People with little knowledge of the game probably suppose that video poker is simply an electronic version of table poker. In such a case, the current guide will be of huge value to them, as our major objective is to outline the basics as well as the specifics of video poker as a game. It will be sufficient, for now, to say that video poker, to a great extent, differs from table poker. Let us, first, take some time to explain what the game of table poker is all about.
Explanation of the game
Table poker comes in an array of variations. That is why we shall focus our attention on Five-Card Draw, or the variation, which appears to be the closest to video poker.
Table poker is a game of 52 cards and is usually suitable for between 2 and 10 players. Before cards are dealt to every participant, all players ”ante,” they place a token amount of money in the pot. Next, five cards are dealt to every player. The first betting round begins, as every participant adds to the money, they have already placed in the pot. In case a participant no longer intends to be in the game, they are probably not confident in the hand they are holding, instead of placing a bet, the player is allowed to ”fold” their hand. They leave the game and forfeit the entire amount of money they have put in the pot so far.
Following the end of the first round of betting, every participant is allowed to choose whether or not to remove one or more cards from their hand and, in return, be given new cards by the dealer. Such an action is known as a ”draw”.
After the draw, another betting round follows. Just as before, any participant may fold and leave the game at that moment.
Following the end of the second round of betting, all players are required to reveal their hands, while the player holding the best hand among those remaining in the game, gains the amount placed in the pot. The profitable hand is decided by ranking.
Best Online Video Poker Bonuses
HarrahsCasino.com
100% up to
$100
+ 100 Spins
Sloto'Cash Casino
100% up to
$500
Uptown Aces
150% up to
$750
Vegas Casino Online
No Deposit Bonus
$ 20
Las Vegas USA Casino
No Deposit Bonus
$ 20
Slots Plus
No Deposit Bonus
$ 20
At first glance, the rules may appear straight-forward, but if the game is played by extremely gifted competitors, it may become a challenge, thus, requiring some mathematical and psychological skills, and last but not least, strong nerves.
As can be seen in a number of movies, a competitor with a poor hand may decide to ”bluff”, thus, they make a bet as if in possession of a great hand, hoping to convince the rest around the table to fold. There are also experienced players, who are able to spot and take advantage of other competitors’ ”tells” (mannerisms, that unintentionally provide information about their hands).
The Game of Video Poker
Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild
Double Bonus, Pick’em Poker
Ranking Hands Video Poker
Video Poker Machine Appearance
Now, let us talk a bit more about hand rankings we mentioned above. These rankings are the groundwork of hand rankings in video poker, but, quite too often, video poker rankings differ.
How are hands ranked in Table Poker?
Any casual table poker player should be aware of the fact that a certain hierarchy of hands exists in the game. The participant, holding the highest-ranking hand, wins, if, of course, he has not folded.
For complete beginners to card games, we shall quickly mention, that every deck of 52 cards consists of four suits including hearts, spades, clubs, and diamonds. Each of the suits has the same value, or, for example, spades are not more valuable than clubs. Cards, which belong to the same suit, are known as being ”suited”. If we are holding an Ace, a King and 10, all in spades, it would be a suited Ace, King, and 10. Let us have a look at hand rankings, as they are in Table Poker.
We should note that in each variation of video poker a unique hierarchy of hands exists!
Each suit has 13 ranks, with the Ace being the highest-ranking card. The next ranks are as follows: a King, a Queen, a Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. The Joker, as a card, is usually not used in table poker, however, at times it serves as a Wild Card and may be of any rank and any suit, which would form the highest possible hand.
Rankings in poker are usually based on probability. If you are holding a rarer hand, this means that it will be of greater value. It is more probable that you may hold a pair of Kings than, for example, all four Kings in your hand. It is why ”Four of a Kind” has a greater value than ”One Pair”.
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four-of-a-Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three-of-a-Kind
- Two Pairs
- Pair
