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Video Poker History and General Info
This game first became commercially profitable when technology allowed the combination of a TV-similar monitor with a central processing unit. The first models were very primitive by today's standards, and they appeared around the same time that personal computers appeared in the commercial market.
Video Poker is based on the poker game Five-Card Draw, although in today's casinos, and especially in online casinos, there are many new variations with the number constantly increasing.
At first the game was popular with players who preferred playing alone rather than at poker tables with practiced and experienced players. There is no bluffing and no raising. The player is betting against the computer and he either loses his bet or wins a payout.
How to Play Video Poker
Playing Video Poker is relatively simple. Here are some pointers on how to play video poker. The player places his bet, clicks or presses on the "Deal" button and is given (shown) five cards. He then chooses which cards he wants to exchange, if any, by pushing the appropriate button. Those cards that do not display a "Hold" on them will be removed and replaced by the "dealer" with new cards. The machine will then evaluate the hand and will pay out winnings if the hand matches any of the winning hands posted in the "pay schedule". In standard Video Poker games payouts will only begin with a pair of jacks.
Today there are many intriguing variations to the simple game described above. For example: there is the "Deuces Wild" video poker game where all the "twos" are wild and can be substituted for any card in the deck in order to better the player's hand. Then there is the "Double Bonus" variation which gives a bonus payout for a hand with four aces. There is also a "Double Double Bonus" game where there are bonus payouts for different "fours of a kind" - not just aces.
Online Video Poker
The popularity of Video Poker really boomed when the game became available at online casinos. Advanced computer technology available for online gambling allowed for the introduction of some really wild and exciting games. They are very imaginative. To name a few: All Aces, Aces and Faces, All American, Double Joker, and many more.
Some online casinos also offer Video Poker features such as "analyzers" and "autoplayers". The Analyzer feature is a chart which shows the player his odds for winning any specific hand. The Analyzer also gives playing hints to the gambler - very helpful!
The Autoplay feature allows the player to choose some basic settings after which the computer will play the hands according to mathematical probability charts. This takes the control and decision making out of the player's hands and is probably not as much fun for the player.
Some Video Poker Tips
Today's Video Poker machines are multiple coin machines, usually between 3 to 5 coins. It is always a good idea to play the maximum number of coins. Bonuses are only paid out on maximum coin plays. If that proves too expensive, then look for a machine with a lower coin value.
Online casinos also offer Flash Video Poker which is the same as the standard downloadable video poker. The flash technology allows the player to go straight into the game from his internet connection without downloading any game program. The flash games are also brighter and jazzier with more pop ups and more exciting graphics.
Whichever type or variation of Video Poker you choose to play, you are sure to enjoy the game and find excitement in getting those payouts.
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