How to Play Video Poker Online

Video poker has long been a casino staple, attracting both novice and experienced gamblers. However, understanding basic poker hand rankings and familiarizing yourself with game-specific pay tables and optimal strategies can significantly improve your chances of winning. 

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Understanding Video Poker

History and Evolution of Video Poker

Video poker machines first appeared in the 1970s and started gaining popularity in the 1980s as technology improved. Better tech allowed for more complex games and improved graphics. 

Initially, Draw Poker was the primary variant offered, but as demand grew, casinos introduced new versions. Jacks or Better became the standard game, followed by Deuces Wild and Bonus Poker variations. 

These games offered different paytables and strategies, attracting a wider audience.

Today, video poker is available in numerous variants, and Multi-hand games allow players to play multiple hands simultaneously. 

Anatomy of a Video Poker Machine

Video poker machines feature a screen displaying cards and game information. Below the screen, players find buttons for game actions:

• Deal/Draw: Deals initial cards or draws replacements
• Hold: Selects cards to keep
• Bet One: Increases bet by one credit
• Max Bet: Places maximum bet allowed

The paytable is typically displayed above the screen, showing payouts for each winning hand. Most machines will also have a “help” or “info” button explaining rules and payouts.

Basic Rules of Video Poker

Video poker follows standard poker hand rankings. Players are dealt five cards and choose which to hold or discard. Discarded cards are replaced, forming the final hand. The goal is obviously to make the best possible poker hand. 

Winning combinations typically start at a pair of jacks or better, depending on the variant. As expected, the higher-ranking hands will win you higher multiples of your bet.

Players can adjust their bet size before each hand. Most machines offer a “max bet” option, which often unlocks the highest payouts for royal flushes.

Common Video Poker Variants

Jacks or Better 

Jacks or Better is the foundation of video poker and serves as the perfect starting point for beginners. In this classic variant, players need at least a pair of jacks to win, making it easy to understand and strategize. 

The straightforward paytable typically offers a 9/6 payout structure, meaning full houses pay 9-to-1 and flushes pay 6-to-1, though some online casinos may offer different variations.

Deuces Wild 

Deuces Wild introduces an exciting twist by making all two cards as wild cards. This dramatically changes the gameplay dynamics, as players can use these wild cards to complete stronger hands. 

With four wild cards in the deck, the paytable adjusts accordingly, and new winning combinations become possible, such as Five of a Kind. However, the trade-off is that most Deuces Wild games require at least three of a kind to win, rather than just a pair.

Double Bonus Poker 

Double Bonus Poker attracts players looking for bigger payouts on four-of-a-kind hands. While maintaining the basic Jacks or Better structure, this variant offers premium rewards for specific four-of-a-kind combinations. For example, four aces might pay 160-to-1, while four 2s through 4s might pay 80-to-1. This variant is suitable for players who are willing to accept higher volatility for the chance of larger wins.

Double Double Bonus Poker 

Double Double Bonus Poker introduces kicker cards into the equation. In this variant, four aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker can pay up to 400-to-1, making it one of the most volatile video poker variants. 

Players can also receive enhanced payouts for four 2s, 3s, or 4s with an ace through 4 kicker. 

These potential massive payouts come at the cost of reduced payments for more common hands like two pair or three of a kind.

Multi-hand video poker 

Multi-hand video poker represents a modern evolution that is available in online gaming, allowing players to play 3, 5, 10, or even up to 100 hands simultaneously. 

The initial five cards are dealt to all hands, and players choose which cards to hold. Each hand then receives its own independent draw cards, multiplying both the action and potential returns. 

While this format can lead to larger wins when hitting strong hands, it also multiplies the bet size across all hands played, requiring careful bankroll management.

Other Popular Video-Poker Variants

Additional popular variants include:

• Bonus Poker, offering even higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands while maintaining lower volatility than Double Bonus
• Tens or Better, which lowers the minimum winning hand to a pair of tens
• Joker Poker, which adds a wild joker to the deck and typically requires at least a pair of kings to win
• Aces and Faces, providing premium payouts for four-of-a-kind hands containing aces or face cards

Each video poker variant offers its own unique blend of risk and reward, so it’s important for players to understand the specific rules and optimal strategies for their chosen game. The key to success in video poker lies in selecting a variant that matches both your playing style and bankroll risk appetite.

