The Most Popular Variations of Video Poker Online

Video poker is a popular casino game in Canada that combines the strategy of poker with the thrill of slot machines. It gives players a chance to boost their winning potential by analyzing cards after the initial deal, making the game even more exciting.

There are many different video poker variations, each with its own rules and payout structures. Next, we'll dive into the best video poker games to play in Canada and explore what makes each one unique.

Exploring Key Video Poker Variations in Canada

If you enjoy poker, you're likely familiar with games like Texas Hold'em or Omaha. However, these aren't video poker games. Video poker isn't about comparing your hand against the dealer or other players.

In video poker, your sole objective is to achieve a valid winning combination. If you succeed, you'll be paid according to the payout table. If not, your bet is lost. These online video poker rules are generally consistent with those found on a traditional video poker machine.

Still, the accepted hands and payouts will differ based on the video poker variation you're playing. Let's look at the main options next and how to play video poker in each case.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is one of the most popular video poker variations you can find at Canadian online casinos. The objective of the game is to form a hand containing at least a pair of Jacks or better – like a pair of Queens, Kings, or Aces.

Jacks or Better video poker game has a high payout percentage and a relatively low house edge. In other words, you have a decent chance of doing well when playing video poker Jacks or Better. That’s the main reason for it becoming such a popular choice for both novice and experienced players.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is a video poker game where all the twos (known as Deuces here) in the deck act as wild cards. It means that they can be used to substitute any other card in the deck to create a winning hand.

This variation has a very good payout percentage. On the other hand, it can be more challenging to play than other video poker variations. The high number of wild cards can make it a bit hard for players to understand what to hold after the initial draw.

Joker Poker

Joker Poker is a variation of video poker that uses a deck of 53 cards, instead of just 52. It happens because a Joker is added to the standard deck. The Joker acts as a wild card, and players must get a hand that contains at least a pair of Kings or Aces to win.

This game has a decent payout percentage, as it combines elements from Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. It can be easier to use the wild card in this case, as it will only appear once. Also, as only two pairs are accepted, you won’t have such a hard time figuring out what to do.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is very similar to Jacks or Better. But players must have a hand containing at least a pair of Tens or better to win. As combinations are more frequent in this case, the payouts are slightly lower than in other versions.

Still, the game has a decent percentage and a relatively low house edge. In general, players will get a winning hand more easily than in other variations, including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild video poker. It is adequate for anyone looking for something easy to understand.

Aces and Faces

Aces and Faces is a video poker game with a high payout for 4 of a kind combinations of Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks. Depending on the game you play, it can also have a decent payout for 4 of a kind combinations of lower cards.

The Aces game has a good percentage. But it can be more challenging to play than other video poker variations if you focus on the special combinations.

What are the best Video Poker games to play?

The best video poker games to play will depend on your preferences and playing style. Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are popular choices for novice players due to the friendly gameplay they offer. Among them, Jacks or Better is the preferred one due to its high payout percentage and low house edge.

Joker Poker and Aces and Faces are better suited for experienced players who are looking for more challenging gameplay. They won’t have a Return to Player (RTP) as high as the one Jacks or Better offers. Still, it can be more fun to play.