Everything You Need to Know About Online Video Poker and the Perfect Strategy

The variety of casino games comes in abundance, yet one form that has been popular for decades is online video poker. First created back in 1994, online video poker was one of the first casino games available to play online. Although technology has changed and we’re all able to play in various new ways, the end goal has always stayed the same. This timeless game is about luck, strategy, and skill, where the player can choose the timing in which to make moves. We all know slot machines boast glorious colors and exciting ideas of gameplay, and blackjack and roulette bring thrill and drama — but video poker has something for everyone.
 
If you haven’t played before, or are looking to brush up on your skills, we’re giving you all you need to know about the fun-fuelled world that is online video poker. From the nuances to the strategies, grab your virtual deck, and let’s get playing.

What is video poker?

Video poker is a casino game that is played on the same lines as a five-card draw. When you turn it into an online version, you get a far quicker playback rate, along with a more versatile type of gameplay. The digital version of the game, which has evolved into a phenomenon in today's world, allows players to play from the comfort of their couch. You can compete in rounds in a matter of minutes and grab the win or loss in seconds.

Authentic video poker is played on a slot machine screen, but it has recently moved over to both your computer and your phone. Differentiating from a physical screen where you insert your coins to play, online video poker means you link up your virtual wallet and press a button in seconds to get going. There are thousands of online video poker providers that you can win big on, but it’s super important to make sure that you choose a legitimate source where your virtual funds are safe. Luckily, with online casinos growing alongside technology, you’re safeguarded against any potential threats due to the encryption that’s now used online. So, your funds will be safe with online video poker, and all you need to do is hone in on your strategy and get ready for some exciting gameplay.

A tried and tested strategy to win at online video poker

1. Learn about pay tables

Beyond just learning the regular rules of online poker (and picking up on interesting gossip and events in this world), you need to pick up some extended strategies to make sure you grasp a win. When it comes to strategy, you should start with pay tables — as they are the most important factor, just like with online slots. Pay tables are the answer to calculating the value of each hand you hold, meaning a brilliant strategy surrounding this can be a big part of your overarching success.

Think of it as a blueprint for your game, as they decide what cards you should be keeping, and which you should be discarding. If you’re a beginner then you need to have a true understanding of each hand value and the payout you can get from each card — and then you’re on the way to understanding the ins and outs of the game.

The pay tables differ from physical to virtual, so keep an eye out for the best payout tables, as they’re the key to unlocking a higher return rate. While researching, take a look at the payouts for flush, full house, or straight — and find a game with the biggest return for these. We recommend a 9/6 video poker, as this translates to a six-time payout for a flush and a 9 times payout for a full house. This, in our opinion, is the best you can get, so stay on the lookout for these statistics.

2. Poker hand ranking

Just like with traditional poker, video poker is all about learning the strongest hand that you should be gravitating toward. The hands are based on their value, and Royal Flush is always the most favored.

Although you should be looking for strong hands in your poker strategy, you should always ensure that you make your decisions smartly. This includes striving for a winning combination, but also paying attention to whether you can attain it with your remaining cards. There’s a fine balance between searching for a high-value hand or grabbing the small wins — which are far more achievable.

Here’s the rundown for the hands you should be aiming for:

Royal Flush
Straight Flush
Four of a Kind
Full House
Flush
Straight
Three-of-a-Kind
Two Pairs
Jack Pairs

These are ranked from highest to lowest — but whichever one of these hands you get, you’ll be in with a chance of a win.

3. Practice

We know you’re here to learn strategies (and there are some great resources out there), but the best strategy we can give you is to practice, proactively. The more gameplay you get under your belt, the more experienced you will be when you come into the game.

To practice, you should participate in free games, to ensure you don’t fall short on your own funds. This way, you can get clued up on all the hand returns, while learning about which strategies you should use on the professional tables.