How to Play Video Poker online
One of the main draws of video poker is how engaging it can be. While the game has straightforward rules and moves at a good pace, it also calls for players to do more than just hit buttons and hope for the best. In Zimbabwe, players appreciate games that offer a blend of luck and strategy, and video poker fits the bill perfectly.
What does that mean? Simply put, you'll need to use your thinking cap to truly get the most out of video poker. It involves understanding the best odds you have after seeing your initial hand, and then deciding which cards to hold onto. It's this element of decision-making that keeps many Zimbabwean players coming back for more.
The truth is, video poker can be both fun and a good mental workout. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you enjoy every round of this game to the fullest, with plenty of fun and, who knows, maybe some decent winnings to take home to Zimbabwe.
Video Poker Rules: How to Play in Zimbabwe
The general rules of video poker are pretty easy to pick up. The way the game plays out might change a bit depending on the variation of video poker you choose. However, the core aspects stay the same. So, you won't have too much trouble switching between different versions you find at online casinos catering to players in Zimbabwe.
Unlike other poker games, this is a solo game. You're the only one getting cards. Instead of comparing your hand against other players or a dealer, the main goal is to build a winning combination that pays out according to the game's paytable. This player-vs-game setup is popular among casino enthusiasts in Zimbabwe.
Here's how it works:
- First, you need to select your bet amount. Players in Zimbabwe often choose bets that suit their budget, whether playing with RTGS dollars or other accepted currencies.
- Next, hit the 'DEAL' button to see your initial five cards.
- Take a good look at your cards, decide which ones to keep, and then click 'HOLD'.
- After that, click 'DRAW' to get new cards to replace the ones you discarded.
- If you end up with a winning hand according to the paytable, you'll automatically get your prize. Simple as that!
Some steps might differ slightly depending on the version you're playing. For instance, some games let you use an 'auto-hold' feature to automatically select cards to keep in your hand.
Regardless of the variation, remember that the cards are dealt randomly, much like in online slots. You can try to employ some strategies to win at video poker, but you can't predict which cards the game will give you. It's all about making the best of what you're dealt.
Understanding Poker Hands in Video Poker
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
FAQ
How to Play Video Poker?
To begin your Video Poker journey, first select a reputable and high-quality online casino that offers the game. Once you've made your choice, deposit funds into your account and pick a version of the game you'd like to play, such as the popular Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Next, start the game, decide on your bet amount, and click 'DEAL'. Review the initial five cards you receive, then choose which ones you wish to 'hold' and which to 'discard'. Finally, new cards will replace the discarded ones, and you'll see if you've formed a winning hand.
What are the Winning Hands in Video Poker?
The winning hands in Video Poker can differ slightly based on the specific game version you're playing. However, common winning combinations include a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, and Two Pairs. In the Jacks or Better variant, you can secure a win with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. For those playing Deuces Wild, the '2s' act as wild cards, significantly increasing your chances of forming powerful winning hands.
What are the Basic Rules of Video Poker?
Video Poker is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. Your first step is to select your desired bet amount, keeping in mind that potential winnings are directly proportional to the size of your wager. After receiving your initial five cards, you'll need to strategically choose which cards to keep (hold) in an effort to form the best possible winning hand. Once you've made your selection, new cards will be dealt to replace those you discarded. If your final hand forms a winning combination, you'll receive a payout according to the game's paytable.