How to Play Video Poker

The Deal and The Draw

Players start by placing a bet and pressing the “Deal” button. The machine deals five cards face-up on the screen. After examining the initial hand, players select which cards to keep and which to discard.

To hold cards, players click the cards they wish to keep or press the corresponding “Hold” buttons. Discarded cards are replaced with new ones when the player hits the “Draw” button.

The goal is to form the strongest poker hand possible.

Selecting the Cards to Keep

Choosing which cards to keep is crucial for success in video poker. Players should aim to build hands that offer the best chances of winning based on the paytable and probability.

Basic Hand Selection Principles:

• Always hold winning hands unless there’s a clear opportunity for a significantly higher-paying combination
• When dealt multiple potential winning combinations, prioritize hands with the highest expected value
• Consider the specific variant’s paytable when making decisions, as different pay structures can alter optimal strategy

High-Value Starting Hands 

High pairs (Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces) are fundamental holdings in most video poker variants, particularly in Jacks or Better games. These pairs guarantee an immediate return and can improve to three-of-a-kind or better. 

While the payout for a high pair is typically minimal, it helps maintain your bankroll while waiting for stronger hands.

Drawing to Royal Flushes 

Four cards to a royal flush should almost always be held, even if you already have a lower paying hand like a pair. The potential 4000-coin payout (with max bet) for a royal flush justifies breaking up smaller winning combinations. 

Even three cards to a royal flush can be worth holding in certain situations, particularly if they’re sequential (like K-Q-J of the same suit).

Straight and Flush Draws

• Four cards to a straight flush offers excellent potential and should usually be held over lower pairs
• Four cards to a flush or straight should be held when no higher-value combinations are present
• With three cards to a straight flush, consider holding if they’re sequential and include high cards

Low Pair Strategy 

Low pairs (Tens or lower) present interesting strategic decisions. While they don’t pay out in Jacks or Better games, they offer the potential to improve to three-of-a-kind, full house, or four-of-a-kind. The decision to hold a low pair often depends on the specific variant and what other cards are present:

• In Jacks or Better, hold a low pair over four cards to a flush
• In Bonus Poker variants, low pairs become more valuable due to enhanced four-of-a-kind payouts
• In Deuces Wild, low pairs are typically discarded in favor of better drawing opportunities

Breaking Up Paying Hands 

While generally discouraged, there are specific situations where breaking up a paying hand is mathematically correct:

• Breaking up two pair to draw to a royal flush
• Discarding a high pair when holding four cards to a royal flush
• In some variants, breaking up three-of-a-kind if you have four cards to a royal flush

The key to successful video poker play lies in making mathematically correct decisions consistently. While perfect play requires memorizing complex strategy charts, understanding these fundamental principles will help you make better decisions and improve your overall results. Remember that different video poker variants may require adjustments to these basic strategies, so always consider the specific game’s rules and paytable when making your decisions.

Hand Rankings and Payouts

Video poker hand rankings determine payouts, with stronger hands earning higher rewards. Payout structures vary between games, but maximizing bets often leads to the best returns.

Video Poker Hand Rankings

Video poker uses standard poker hand rankings with a few key differences. The highest-ranking hand is the royal flush, consisting of A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit. This is followed by the straight flush, four-of-a-kind, full house, flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, two pair, and pairs of jacks or better.

Unlike traditional poker, pairs below jacks typically don’t pay out. The lowest paying hand in most video poker variants is a pair of jacks or higher.

Hand strength directly correlates with payout amounts. For example, a royal flush might pay 250 to 1, while a pair of jacks could pay 1 to 1.

Payout Structures

Payout structures in video poker can vary significantly between games. The most common variant, Jacks or Better, often uses a 9/6 payout structure. This means a full house pays 9 times the bet, and a flush pays 6 times the bet.

Here’s a sample payout table for 9/6 Jacks or Better:

Hand	1 Coin	2 Coins	3 Coins	4 Coins	5 Coins
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Straight Flush	50	100	150	200	250
Four of a Kind	25	50	75	100	125
Full House	9	18	27	36	45
Flush	6	12	18	24	30

Maximizing Payouts with Maximum Bets

Betting the maximum number of coins is crucial for maximizing payouts in video poker. Most video poker games offer a bonus payout for a royal flush when playing with maximum coins.

