Rules and Strategy
If you’re even slightly interested in video poker, then you’ve undoubtedly noticed the wide range of fantastic online casinos offering a huge range of video poker variations. However, just because you are aware that the Internet is a virtual hotbed of card action does not necessarily mean that you have made the plunge into playing poker on your computer. The truth is, some members of the global society of video poker lovers who enjoy it in a casino environment have yet to expose themselves to the game, as it’s available in cyberspace. While this in understandable in the case of individuals who do not have easy access to a computer, the issue becomes more perplexing in relation to “wired” individuals who are still sitting on the fence. The first thing to know is that you will never be obligated to play for real money. Almost all of the most reputable casinos online offer a wealth of online video poker games in both the free and cash-based variety. Furthermore, the layout of the game on your computer screen will be essentially identical to what you’ve come to expect when playing video poker in a brick-and-mortar gaming institution. As with that format, at the start of a typical online video poker game you will be dealt a hand of cards and must decide which (if any) you want to discard. Simple clicking the mouse over a highlighted card will perform this function, and then the computer will promptly replace your discards. The flow of game play proceeds as expected from that point, with the strength of your hand tested against that of the software’s cards.
The classic video poker game, Jacks or Better, is among the most popular variants found in cyberspace. Many web sites offering this game come with the option of progressive jackpots that pay out according to scale, usually the jackpot itself is based on hitting a Royal Flush. Another widespread video poker variant you are certain to come across in online casinos is Deuces Wild. This alternate pays out all poker hands that are higher than a three-of-a-kind. Neither pairs, nor two pairs are paid out, since all deuces are in fact wild. At most online casinos, the software automatically assigns the best possible value to a deuce when one appears in your hand. Jokers Wild is yet another very common online video poker game. You will usually have the choice between playing the Kings or Better version (paying out for no hand lesser than a pair of kings) or the One Pair version (pays out for all pairs.) Since there is only one wild joker included in the single 52-card deck used for this variation, certain hands are much harder to draw. As a general rule, the more difficult the hand, the higher the payout. With so many options available and a general format that closely adheres to video poker as it is played in a “live” setting, there’s really no reason for you not to start enjoying video poker online.
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