Learning how to play poker for the first time can be an intimidating process that might turn some members off. However, video poker remains a great bridge for American players because it is built with the functions of slot machines, allowing you to sit back and relax. This article follows the continued rise of video poker in the American digital age.
Understanding the Video Poker Basics
Video poker is a cross between mainstream poker and fast-playing slot machines. The main difference between a video poker and a real game of poker is that it is played by a single player who is competing against the machine, rather than live opponents. The basics of video poker follow Five-Card Draw Poker. These intangibles, learned through autoplay, carried over to prized poker games like Three-Card Draw and Texas Hold’em.
The Growing Number of Variants
Like most online casino games, there are various variations of video poker, many of which incorporate bonus features to enhance the original gameplay. Jacks or Better was the original video poker game to hit the market in the 1970s.
Due to its incredible popularity, new variants like Deuces Wild became available. This game plays almost identically, except it uses wild cards in place of all four deuces. That means, if a player receives a deuce, they can then replace that card with any other on the table to help improve their hand and boost their chance of taking home the pot.
Bonus Poker is another popular variation, this one with an emphasis on four-of-a-kind hands, many of which pay more handsomely. No matter which variation you choose, the odds on video poker are relatively favorable, with a decently high return to player rate. Bonus Poker is so popular that there are many variants, including Bonus Bonus Poker, at the top online casinos in the USA.
Aces and Eights
Aces and Eights is virtually identical to Jacks or Better, except for the larger payouts for Four of a Kind, which is more favorable on Aces and Eights. The bonus pay table is usually 400 coins for the winning hand, while the regular payout for Four of a Kind is only 125 coins.
Since the fundamental rules and play are the same as Jacks or Better, the payback percentage of Aces and Eights is slightly higher. There are different versions with different paytables, so check the payouts before playing for real. The best variation is 25/8 Aces and Eights, which has the highest expected return possible.
Joker’s Wild
Joker;s Wild has a joker, which is a wild card that takes the place of other cards and allows you to complete more winning combinations. As a result, it is easy to form good hands, which is why payouts for some card combinations are smaller. The lowest winning hand players usually can form is a pair of Kings, two pairs, or a pair of Aces, but it varies depending on the version and where you play.
Some Joker Wild variations have increased payouts for Five of a Kind. The exact payout varies from one variation to another, but it is usually either 500 or 1,000 coins. The game has three different versions – Kings or Better, Two Pairs or Better, and Aces or Better.
The RTP Is Among the Highest
In most cases, the RTP for video poker is over 96%, and in some cases, it tops 99%. Basically, for every $100 staked, you can stand to get back between $96 $99 over the long haul. Bear in mind that low volatility implies you can count on small wins should you play your cards correctly and be fortunate enough to land a winning hand, but the trade-off is that the bigger payouts won’t be seen all that often, if at all.
If you’re in the mood for some high-stakes action and you have a choice between poker and slots, then you’ll want the high volatility of slots for those highly elusive bonuses and jackpot wins. The difference between poker and slots goes beyond volatility, however, so ensure you do further research before you start playing. Today’s online video poker even features progressive jackpots to sweeten the excitement at elite iGaming sites like DraftKings and Golden Nugget.
Try to Keep Up
After a while, you’ll find ways to quicken your pace and get even more of a thrill out of the game. But it’s easy to jump in and out of a game, thanks to the portability of mobile gambling devices. It’s no surprise that this poker game is voted as the best online poker game and “go-to” game of choice for many expert players who just want to relax and play a bit.
Even with the ability to play so many hands up front, basic budget management still applies. Playing video poker online allows you to set up responsible gaming measures to help stay in control. AI tools can gauge your playing time in real time and help pick up on bad gaming habits.