For instance, in the payout table above, a royal flush pays 250 times the bet for 1-4 coins, but jumps to 4000 for 5 coins. This significant increase in payout percentage makes max betting the optimal strategy for skilled players.

Max betting also reduces the house edge. In 9/6 Jacks or Better, the house edge drops to about 0.46% with perfect play and max betting. This makes it one of the best video poker games for players seeking favorable odds.

Strategies and Tips

Mastering video poker requires a combination of basic strategy, advanced concepts, and avoiding common pitfalls. Understanding hand rankings and utilizing strategy charts can significantly improve your chances of success.

Advanced Mathematical Concepts

Understanding the mathematics behind video poker helps you make better strategic decisions. The concept of expected value (EV) is crucial here. This means that each possible play has a calculated long-term return based on the probability of improving to various hands multiplied by their respective payouts. 

This is why strategy charts exist, and they’re based on complex probability calculations that determine the highest EV play for every possible starting hand.

Memorizing these charts improves decision-making speed and accuracy. In full-pay machines, the return percentage can exceed 99% with perfect play. We always suggest that you practice using free online video poker games to hone your skills before playing for real money.

Variance Management

Understanding and managing variance levels in video poker is crucial for long-term success and sustainable gameplay. This knowledge directly impacts how you should structure your bankroll, with higher-variance games like Double Double Bonus requiring significantly larger reserves than lower-variance options like Jacks or Better. 

Different video poker variants have varying levels of volatility:

• Jacks or Better offers the most stable gameplay with frequent small wins
• Double Double Bonus features higher volatility with larger potential payouts
• Multi-hand games multiply variance proportionally to the number of hands played

A solid guideline is to maintain a session bankroll of at least 100 times your base bet for low-variance games, increasing to 200-300 times for high-variance variants. 

Your personal risk tolerance should also heavily influence your game selection. Players uncomfortable with long losing streaks should stick to games with frequent small wins, while those seeking larger payouts must be prepared for extended periods between significant victories. 

Players should typically wager between 1-3% of their total bankroll per hand, adjusting downward for more volatile games or when playing multiple hands simultaneously. This approach helps protect against the mathematical certainty of downswings while keeping you in action long enough to realize the game’s theoretical return percentage and potentially hit those elusive royal flushes or other premium hands that contribute significantly to overall returns.

Pay Table Analysis in Detail 

Mastering pay table analysis in video poker goes far beyond simply searching for full-pay machines, as the intricate relationships between different payout structures can significantly impact your long-term success. 

While a seemingly minor reduction from a 9/6 to an 8/5 Jacks or Better game results in a substantial 2% decrease in overall return, these variations aren’t always straightforward. Some short-pay games attempt to obscure their lower returns by offering increased payouts on specific hands, creating an illusion of better value. 

For example, a game might reduce full house and flush payouts while boosting certain four-of-a-kind combinations, to attract players looking for larger individual wins at the cost of long-term expected value. 

Progressive jackpot machines add another layer of complexity, as they typically feature reduced payouts on base game hands to fund their growing top prizes, requiring players to carefully evaluate whether the increased jackpot size sufficiently compensates for the reduced returns on more frequent hands. 

Understanding these nuances becomes particularly crucial in online casinos, where multiple variations of the same game are usually available, each with subtle pay table differences that can substantially impact your overall return-to-player percentage over extended playing sessions.

Psychology and Discipline

The psychological aspects and mental discipline required for successful video poker play cannot be overstated, as they form the foundation for consistent, profitable decision-making during both winning and losing sessions. 

Maintaining unwavering focus throughout extended playing periods is essential, as even minor lapses in concentration can lead to costly strategic errors that erode your theoretical return. 

The ability to make rational decisions regardless of recent results is equally crucial. Whether you’ve just hit a royal flush or endured a series of losses, each new hand demands the same objective analysis and optimal play. 

Players must internalize the fundamental truth that short-term results, whether positive or negative, are often poor indicators of long-term expectations, and letting these temporary swings influence your strategy can be devastating to your bankroll. 

