How to Play Video Poker online

One of the main draws of video poker is its dynamic gameplay. While the rules are straightforward and the pace is quick, it demands more from the player than just hitting buttons and hoping for the best.

What do we mean by that? Simply put, you'll need to use your noggin to truly get the most out of video poker. It's about understanding the best odds you have after seeing your initial hand and then deciding which cards to hold onto.

The reality is that video poker offers a fantastic blend of fun and challenge. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you make the most of every round, ensuring a good time and, who knows, perhaps a nice win in your pocket right here in New Zealand.

Video Poker Rules: How to Play in NZ

The general rules for video poker are pretty simple to grasp. The exact gameplay might differ slightly depending on the video poker variation you choose, but the core elements stay the same. So, switching between different versions won't be a huge drama.

Unlike other poker games, this is a solo affair – it's just you and the machine. You're not comparing your hand against other players or a dealer. The aim is simply to build a winning hand based on the game's paytable

Here's the gist of how it works:

1. First, pick the amount you want to bet.
2. Next, hit DEAL to get your initial five cards.
3. Take a look at your cards, decide which ones to keep, and click HOLD.
4. Then, click DRAW to replace the cards you discarded with new ones.
5. If you've landed a winning combination, you'll automatically get paid according to the paytable.

Some steps might vary a bit depending on the specific game version you're playing. For instance, some games offer an auto-hold feature to automatically select cards for you.

Regardless, remember that the cards are dealt randomly, much like in online pokies. While you can explore video poker strategies to improve your play, you can't predict exactly which cards the game will deal you.

What are the 'Hands' in Video Poker?

Those who have played other versions of poker will quickly recognize the possible card combinations in video poker. After all, they include the most popular — and desirable — options, such as Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.

Depending on the variation you are playing, some combinations will be possible and others will not. Therefore, it is important to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start.

The payouts for each combination obtained are calculated according to the odds of getting them. In other words, the harder it is to get a winning hand, the higher the prize you will receive. The paytable may vary slightly in each game, but generally follows a similar structure.

Below, we list the most common hand rankings and payouts in the main variations of video poker.

Jacks or Better

In this version of video poker, the main feature is the possibility of winning with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, when you get a Jacks or Better combination, the payout is equal to the amount of the bet you placed.

• Royal Flush: 1 to 250
• Straight Flush: 1 to 50
• Four of a Kind: 1 to 25
• Full House: 1 to 9
• Flush: 1 to 6
• Straight: 1 to 4
• Three of a Kind: 1 to 3
• Two Pairs: 1 to 2
• Jacks or Better: 1 to 1

Deuces Wild

In this other version of video poker, the main feature is the presence of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for other cards.

Naturally, this changes the entire payout structure. At the same time, it requires a bit more attention when choosing which cards to keep in your hand or discard.

• Natural Royal Flush: 1 to 800
• Four Deuces: 1 to 200
• Wild Royal Flush: 1 to 25
• Five of a Kind: 1 to 15
• Straight Flush: 1 to 10
• Four of a Kind: 1 to 4
• Full House: 1 to 4
• Flush: 1 to 3
• Straight: 1 to 2
• Three of a Kind: 1 to 1