What Is Video Poker: Tips For Beginners

If you enjoy the thrill and high stakes of poker, then you’re going to love video poker.

A fixture of casinos and airports in Las Vegas, video poker is a fun and easy way to enjoy games of chance. It’s easy to learn, fast-paced, and you can enjoy it without competing with other players.

Unlike classic poker, video poker is a single-player game that challenges you to test your skills against a computer. That way, you can enjoy a game of poker without having to worry about keeping up your poker face.

But before you jump in, let’s take a look at the rules of video poker:

Video Poker Rules

• Video poker is typically played with the basic 52-card deck for non-Joker Wild games.
• Players put down a wager and are dealt five random cards from the deck.
• Like in classic poker, the player has to choose which cards to throw down or keep.
• Discarded cards will be replaced with new cards from the dealer.
• After that, players will be paid according to the value of their hand.

That’s it; video poker is just that simple. Besides that, it has one of the highest return to player (RTP) rates, which is why there are folks who can make a living by playing video poker professionally.

Tips For Playing Video Poker

Like any game of poker, there is an element of strategy to playing it. Get it right, and you’ll be surprised by how much you can earn.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some expert tips that will help you win big at video poker:

1. Go for the largest pay tables

When you start playing video poker, the machine’s paytable is the first thing you want to keep an eye on.

But what exactly is a paytable?

It’s a list that outlines the payouts for every coin and hand combination of said machine. You can find pay tables at the back of or on the screen of a video poker machine.

And here’s where it gets interesting:

Professional video poker players always recommend that you only play on a machine with a high payout rate, preferably more than 97%.

Why? Well, contrary to popular belief, it is illegal for casinos to attempt to change the odds on a video poker machine, which means that a higher payout rate equals better odds for the player.

So if you’re serious about making money with video poker, always check out a machine’s paytable before you get down to playing.

2. Learn the rules of poker

While it’s easy to learn how to play video poker, you should always take the time to study the game’s rules.

Besides reading articles online on how to play video poker, you can also play the mobile version of video poker without using real money. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing money while you practice your skills.

Being well-versed with video poker rules will also help you make better decisions every time you’re dealt a hand.

Remember: every mistake you make will likely cost you money, which is why it’s essential first to understand the basics of playing video poker before you get started.

3. Have a stop-loss strategy in place

Games of chance are most definitely a fun way to earn some extra money on the side, but there’s also an ugly side to it, namely greed.

In the heat of the moment, punters can sometimes get carried away by greed, which often leads them to make foolhardy decisions.

Maybe you’ve been hit with a string of losses, and you’re looking to get back some of your money, but instead, you end up digging an even deeper hole for yourself. And you end up losing more than you’re prepared to.

This underscores the importance of having a stop-loss strategy, i.e., a point where you stop playing once your losses reach a certain level.

4. Know when it’s time to take a break

Frequently, many players don’t realize just how tedious video poker can be. Video poker is a solitary game with minimal contact and playing hand after hand can get boring after a while.

Studies have shown that long periods of boredom can be detrimental to your mental health, which will undoubtedly affect your playing ability.

Rather than trying to power through your session, consider taking 5-minute breaks after 1 hour. Go for a walk, get a drink, or just decompress; the key here is to clear your mind and give it time to recover.

You’ll be surprised by how much sharper your mind becomes when you pace yourself.

Closing Thoughts

Video poker is a fun way to get into the world of gaming. Just remember to gamble responsibly and never go beyond your limit.

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