Video Poker - The Basics

After Blackjack and Craps, video poker gives you some of the best odds in the casino if you play it right. It combines some of the fun of a slot machine with some of the fun of a table game, all without rushing you to play. This is why many professional gamblers use video poker as a means of relaxation in between the demands of blackjack or a table poker game.

For many years now, video poker has steadily increased in popularity in the casinos. While many video poker machines may look like slot machines, make no mistake about it - they are not! Unlike slot machines, video poker is a combination of luck AND skill.

The cards are dealt randomly, just as in a real poker game. The house's edge is determined by how much it pays for the various combinations of winning hands. Different machines have different payout schedules for the various poker hands, so be sure to choose a machine with a favorable payout schedule.

In order to play video poker with any chance at winning, you must know the basics about playing five card draw poker, which is beyond the scope of this article. We'll assume you know the basics of the game and how the various poker hands are ranked.

To play a video poker machine, you simply insert one or more coins (usually up to a maximum of five) and push the "deal" button. Five cards are dealt to you on the screen. You choose the ones you want to hold by pushing the "hold" button underneath each card.

You then push the "deal" button again and you will be dealt the number of cards you choose not to keep, to form your final, five card poker hand. If you end up with a winning combination, you are paid according to the payout schedule.

It's as simple as that! Many video poker machines have a payout schedule that is 97 or 98%. In another article, we'll explain the schedule with the best odds.

Until then, good luck!

Tom is the webmaster at http://www.blackjack-for-everyone.com, which is a website dedicated to turning beginning Blackjack players into serious recreational players.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Casino/Gambling Information:

Related Articles

The Secret of Making Odds Only Bets
Pssst..
College Football Betting - Point Spreads
But, in the college ranks, you see those types of spreads all the time. This is where betting college and pros differ and here are a few more options to think about when you are going to bet in the NCAA ranks.
Texas Holdem Tournament Strategy - Poker Tournament Betting Basics
Welcome to the third in my Texas Holdem Strategy Series, focusing on no limit Texas Holdem poker tournament play and associated strategies. In this article, we'll build upon the poker tournament strategy fundamentals from last time, with some important poker betting strategy basics.
The Secrets of Remembering True Odds
Pssst..
How to Manage Your Won Money at Gambling and Sports Betting from Busting It Up at Online Sportsbook
Have you heard stories about people hitting big jackpots, winning high staked all-in Texas Hold'Em poker or going on hot streaks in sports betting ???Of course you have.And what happened with most of these (short time to get large amount of money) people ???Simple answer -- they got a complex of being unbeatable and lost all the money they got in these short time and even went busting their entire bankroll in trying to get back on hot streak.
The Secrets of Laying the Four and Ten
Pssst..
Gaming Winners
Before you plan a trip to Las Vegas or Atlantic City or going on a cruise with legalized Gambling, certain things you must know of, and the most important one being How To Win. Gamble is all about taking a calculated risk, using your skills combined with a strategy and finally one thing that all of us want, Luck.
Roulette System: How you can win Roulette easily and automatically
In this article, we will discuss on "A personal interview with the FAST Roulette System's creator, Raymond Lai."Q: Hi Raymond, thanks for joining us in this interview.
No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker
Most online casinos offer three different types on Texas Hold'em Poker, namely No Limit Texas Holdem poker , Limit holdem Poker and Pot Limit holdem poker.The only differences in these three types of poker are the restrictions placed on betting.
Virtual Casino Online
What is a "virtual casino online"? This is a term used to describe a website using software that enables you to gamble with real money online, in real-time.The virtual casino online enables you to purchase tokens or credits via credit card, check, bank transfer or one many other internet payment methods, for example NETeller or Firepay.
5 Characteristics That Make A Profitable Lottery - For The Player
Over $120,000,000,000 are spent on lotteries each year in the US, Canada, UK and around the world. It's obviously a very profitable venture.
How to Play Video Poker Slot Machines
Video Poker is a game that requires some skill to play and bridges the gap between slot machines and table games for many players. It's still easy and fun to play, but you have the potential to maximize your gains by being able to put the odds in your favour, making it a more involving playing experience.
Gambling History of United States
Against the popular belief, gambling did not originate in the US. Most of the popular gambling games played in the American casinos have their origin in various foreign locales.
2005 World Series of Poker -- Mid Tournament Report
The 2005 World Series of Poker started its 36th year bigger and better than ever at the RIO! Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the mid point of the tournament series, Events #1 through #22 have been completed.
Las Vegas Dining and Drinks as Cheap as it Gets
Las Vegas, my favorite destination doesn't have to cost a fortune. I would consider myself a sharp spender, good with my money.
4 Tips to Improve Your Online Poker Game
Online Poker has increased in popularity exponentially over the past few years. More and more people are jumping into the poker game and some are making good money playing poker online.
The Fine Print Behind Online Gambling Bonus Offers
If you have never opened an account with an online casino, poker room, or sports book you may be wondering if the bonus offers are legitimate. We are all aware of the wisdom in the sayings, "If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is" or "There is no such thing as a free lunch".
Top 5 Things to Look for when Buying Quality Poker Table
When one is ready to buy a quality poker table that will last for years, there are some things to consider; like what size, what style, quality vs. price, purchasing chairs with the table, and of course where to buy your table.
How to Avoid the Common Slot Machine Playing Mistakes
Understanding how slots work is important in maximizing your gains and dispelling some common myths that have grown up around slots. Once you know how slot machines work you will avoid the common pitfalls made by uninformed players.
What Your Poker Table Says About Your Personality
Who does not have tables at home? Such a queer thing to ask. But in fact of all the tables in a home which one can give you the pleasure of enjoying as if you were in a casino.