has evolved into many different versions, each offering unique features, payouts, and strategies.

Classic Video Poker

One of the most well-known versions of video poker is Jacks or Better, a classic that’s been around for decades. This simple game features a paytable where you win by making poker hands, starting from a pair of Jacks or better. The simplicity of the rules makes it accessible to beginners, but there’s still room for strategic play.

The goal is to make the best possible hand with the cards you’ve been dealt. As the name suggests, the minimum hand required to win is a pair of Jacks. From there, the paytable offers higher payouts for hands like three of a kind, straights, flushes, full houses, four of a kind, and the elusive royal flush.

Strategy Tips:

• Always keep Jacks or better.
• If you have two pairs, keep both.
• Don’t keep a low pair if you have a chance at a straight or flush.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is a fun and exciting variant of video poker that adds a twist to the game. In this version, all the 2s (or “deuces”) are wild, meaning they can substitute for any card to complete a winning hand. This increases the chances of making high-paying hands, such as four of a kind, straight flushes, and royal flushes.

Because of the wild cards, Deuces Wild has a higher volatility than Jacks or Better. It also has a different payout structure, where hands like four of a kind or five of a kind are much more lucrative. In fact, a five-of-a-kind with wild deuces can give you the highest payout in the game.

Strategy Tips:

• Always keep deuces and any cards that could form a strong hand.
• If you have three of a kind, try to keep it for a potential four of a kind with the wild cards.

Joker Poker

Another exciting variant is Joker Poker, which introduces the Joker card as a wild card. The Joker can replace any card in the deck, making it much easier to form strong hands. This variation often features higher payouts for five of a kind, and it’s particularly popular among those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward games.

In Joker Poker, you’ll usually find higher payout rates for four of a kind hands, as well as bonus payouts for hands like five of a kind. This makes the game an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their winnings.

Strategy Tips:

• Keep any hand that includes the Joker, as it can significantly improve your chances of winning.
• Like in Deuces Wild, the more wild cards you have, the higher your chances of getting a premium hand.

Double Bonus Poker

If you’re someone who enjoys the thrill of big payouts, then Double Bonus Poker is a variant you’ll want to check out. This game is very similar to Jacks or Better, but with enhanced payouts for specific hands, especially four-of-a-kind hands. For example, four aces can pay out a substantial amount, which is why this version is so exciting.

Double Bonus Poker is great for players who understand the basics of poker and are looking for higher volatility and potentially bigger wins. However, with the higher potential rewards comes the risk of losing more often, so it’s important to play strategically.

Strategy Tips:

• Always aim for four-of-a-kind, as the payouts are much higher.
• In Double Bonus Poker, four aces and four 2s, 3s, or 4s are particularly valuable.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is another classic video poker variant that’s very similar to Jacks or Better, but with a lower minimum winning hand. In this version, you only need a pair of tens or better to win. This makes it more accessible for players who might not want to wait for higher hands to form.

While it may seem like a less exciting option due to the lower minimum winning hand, Tens or Better is still an enjoyable game for those who appreciate a more relaxed pace. It’s perfect for beginners looking to get a feel for video poker without the pressure of aiming for higher hands.

Strategy Tips:

• Keep pairs of tens or better.
• Like in Jacks or Better, always aim for higher hands like straights and flushes if the opportunity arises.

Bonus Poker

For those who enjoy traditional video poker but with an added twist, Bonus Poker is a great choice. This variant offers bonus payouts for specific hands, most notably four-of-a-kind hands. For example, four aces or four 2s, 3s, or 4s can earn you significant payouts. These bonus payouts are what make the game so appealing.

In Bonus Poker, you’ll typically see an increase in payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. This makes the game attractive to players who are hoping to land these hands more frequently.

Strategy Tips:

• Aim to keep four-of-a-kind hands as they offer the highest payouts in Bonus Poker.
• Use the paytable to your advantage by knowing which hands offer the best rewards.

Progressive Video Poker

Progressive video poker is an exciting variation that adds a unique aspect to the game: a progressive jackpot. With each hand you play, a small portion of your bet contributes to the jackpot pool, which grows until someone hits the jackpot. Progressive jackpots can reach huge amounts, often in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The most common progressive variants are Progressive Jacks or Better and Progressive Deuces Wild, where hitting a royal flush can win you the entire jackpot. However, you typically need to bet the maximum to qualify for the progressive jackpot, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.

Strategy Tips:

• Always bet the maximum if you want a shot at the progressive jackpot.
• Keep track of the jackpot amount, as higher jackpots mean higher payouts.

Multihand Video Poker

If you love action, then multihand video poker is for you. In this variation, you can play multiple hands at once, anywhere from 3 to 100 hands. This adds a level of excitement and potential for more frequent payouts.

The strategy for multihand poker is slightly different because you’re juggling more hands at once. It’s crucial to stay focused, but it also means more opportunities to win, especially if you’re playing a variant like Jacks or Better.

Strategy Tips:

• Always keep cards that could help form strong hands across multiple hands.
• Don’t get distracted by the number of hands, as each one still requires strategic play.

Choosing the Right Video Poker Game for You

When deciding which video poker game to play, consider factors such as volatility, payout structure, and your experience level. For beginners, Beginner Poker Variants like Tens or Better or Jacks or Better are great choices. These games are easy to learn and provide a good balance between risk and reward.

For more experienced players, exploring variants like Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker will provide a greater challenge and the potential for higher payouts. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at progressive video poker for a chance at a massive jackpot.

Conclusion

Video poker offers a wide variety of options to suit every player’s style, whether you’re into high payouts, low volatility, or simple gameplay. By understanding the types of video poker games available and using smart strategies, you can enhance your gaming experience and increase your chances of winning. Always play responsibly and stick to a budget, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you’re new to video poker or a seasoned pro, there’s always a game that’s perfect for you.