Recognizing the subtle signs of mental fatigue, such as increased decision time or second-guessing optimal plays, should serve as a signal to end your session, while developing and adhering to consistent pre-game and playing routines helps maintain the disciplined approach necessary for long-term success in this mathematically challenging game.

Advanced Bankroll Management

Implementing a sophisticated approach to bankroll management in video poker requires a deep understanding of mathematical principles and risk assessment, going well beyond simple win/loss tracking. 

Your total bankroll requirements should be calculated based on the specific volatility of your chosen game variant, with higher-variance games like Double Double Bonus demanding significantly larger reserves than more stable options. Setting realistic win goals and stop-loss limits helps protect your bankroll while maintaining discipline, but these limits must be based on the mathematical realities of the game rather than arbitrary numbers. 

The probability of losing your entire bankroll becomes particularly relevant as it directly correlates with your total funds relative to your typical bet size, requiring careful consideration when choosing your playing stakes. 

Dynamic bankroll management involves actively adjusting your bet sizes based on your current bankroll status, increasing stakes during upswings while maintaining the discipline to drop down in denomination during downswings. 

This comprehensive approach must also account for the long-term variance inherent in high-volatility games, where significant bankroll swings are not just possible but mathematically inevitable, and require a larger cushion to weather extended periods of negative results.

Side Bets

If you’re new to video poker, think of side bets as optional “extra wagers” that you can make alongside your main game. They’re like bonus opportunities that give you additional ways to win beyond the standard poker hands. Side bets are completely optional, which means you can play regular video poker without ever touching them. 

Imagine you’re playing regular video poker, but with these side bets, you’re essentially buying a lottery ticket at the same time. They offer the chance for bigger wins, but they come with their own risks and costs.

Let’s use a simple example. In a standard video poker game, you might bet $1 and play for regular poker hand payouts. With a side bet, you might add an extra 25 cents for the chance to win a progressive jackpot, or after winning a hand, you might get the option to “double up” your winnings by playing a simple high-low card game. 

For beginners, it’s important to understand that while side bets can be entertaining and potentially lucrative, they usually come with a higher house edge than the main game. This means that while you might win bigger when you’re lucky, you’re more likely to lose money on side bets in the long run compared to standard video poker play.

Types of Side Bets in Video Poker

The Double Up Feature

The “Double Up” or “Double or Nothing” feature represents one of video poker’s most common side betting options, offering players a chance to multiply their winnings. 

After any winning hand, players can choose to enter a mini-game where they’re dealt one dealer card face-up and four face-down cards. Players must select one of the face-down cards, hoping it will be higher than the dealer’s card to double their original win. 

Some variations offer a “Half Double Up” option, allowing players to risk only 50% of their winnings for a more conservative approach. While this feature can be exciting, it’s important to note that each double-up attempt has a house edge, and multiple attempts can quickly erase substantial winnings.

Progressive Jackpot Systems

Progressive jackpot side bets in video poker come in different forms:

• Linked progressives that connect multiple machines across a casino or network
• Stand-alone progressives on individual machines
• Multi-tier progressives offering various prize levels
• Royal flush progressives that only trigger with specific card combinations

Most progressive systems require an additional wager or maximum coin bet to qualify for the top prize. The base game’s pay table is typically reduced to accommodate the progressive feature. 

Specialized Four-of-a-Kind Side Bets

Modern video poker variants have introduced innovative side betting options for four-of-a-kind hands:

• Aces quad bonuses requiring specific kicker cards
• Suited four-of-a-kind bonuses
• Sequential four-of-a-kind rewards (e.g., 5-5-5-5 of hearts through spades)
• Position-based quad bonuses where the cards must appear in specific spots

These side bets typically require an additional wager separate from the main game bet, and while they can offer substantial payouts (sometimes 1000x or more), they usually come with a higher house edge than the base game.

Bad Beat Side Bets

Some video poker variations include bad beat side bets that pay when exceptionally strong hands lose to even better hands. Common scenarios include Four-of-a-kind losing to a royal flush, Straight flush losing to a higher straight flush, or Aces full of kings losing to a four-of-a-kind

Mathematical Considerations of Side Bets

When evaluating video poker side bets, players must carefully consider several crucial mathematical and strategic factors, especially because the house edge on side bets typically runs considerably higher than the base game.

