How to Play Video Poker online

One of the prime draws of video poker is its dynamic nature. While the game boasts simple rules and moves at a swift pace, it requires players to do more than just press buttons and await the outcome.

What does that mean? Simply put, you'll need to engage your brain to truly savour what video poker offers. This involves understanding the best odds after seeing your initial cards and then deciding which ones to keep.

The reality is that video poker can be both entertaining and challenging. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you make the most of every round in Canada – for fun, and who knows, maybe some nice winnings in your pocket!

Video Poker Rules: How to Play in Canada

The general rules of video poker are quite straightforward. How the game plays out might differ slightly depending on the video poker variation you choose. However, the core mechanics remain consistent, so you shouldn't have much trouble switching between different versions.

Unlike other poker games, this is a solo affair. You're dealt cards directly, and instead of comparing your hand against other players or the dealer, your objective is to form a paying combination based on the game's paytable.

Here's how it works:

1. First, choose your bet amount.
2. Next, hit DEAL to reveal your initial five cards.
3. Assess your cards, decide which ones to keep, and click HOLD.
4. Then, click DRAW to get new cards for those you discarded.
5. If you form a valid hand, you'll be paid out automatically according to the paytable.

Some steps might differ based on the version you're playing. For instance, some games offer an auto-hold feature that automatically selects cards to keep.

Regardless, remember that cards are dealt randomly, much like with online slots. You can employ strategies to win at video poker, but you can't predict the exact cards the game will deal.

Video Poker Hands: What You Need to Know

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