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Online Video Poker Rules

Jennifer | August 18, 2021 | Updated on: January 10th, 2024

Video Poker Rules Guide

If you would like to know more about video poker rules and how to play then you’ve come to the right place. Video poker is one of the most popular casino games out there and is often compared to slot machines because both are played on similar-looking machines. But, they are not to be confused because they are two separate games.

Video poker is a game that can be enjoyed by players of different skill sets. Seasoned players who are already familiar with the different video poker rules will already have it all under control. But if you are a first-time player you don’t have to worry either because video poker rules are fairly easy to remember.

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Video Poker Rules Guide

Online Video Poker

Video poker games are very accessible as most land-based and online casinos have them available. Many players feel that it’s easier, less risky, and less stressful to insert coins into a machine and compete with yourself compared to placing risky wagers at a poker table where you compete with other, often highly skilled players.

You still get to experience a similar thrill when you play video poker and the odds of winning here are almost just as great as on slot machines. Some video poker machines even have a jackpot on offer which makes it a really good choice for players hoping to win big.

Video Poker Rules

Objective Of the Game

Before we get into the different video poker rules, we’d like to touch on the objective of the game first. The aim of the game is quite simple – you want to build the best possible hand with the cards that you will be dealt. Video poker has different hands rankings and your goal should be to achieve the highest ranked hand. The games use a similar hand ranking chart to traditional poker, so if you are familiar with that game then you should know what kind of cards to hope for.

Video Poker Rules

There are various online video poker variants and some might have additional rules and payouts. For instance, some video poker games include joker cards while others don’t. Because differences do exist it’s useful to familiarise yourself with the different video poker rules for each variant first.

In addition to knowing the video poker rules, you should also opt to use a strategy where you can. This will not guarantee a sure win, but it will certainly help you better your chances of winning.

Most video poker games are based on the standard five-card draw game and use the traditional poker chart. But, as we’ve mentioned above, there may be some slight differences and that’s what we’ll get into next.

Video Poker Rules for Jacks or Better

Jacks or better is perhaps the most common version of the game and is based on 5 card draw poker. This version uses a single deck of cards wherein each player is given a total of 5 cards. To receive the minimum payout in the game you must achieve jacks or better. The highest paying hand is a royal flush.

Video Poker Rules for Tens or Better

Tens or better is another variation of video poker that’s very closely related to tens or better. The game is played in more or less the same way. The only notable difference is the lowest winning hand. In tens or better, the lowest paying hand is a pair of tens. Therefore, to win, you must achieve a tens or better.

Online Video Poker Rules

Rules In Aces and Eights

The rules about the different variations are literally in the name. Like tens or better, aces and eights also closely follow the gameplay of jacks or better. The difference here is that to win you must collect four-of-a-kind cards that are made up of either aces or eights. Aces and eights is also played with a single deck of cards. The payouts in this version of the game do however differ from jacks or better. In aces and eights, you stand to win up to 400 coins when you bet max whereas in jacks or better you only win 125 coins when you bet max.

Deuces Wild Video Poker Rules

While jacks or better is the most commonly found version, deuces wild is certainly one of the most popular versions. Its popularity might have something to do with the fact that the payouts are significantly higher with this version compared to other versions. The main difference in playing deuces wild is that all number 2 cards (deuces) act as wild cards, hence the name deuces wilds. This means that should you have a hand that consists of one 2 and a pair of 5s, the number 2 card can act as a number 5 to form a three-of-a-kind hand. The same will apply for any other pair and a 2. The paytable for this game begins with 3s though, so a pair of jacks paired with a number 2 won’t be considered a winning hand.

Play Video Poker Online

Now that you know video poker rules, you should be more confident to play the game for real money. Visit any of the casinos that we list in our table above to start playing. Each of our casinos offers welcome bonuses for first-time players, as well as other promotions for existing players. Sign up today.