How to Play Video Poker | OLG PlaySmart

All the excitement of traditional poker, played from the comfort of a personal video terminal. Like a slot machine, Video Poker offers instant gameplay, instant payouts and the option to pay by coin, bill or card. Where the two differ is in the element of skill that Video Poker brings to the virtual table.

Most casinos offer numerous types of Video Poker, each with their own particular set of rules and wager options. Generally speaking, the basic objective of Video Poker is to win bets by creating the best poker hand possible.

How Video Poker differs from traditional forms of poker

While Video Poker bases all gameplay on standard table poker, there are a number of differences players should keep in mind. A few of the notable differences are:

A player sees his reflection on a video terminal

Players play against themselves

While the house banks each game, in Video Poker a player’s only opponent is themselves. Think of it almost like a game of solitaire, based on poker, played for real money.

A double arrow points at a pay table and some cards.

The pay table rules

With no other players in the game, whether their final hand is high or low, all that counts is how it scores against the pay table.

No bluffing required

Since players aren’t playing against a dealer or other players, the element of bluffing—faking their way through a bad hand—is removed. The only way to win is through having the best hand.

HOW TO MAKE A HAND

Making a hand in Video Poker follows the same general rules as traditional table-based poker games. From game to game however, there may be scoring or hand ranking variations, e.g. Deuces Wild, in which twos are wild.

Five playing cards face up, showing 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of Diamonds. 10 stars are highlighted, showing that this hand ranks highest overall.

ROYAL FLUSH (ACE-HIGH STRAIGHT FLUSH)

The highest possible hand in many poker variants: A-K-Q-J-10 in the same suit.

Five playing cards face up, showing 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Clubs. Nine of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks second highest overall.

STRAIGHT FLUSH

Five cards of the same suit in sequence.

Four of 5 playing cards appear face up, showing the 3 of Clubs, 3 of Hearts, 3 of Spades, and 3 of Diamonds. Eight of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks third highest overall.

FOUR OF A KIND

Four cards of the same value.

Five playing cards appear face up, showing the Jack of Hearts and the Jack of Spades, followed by the 7 of Spades, the 7 of Diamonds and the 7 of clubs. Seven out of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks fourth highest overall.

FULL HOUSE

Three of a kind and one pair.

Five playing cards appear face up, showing the King, Jack, 10, 7 and 3 of Diamonds. Six out of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks fifth highest overall.

FLUSH

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.

Five playing cards appear face up, showing the 6 of Clubs, 7 of Diamonds, 8 of Hearts, 9 of Spades and 10 of Diamonds. Five out of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks fifth lowest overall.

STRAIGHT

Five cards in numerical order with mixed suits.

Three out of 5 playing cards appear face up, showing the 8 of Diamonds, 8 of Clubs and 8 of Hearts. Four out of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks fourth lowest overall.

THREE OF A KIND

Three cards of the same value.

Four out of 5 playing cards appear face up, showing the 3 of clubs and the 3 of hearts alongside the 7 of diamonds and the 7 of clubs. Three out of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks third lowest overall.

TWO PAIR

Two sets of pairs.

Two out of 5 playing cards appear face up, showing the King of Diamonds and the King of Spades. Two out of 10 stars are highlighted, showing this hand ranks second lowest overall.

ONE PAIR

Two cards of the same value.

Five playing cards appear face up, showing a red 3, a 5 of Spades, 10 of Diamonds, a Jack of Clubs and a King of Diamonds. One out of 10 stars is highlighted, showing this hand ranks lowest overall.

HIGH CARD

Highest card out of five non-sequential, unmatched cards.

HOW TO PLAY IN 4 EASY STEPS

1

Go in with a game plan. Video Poker is exciting to play, but with a rapid pace of play potential losses can add up quickly. Set a play budget and stick to it.
2

Pick a machine. Some players will compare pay tables from game to game by checking their menu screen before deciding on which version of Video Poker to play.
3

Set the wager and hit “Deal”. Players can choose the cards they want to hold and discard whatever’s left.
4

Draw! If a player’s hand qualifies for a payout, they’ll be paid according to the table.

Set a budget. Touchscreens and fast action can make it easy to get carried away with Video Poker. Go in with a game plan and stick to it.

2. PICK A MACHINE

With so many Video Poker games out there, you might want to compare them before loading your money. Check out their various themes, game dynamics and pay tables from the menu screen. Once you’ve found a game you like, go for it.

Once you’ve chosen your machine, buy some credits, set your wager and press “Deal”. Then just follow the easy-to-read on-screen instructions.

4. DRAW!

A Video Poker terminal is shown up close. There are four cards from four different suits shown on screen.

If your hand qualifies for a payout, you’ll be paid automatically according to the pay table. Your winnings might appear as credits on a play card, or get paid out in coins. Feel free to keep playing, or collect your money and move on.

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