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Video Poker -
Introduction
Video Poker now comes in many
shapes and sizes and like slots, they all have one thing in common, a
random number generator to decide which items on the reels are going to be
selected.
There are a
number of things to remember in relation to video poker machines and that
is that the odds tend to be some of the worst in the casino, especially
when compared to table games!
Online Casinos are little different from their land based cousins when it
comes to the variety style and available options. Whether you are
playing online or in a casino there are some basic strategies to adopt.
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The Odds
All Video
Poker machines are not created equal, be they in a land based casino or
online. Always look for video poker machines that offer the lowest house
advantage.
How can you
tell? As a rule of thumb you need to review the payouts, based on a single
coin being played for a Full House and a Flush.
For example, if a Jacks or Better machine will pay 9 coins for a Full
House and 6 coins for a Flush, this is referred to as a 9/6 machine -
these are the best machines to play as the house advantage is as low as
Blackjack at 0.5%.
Other
machines that you will find include: -
6/5
machines - 5.0% house advantage
8/5 machines - 2.7% house advantage
to take advantage of the lower odds of the 9/6 machine always play the
maximum number of coins.
Basic
Principles
While there
are no real rules in relation to playing video poker machines you need to
understand the winning combinations.
Let us review the winning combinations and the general payout for a Jacks
or Better game. This can vary by casino so remember to check first before
you play.
|
Hand |
Description |
Payout |
| Pair |
Two
cards with the same value - for example, the five of clubs and the
five of hearts. Single pairs do not qualify for payouts, except in
Tens or Better, Jacks or Better, and Double Down. |
1 coin |
| Two
Pairs |
Two sets
of cards with the same value - for example, a pair of sixes and a
pair of sevens. The value of the remaining cards does not matter. |
2 coins |
| Three of
a Kind |
Three
cards with the same value - for example, three queens. The value of
the remaining two cards does not matter. |
3 coins |
| Straight |
All five
cards form a consecutive sequence from more than one suit - for
example, having a three, a four, a five, a six, and a seven. |
4 coins |
| Flush |
All five
cards are of the same suit - for example, ace, three, five, nine,
and queen of spades. Sequence is irrelevant with an ordinary flush. |
6 coins |
| Full
House |
Three
identical cards and a pair - for example, three queens and two
threes. The value of the three identical cards and the pair of
identical cards does not matter. |
9 coins |
| Four of
a Kind |
Four
cards with the same value - for example, having four aces. The value
of the remaining card is irrelevant. |
25 coins |
| Straight
Flush |
All five
cards are of the same suit and form a consecutive sequence - for
example, a five, a six, a seven, an eight, and a nine of hearts. |
50 coins |
| Royal
Flush |
A ten,
jack, queen, king, and an ace of the same suit. |
800 coins or Progressive |
Above all
choose a casino that offers good returns and choose a video poker machine
with which you feel comfortable.
Progressive v Flat Top Jackpots
Online
Casinos like their land based cousins offer Progressive Jackpots.
As with land based casinos progressive jackpots are the result of a number
of casinos being connected to provide maximum opportunity for slots
players to reap high rewards. This is also true in the online world
with the casinos that are connected sharing the same casino games
developer.
Make sure
when playing a Progressive Jackpot machine that the payouts for other
winning combinations are not significantly lower than their flat top
counterparts.
Also ensure that the amount of the jackpot is of a sufficient size to
justify the additional odds.
Remember to win the Progressive Jackpot you MUST bet the maximum number of
coins.
Review our basic Strategies to help you win at Video Poker.
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