How to Play Video Poker: Types and Differences from Poker
Video poker is one of the most popular types of gambling after sports betting and online slots, which are available in casinos. In regular slots, the whole process of drawing is based on RNG, and the result depends entirely on your luck. In video poker, on the other hand, you can use your skills and abilities to improve your chances of winning.
Video poker is popular with players for several reasons. This is fun and exciting entertainment that can captivate for a long time. The game is interactive, and there is a real chance to beat the slot machine and collect your winnings.
Features of Modern Video Poker
Now there are many types of video poker with real cash. The list of games is constantly expanding; the world’s providers offer all new versions of the classic game to captivate players. Now video poker is a game in which jackpots, bonuses, wilds, and other unusual moments are available.
A wide variety of game types are welcome among the players. At the same time, beginners may have problems selecting a suitable type of game. Below, we will look at the main types of video poker, as well as their differences from each other.
Types of Video Poker
You can play poker in land-based and online casinos. There are several varieties of the game to choose from, which are divided into simple and complex, with high and low payouts, etc. There are more than 100 varieties of video poker, but all games are based on the classic games 9/6 Jacks or, better, Deuces Wild.
Differences in games are most often related to the paytable. These figures are reflected in the RTP percentage for each specific game. Recall that RTP shows the potential return of the bet.
Some slot machines have wild symbols. They perform the same role as in most slots—they replace other cards on the field and form winning combinations. Let’s take a closer look at the most common options.
Jacks or Better
This is the simplest version of video poker, so it will suit you if you are just getting familiar with games of this format. The 9/6 game has a high RTP of around 99.54%. But you can’t count on big payouts in this machine.
Payouts are made evenly across all hands. If you have a jack or better cards at the end of the round, you can count on winnings equal to the bet amount.
The peculiarity of this game is the presence of a risk round. You will have the opportunity to double your winnings. The bonus round becomes available after collecting a Jack or better combination in your hands.
The risk round has some similarities with similar levels in regular slots. You will have 4 cards in front of you, turned face down. To win, you need to choose a card with a higher value.
Deuces Wild
Another type of video poker is played with a deck of 52 cards. You will find this game in most land-based and online casinos. It is evident by the name that deuces play the role of wild cards here.
If you have deuces among your cards, you can use them to substitute other cards for winning combinations. The number of winnings is specified in the game’s payout table; triples are paid at the lowest rate. A royal flush is one of the best combinations; it comes right after four deuces.
In slot machines of this type, you don’t have to rely on big payouts. However, the profitability significantly increases due to the presence of wild animals. If you play at high stakes, you can expect a rate of 100.76%.
Aces and Faces
The video poker game Aces and Faces uses 52 cards, and payouts start with jacks. It increases payouts for combinations in which there are aces or any other face cards. The hand ratio in this variant of video poker is 8/5.
The highest paying hand is four of a kind. It is supposed to win more than when collecting a royal flush. The RTP indicator in slot machines of this type is 99.26%.
In land-based and online casinos, you can find several varieties of this type of game—the ratio of hands is 7/6 and 7/5. These games have large payouts and a reduced RTP of 99.2% and 99.1%, respectively. Another game variant is the 6/5 hand ratio, which is not popular with players due to the high house advantage.
Joker Poker
An exciting video poker format will appeal to both beginners and experienced players. The draw is carried out with 53 cards—standard cards from a deck of 52 and one joker.
The main differences between this game and classic video poker include the following:
- Higher starting winning combination;
- Using wild cards simplifies the collection of winning combinations;
- Increased chances of winning.
Conclusion
Video poker is an exciting game in which, with the right approach, you have every chance of winning. Due to many types, you can always choose a game of a suitable format for yourself.
