All About Playing Online Video Poker

Playing Video Poker Online: All the Ins and Outs

Online video poker vs the brick-and-mortar poker

 Even though not all websites are created equally when it comes to software, the range of games, customer support, player traffic and security, the choice of online poker over its more conventional variation demonstrates that it has gone out of its way to buck the trend. After all, why face the daunting aspect of beating people at live tables when you can play against a machine in the comfort of your own home?

The History of Poker

With its unmatched popularity, Video poker took off in the 1980s and has only gone from strength to fortitude. In 1901, Charles Fey invented the slot machine and then went on to add a draw feature that guaranteed players the chance to spin twice when holding some of the drums containing cards. However, the first modern-day poker machine was invented in 1979 by Si Redd, who had initially try to sell the idea to his boss. The latter rejected it so Si Redd went ahead, bought the patent and launched SIRCOMA, which stood for Si Redd's Coin Machines. This later became widely-known as IGT- International Game Technology.

How to play

Once you're ready and set to go, hit the Deal button. Look at the cards and then decide which are the ones you are going to 'hold' and which are the ones you are going to 'drop', in order to re-draw. Whilst there is no definite strategy when it comes to how you should play, it always pays to go for the BEST Hand you could be possibly dealt.

Online Video Poker Guide

One of the best features of online video poker is that many online sites give you the chance to 'practice play' before you delve into real play. Getting acquainted with the machine offers you the chance to get ahead with your game. What is the best tip to offer here? Bet the maximum if possible. Why? This gives you the chance of winning real cash prizes. Another good strategy to follow is to maximize the time spent and thus, playing long-term. Extended periods of playing improve the player's odds of hitting the Royal flush. Hitting the Royal Flush means winning the biggest jackpots. Additionally, if you are playing online for money, it is best to opt for the machines with the higher payouts for a Full House & the Royal Flush. To maximize payouts, it is also best to avoid playing for less than the maximum number of coins allowed. Make it your prerogative to study the hand you have been dealt, carefully weigh your options and take your time.

Video poker winnings: Cards to drop vs Cards to keep

Knowing what to keep and what to throw away is not always so straightforward. It is imperative to hold onto cards that have made the board like a pair of Jacks or better. Remember that the higher your poker hand, the more money you will score. Therefore, throw away twos unless they are part of a straight, flush, or set. You have the option to throw away as many as all your five cards. Sometimes it is even easy to throw away two cards out of a three-of-a-kind even though they might seem good. This is because if you play your cards right, you can easily turn that three-of-a-kind into a full house.

In other instances, breaking a flush or straight is suggested. Imagine you get a 9c-Jc-Qc-Kc-Ac, which means you've got a flush. However, the hand you've been dealt is setting you back from hitting a Royal Flush by one card. If you drop your 9c you might lose out on your flush but the payout could be massive. If you end up hitting a J,Q,K or A, you would still get a win. Once you get to grips with basic video poker strategy, you could dabble with Multiple Betting Types by using an advanced video poker strategy card. Its purpose is to show you which cards to drop and which to hold depending on the hand you've been dealt. Some games have a maximum win so if you hit a Royal Flush, the winnings would be trumped.

Winning and payouts

What do you do if you're offered a double or nothing bonus round? You can simply choose to collect your winnings but also opt for a higher card to double your haul. One tip: Give it a chance but quit whilst you are ahead. Some games offer you the chance of gambling just half your winnings if you don't fancy risking it all.

Also, check the paytables and study them to know which hands you are drawing.

Best online video poker sites

A good online video poker site is well-respected, well-run and has lots of traffic but can still cope to create large cash prizes with the Highest Payout Percentages.

There are many different casinos to test and try that can appeal to your taste. Do your research and go casino-hopping. Go wild and get lucky!