How to Play Video Poker online

One of the main advantages of video poker is its dynamic gameplay. While the game has straightforward rules and moves at a brisk pace, it also requires more from the player than simply pressing buttons and waiting for the outcome. Instead, it demands your strategic input.

What does this mean? Simply put, you'll need to use your wits to truly get the most out of what video poker offers. It involves understanding the best odds you have after the initial deal, and then deciding which cards to hold onto.

The reality is that video poker can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you enjoy every round to the fullest in Pakistan – with plenty of fun and, who knows, maybe some handsome winnings to take home.

Video Poker Rules: How to Play in Pakistan

The general rules of video poker are quite easy to grasp. The gameplay might differ slightly depending on the variation of video poker you choose. However, the core mechanics remain consistent. So, you won't face much difficulty transitioning between different versions.

Unlike other poker games, this is a single-player experience. You're the only one receiving cards. Instead of comparing your hand against other players or a casino dealer, the objective is to form a winning combination that pays out according to the game's paytable.

Here's the general flow:

1. First, you need to select your bet amount. Keep in mind the currency will be in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) at most online casinos available to players in Pakistan.
2. Next, click on "DEAL" to reveal your initial five cards.
3. Analyze your cards and decide which ones to hold onto, then click "HOLD".
4. After that, click "DRAW" to get new cards in place of the ones you discarded.
5. If your final hand forms a valid combination, you'll automatically receive a payout based on the paytable.

Some steps might vary depending on the specific video poker version you're playing. For instance, some games offer an 'auto-hold' feature that automatically selects cards to keep.

In any case, remember that cards are dealt randomly, much like in online slot machines. While you can employ strategies to win at video poker, you can't predict the exact cards the game will draw for you. It's a game of chance combined with smart decision-making.

Understanding Hands in Video Poker

Those who have played other versions of poker will quickly recognize the possible card combinations in video poker. After all, they include the most popular — and desirable — options, such as Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.

Depending on the variation you are playing, some combinations will be possible and others will not. Therefore, it is important to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start.

The payouts for each combination obtained are calculated according to the odds of getting them. In other words, the harder it is to get a winning hand, the higher the prize you will receive. The paytable may vary slightly in each game, but generally follows a similar structure.

Below, we list the most common hand rankings and payouts in the main variations of video poker.

Jacks or Better

In this version of video poker, the main feature is the possibility of winning with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, when you get a Jacks or Better combination, the payout is equal to the amount of the bet you placed.

• Royal Flush: 1 to 250
• Straight Flush: 1 to 50
• Four of a Kind: 1 to 25
• Full House: 1 to 9
• Flush: 1 to 6
• Straight: 1 to 4
• Three of a Kind: 1 to 3
• Two Pairs: 1 to 2
• Jacks or Better: 1 to 1

Deuces Wild

In this other version of video poker, the main feature is the presence of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for other cards.

Naturally, this changes the entire payout structure. At the same time, it requires a bit more attention when choosing which cards to keep in your hand or discard.

• Natural Royal Flush: 1 to 800
• Four Deuces: 1 to 200
• Wild Royal Flush: 1 to 25
• Five of a Kind: 1 to 15
• Straight Flush: 1 to 10
• Four of a Kind: 1 to 4
• Full House: 1 to 4
• Flush: 1 to 3
• Straight: 1 to 2
• Three of a Kind: 1 to 1