While standard video poker can offer return percentages above 99% with optimal play, side bets often carry house edges of 5% or more. This substantial difference in expected return requires careful consideration before incorporating these additional wagers into your strategy.

The variance impact on your bankroll demands particular attention, as side bets can dramatically increase the volatility of your playing session. While standard video poker already involves significant swings, adding side bets can amplify these fluctuations, potentially requiring a bankroll two to three times larger than what you’d need for the base game alone. 

Understanding the true cost of progressive qualifying bets requires careful mathematical analysis. Calculate your total cost per hand by combining the base game bet and side bet amount, then factor in the reduced pay table returns that often accompany progressive games. For a $5 base game with a $1 progressive side bet, your true hourly cost might be significantly higher than playing a standard $6 game, due to both the additional wager and typically lower base game returns.

For progressive jackpot side bets, therefore, understanding break-even points becomes critical. Each progressive jackpot has a theoretical point at which the growing prize pool compensates for the reduced base game returns and additional wager requirements. Skilled players track these levels and only engage with progressive side bets when the potential return justifies the extra risk and cost, for example, only playing when the progressive amount is at least 20% above its reset value.

Risk Management Strategies for Side Bets

Effective risk management for video poker side bets requires a methodical approach, beginning with strict bankroll segregation. Smart players maintain separate bankrolls for their main game and side bet activities, typically allocating 10-20% of their total gambling budget specifically for side bets. 

This separation creates a psychological and practical barrier that prevents side bet losses from impacting the sustainability of your primary video poker play.

When engaging with double-up features, we recommend setting predetermined limits based on both win streaks and loss tolerance. For example, you might set a rule to never attempt more than three consecutive double-ups, regardless of how successful you’ve been, and to stop double-up attempts entirely if you’ve lost three in a row. 

You could also consider implementing a “lock-up” system where you secure a portion of significant wins before attempting any double-up features. For instance, banking 75% of any win over 50 times your base bet.

For progressive Video Poker, maintaining balanced exposure requires strategic adjustment of your base game betting. If you normally play $10 per hand and want to add a $2 progressive side bet, consider reducing your base game bet to $8. 

This adjustment helps preserve your playing time and manage variance while still allowing participation in progressive opportunities. Some players use a fixed percentage system, never allowing side bets to exceed 25% of their total per-hand wager.

The key to successful side bet play lies in understanding that these features, while entertaining, typically increase the game’s overall volatility and house edge. Players should approach them as entertainment additions rather than profit-generating opportunities, maintaining strict bankroll discipline and avoiding the temptation to chase losses through increasingly aggressive side betting.

Playing Video Poker Online

Online video poker offers convenience and unique features compared to land-based casinos. Players can enjoy a wide variety of games, bonuses, and flexible betting options from the comfort of home.

Selecting an Online Casino

Choose a reputable online casino licensed by a recognized gaming authority. Look for sites with SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. Check the game selection to ensure they offer your preferred video poker variants.

Consider the available banking options. Top online casinos provide multiple secure methods for deposits and withdrawals, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

Online vs Land-Based Video Poker

Online video poker provides several advantages over traditional casino play. Games are available 24/7 without wait times or travel costs. Players can often find better paytables and lower minimum bets online.

Many sites offer free play options to practice strategies risk-free. This allows new players to learn the game without spending money.

Furthermore, since most online casinos are Mobile compatible, you will be able to play video poker on smartphones and tablets, wherever you are (as long as you have an internet connection!)

Other Considerations when playing Video-Poker Online

The digital environment allows for faster gameplay than traditional casino machines, with some players completing three or more hands per minute, making it crucial to maintain discipline and avoid rushing decisions despite the tempting pace. 

The ability to play multiple tables simultaneously also presents an opportunity to increase hourly theoretical return but requires exceptional focus and bankroll considerations to manage the multiplied variance effectively. 

Software reliability and fairness certification take on paramount importance in the online space, making it essential to choose reputable platforms that undergo regular third-party auditing and maintain proper licensing. 

Keep in mind that taking advantage of new player bonuses or reload bonuses, and any other loyalty programs and promotions offered by online casinos can significantly boost your overall return. It’s easy to push the expected ROI over 100% when factoring in these extras, but it’s also important to understand the specific wagering requirements and terms that these bonuses carry with them. 

Frequently Asked Questions