What to Consider When Playing Video Poker

For one, it has one of the highest RTPs (Return to Player) in the total suite of casino games available. Secondly, unlike slots where you spin and hope for the best, video poker requires some thought and skill; thirdly, you can learn to be a reasonably competent player in a fairly short time; and fourthly – although luck is also involved in winning, sticking to a set of strategic guidelines can definitely help you beat the odds and keep you on a winning streak. Last but not least, video poker has almost as much excitement as playing poker with other people, but none of the stress of keeping other players waiting or holding your nerve while trying to bluff. 
SlotsandCasino online casino offers 14 video poker games to choose from -– 7 different types, each with two options from different game providers. All of these variations are based on the traditional 5-card draw poker, where you are dealt five cards from a standard 52-card pack,  and can hold or discard any number or all of these and draw others to make the best, highest-paying hand possible.

So where to start?
If you have already played poker ‘in real life’ you will probably know which hands have the most value in descending order. For complete rookies, the video poker game itself will prominently list these and their payout values, so that’s the easy part.
The most popular video poker game is Jacks or Better, and we suggest you initially stick with this classic. The others have multiple hands or ‘wild’ cards (these can be jokers or a designated card such as an ace) and for a novice these formats can muddy the waters, so to speak. If you want to win real money, it’s best to master this basic game first before venturing onto others.

Get a bit of strategy under your belt
It’s best that you do a bit of reading up first. Although there are varying strategies in video poker, they’re not too different from each other. Many websites feature video poker training sessions, plus ‘cheat sheets’ that guide you when deciding what to keep or discard in order to try and end up the best hand. For example, if you have a high pair, never discard one of them to try and make a straight or flush, unless you have a fighting chance at a royal flush ¬– the legendary highest hand that wins you a jackpot of 4000 coins if you’ve bet the maximum. Statistically, this is unlikely to happen, so listen to the experts. 

Play free versions first
Once you’re more familiar with the ins-and-outs and hold/discard strategies, try out your newfound knowledge on playing in free game mode. All SlotsandCasino online casino’s video poker games are available to play for free, so knock yourself out! But do pretend that you’re playing for real money and follow the guidelines you’ve learned. 

Are you ready to play for real?
Sure you are! A few things to remember:
1.    Play slowly, take your time. Firstly, this gives you the opportunity to consider each hand before you commit yourself. Refer to your cheat sheet you’ve downloaded and have handy. Also, playing at a slow pace gives you more playing time if you find yourself losing more than you win.
2.    Bet only as much as you are prepared to lose. While playing video poker has good chances for a win, the element of luck may not always be on your side. 
3.    Play only as long as you’re enjoying yourself. Gambling is meant to be fun and entertaining.
With that said, welcome to the wonderful world of online video poker at SlotsandCasino!