When some bright spark had the idea of combining the exciting game of poker with the convenience and attraction of the slot machine concept, we doubt that even they were able to foresee just how successful Video Poker would become. The game has been around for a few decades now, but it’s more popular than ever, and all online casinos have at least a handful of different Video Poker games to play. In fact, many casinos have dozens of them.
Playing Video Poker is very simple. Decide of your stake for the hand and press the DEAL button. The player is dealt five cards and must then decide which cards he wants to keep and which cards he wants to exchange. He then presses DEAL again and any cards marked for exchange are swapped for new cards. The five card hand is then assessed and if it qualifies for a prize this is paid out automatically.
In the main, winning Video Poker hands are as follows (from best to worst):
Royal Flush
A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit
Straight Flush
Five consecutively ranked cards of the same suit. For example, 2-3-4-5-6 of hearts.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same ranks. For example, K-K-K-K-3.
Full House
Three cards of the same rank and a pair. For example, 8-8-8-J-J.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit, but not consecutively ranked.
Straight
Five consecutively ranked cards, but not of the same suit.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank. For example, 8-8-8-J-4.
Two Pair
Two pairs of cards of the same rank. For example, 8-8-J-J-4.