Video Poker Rules

Video Poker Today > Video Poker Rules

Playing Video Poker is very easy and a lot of fun, if you know what you’re doing. The game is based on Five Card draw Poker and comes in a number of variations. The main difference of playing video poker compared to a live game of poker is that fact that you are not competing against other players, in this game it’s only you and the computer. The similarities come in the way of the outcomes (and rankings) of the hands that will determine whether or not you win or lose.

Like in five card draw you, the player, are dealt five cards. You now have the option of keeping (holding) as many of these cards as you like and discarding as many as you like. Once you have chosen the cards to discard (usually done by clicking on the cards or on the “hold” button beneath the cards that you would like to keep), the computer will automatically replace the discarded cards with new ones in their place, making another five card hand. It is this hand that determines whether you win or not. If you have a combination that matches one on the pay table (usually basic poker hands) then you’ll win the according pay out. The following is an outline of the different poker hands you may win with depending on the type of video poker game you are playing.

It is a good idea to memorize these hands (or print out a copy) to take with you while you are playing. These hands are listed form highest ranked hand to the lowest ranked hands.

Royal Flush. This is the best poker hand possible. This hand consists of exactly a Ten, Jack, Queen, King and An Ace, where all MUST be of the same suit. For example, 10d, Jd, Qd, Kd and Ad.

Straight Flush. This hand consists of five cards in numerical sequence and of the same suit. For example, 4h, 5h, 6h, 7h and 8h.

Four of a Kind. A hand that consists of 4 cards of the same rank and one other. For example, 10d, 10h, 10s, 10c and 4h.

Full House. A hand consisting of 3 cards of the same rank along with cards of another rank. For example, 8h, 8s, 8c, Qc and Qd.

Flush. A hand consisting of 5 cards which are all of the same suit. For example, 3s, 7s, 10s, Js and As.

Straight. A hand consisting of five cards in numerical sequence (suit doesn’t play a role). For example, 7c, 8c, 9s, 10h and Jd.

Three of a Kind. A hand consisting of 3 cards of the same rank and any two others. For example, 9d, 9h, 9c, Qs and Kd.

Two Pair. A hand consisting of two groups of pairs and one other card. For example, 4c, 4d, 8s, 8c and Ad.

Pair. A hand that consists of only two cards of the same rank and any three others. For

High Card. This is a hand that does not contain any pairs or higher, any straights and no flush. In this card the value of the hand is based on the highest card in the hand. So if both or all players in the showdown are not holding a straight, flush or pair (or more) than the player with the highest card wins. If two or more players have the same ranked high card then it’s the second highest card and so on that determines the winner.

So the higher ranked hand you complete the more you win. Also remember that in Video Poker, like slot machines, the amount you win will vary depending on how many coins (amount of money) you are playing per hand. These totals will be outlined for you on the games pay table and it is important for you to read over this table in order to fully understand what you are getting into.

As mentioned the video poker machine can be great fun and offer hours of enjoyment and the best part is, is that unlike a conventional poker game, if you make a hand, you are guaranteed to win. Even if you are holding a full house, in a poker game, there is no guarantee that you will win the hand. And if you don’t have a good poker face, no need to worry, there are no competitors watching your every move, you can sit back and relax. So as you can see, video poker is a lot less stressful which adds to the enjoyment.