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Online Videopoker - Rules and strategy guide

Introduction to Online Videopoker game

The video poker machine has been without doubt one of the most popular gambling machines in existence throughout the years. Video poker is of course based on the original 5 card game of poker. The game of poker has been played in America since the early 1880s. The earliest record of the video poker machine were coin operated machines which used playing cards on drums and not a CGI powered poker game. These machines came into the scene in the late 1800s, which were manufactured by Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn.

These machines worked very much like the slot machines you see today; The player inserted a coin and pulled the handle, which spun five drums. The player would put all his faith in luck as the drums stopped. A winning hand in those days meant that the player would receive cigars or drinks. But in 1901, Charles Fey made the next big innovative alteration to the poker machine by adding a 'hold' and 'draw' feature to the already wildly popular machine. Fey’s addition to the poker machine allowed the role of skill come into play just as much as luck.

Online Videopoker Rules

Video poker is a game of skill as well as luck. Find the video poker strategy that works best for you, and you can make a lot of money. The video poker machines are programmed to pay-out up to 100% when players play at the expert level, the casinos can do this because the vast majority of players don't play anywhere near the expert play level required. Here are a few tips to bring your playing closer to an expert level and improve your chances of winning.

Play only machines that offer full payback that is they will, in theory, payback all of the monies played. If the machine payback is not posted then look at the chart on the machine and pick out one that pays the most for a full house and a flush. The greater the return then the higher that machine pays-out. For example on a jacks or better machine:

The payouts for every machine are attached to the machine. The maximum number of coins is also shown (normally five coins) It is a good idea to always play the maximum number of coins in order to be eligible for the bonus payout for a royal flush. Also make sure the machine has accepted all of your coins before playing in the event that you do get a big win you want to be absolutely sure the five coins were played.

Play progressive machines, they can pay large amounts for a royal flush and make the payout more in line with the difficulty of obtaining a royal flush (about once in every 40,000 hands). Play progressive machines that are showing about 80% of the payoff amount (example $2,000 on a machine that has a payoff of $2,500), and be sure to play the required number of coins to be eligible for the payoff.

Don't forget that in video poker you are playing a machine. The machine is programmed to only payoff when a player holds one of the posted hands. Don't hold a kicker card (a high value card to be used along with a pair) this works when playing against other players but the machine doesn't care and you have lost the opportunity to draw a better card.

Don't draw to an inside straight (where you have four cards and need one in the middle to fill a straight). On the other hand if you have an open-ended straight (you have four consecutive cards and only need one at either end to fill a straight) then take a shot at making the straight.

Always keep any pair vs. holding a high card. Many players would discard a pair of two's and keep one or more high cards, this is not the best strategy, try for three of a kind you have better odds.

Always keep a high pair vs. a four-card open straight, a four-card flush or a three-card royal. Try for three of a kind with the knowledge that at worst you have recovered your bet.

Always keep a low pair over a four-card open end straight. The low pair has more value than going for the straight and should be kept.

A three-card royal should be kept over a low pair, a four-card flush and a four card open end straight. The bonus for the royal flush makes it a better play.

Don't be afraid to draw five cards if you have garbage (one that doesn't have a least one high card).

There are different variations of Video Poker called Power Poker. What this means is that you are able to play more hands at once which can be from an extra 4 hands to a hundred. Each extra hand is played with a separate deck of cards which of course means that the chances of you hitting certain cards will be the same as just playing with one hand. Each Video Poker game of course will have a different paytable, that is why we have a list of all the extra winning combinations below for each different game (the amount of the prize varies depending on the coins bet):

Basic Playing Video Poker Strategy Summary:

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