Video Poker Rules – How to Play Video Poker

The rules of video poker are not very complicated and video poker hand ranks are the essence of video poker rules. Like any new game, a player has to learn the rules before he or she begins to play. Luckily, the rules of video poker are quite easy compared with many other online casino games. If a player has ever played slots before and has a basic understanding of poker, then things will go even smoother.

Card ranks

The first thing players need to understand is how the cards rank in video poker. Players will notice that the card ranks are just like most other card games, ranked from highest to lowest.

Ace, King, Queen, Jack, Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, Ace (again). The reason that the Ace is ranked both highest and lowest is because a winning combination can go “Ace, Two, Three, Four, Five” or “Te, Jack, Queen, King, Ace.”

Hand Ranks

There are many versions of video poker, but all fall within certain parameters. Although the payouts may vary, there is a basic rule of thumb that can be followed.

Hands are judged only after a player has been dealt the replacement cards. This means that the five cards sitting in front of a player need to add up to one of the following hands in order to win.

The following table works on the assumption that a max bet has been placed.

• Royal Flush = 2000 points. This is a straight flush, with the Ace high. In essence, Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace, all of the same suit.
• Straight Flush = 250 points. This is a straight flush and can happen when five cards are consecutive and are also in the same suit. Eg:  Three of Clubs, Four of Clubs, Five of Clubs, Six of Clubs and Seven of Clubs.
• Four of a Kind = 125 points. This is four cards of the same value.
• Full House = 40 points. This is a three of a kind and a pair at the same time, making up the 5 cards.
• Flush = 25 points. This means all cards in the hand are the same suit.
• Straight = 20 points. This happens when all five cards are consecutive. Eg: Three of Clubs, Four of Spades, Five of Clubs, Six of Diamonds, and Seven of Hearts.
• Three of a Kind = 15 points. This is three cards of the same value.
• Two Pair = 10 points. This is any two pairs of cards.
• Pair = 5 points. This means that two cards in your hand are the same value. In most video poker games, they have to be Jacks or better.

Bet wisely

Considering that each bet costs 5 “points” or credits, it is advisable to bet a minimum of one credit if one’s bankroll is not substantial enough to risk max bets the whole time. This, however, will discount the player from winning the progressive jackpot.