Poker is one of the world's most well-known and popular casino games. It's played by millions of people across the globe and has spawned countless different versions and spin-offs.
Video poker is a term you will likely have come across before, but few people understand what it actually is. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a live-streamed version of poker played by a group of remote players, but something else entirely. We're here to introduce you to the exciting world of video poker and have put together a guide with everything you need to know. Check it out below.
What is Video Poker?
The best way to think about video poker is to imagine it as a mixture of poker and a slot machine. This might sound a little strange at first because after all, what do poker and slot machines have in common with one another?
In fact, the two work together perfectly, using elements from each format to create a new game that players around the world have enjoyed for decades. Video poker machines are similar to five-card draw poker, the player is dealt five cards, after which they can choose to stand or to replace some or all of their cards with new ones from the deck.
However, rather than playing with a group of other players, video poker is played solo on a machine much like a slot machine, where the player pits their skills against the computer, rather than against other people.
This is a key difference and means that video poker and poker are very different games. Where they are similar is in the hands players attempt to make with their cards. We'll get into that later, first let's take a look at the history of video poker.
The History of Video Poker
The evolution of the gambling industry is a topic of much study and discussion. The sector has come a long way in a relatively short space of time, from the one-armed bandit of yesteryear to the feature-packed digital platforms and betting sites with stunning offers that can be found today.
The precursor to video poker was a mechanical poker machine invented by the New York-based Sittmann and Pitt Company in 1891. This used a series of reels that were spun with a level to form poker hands.
Subsequent versions called the Card Bell machine and the Skill Draw machine were invented in 1898 and 1901 respectively, each improving on the features seen in previous versions of mechanical poker machines.
The first video poker machine was released in 1970 by Dale Electronics, and this would trigger a craze of video poker that spread throughout casinos across the world.
The development of video poker is unrelated to the history of traditional poker, but the two do share some similarities, and there are certain aspects of traditional poker that you need to know before you can play video poker. Find out more below.
How to Play Video Poker
If you want to learn how to play video poker, the first thing you need to learn is poker hands. A poker hand is made up of five cards, with hands ranked from least valuable to most valuable.
The lowest-value poker hand is a pair, which is when the player has two cards of the same value. Next is two pairs, followed by three of a kind, which is when a player has three cards of the same value. Next is the straight, which is five cards in consecutive numerical value. After a straight is a flush, which is five cards all of the same suit. Above a flush is a full house, which is a combination of a pair and three of a kind. Next up is four of a kind, followed by a straight flush, and the most valuable hand, a royal flush, which is a straight flush with the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 cards.
When playing video poker, the first thing you need to do is deposit cash into the machine and make a bet. You will then be dealt five cards, which you can then assess to see if you have made a hand. You can select certain cards to hold while the others are replaced by cards. If you have a winning hand, you will be paid out according to the machine's paytable.
Conclusion
Video poker is a popular game that is easy to play and has the potential for big wins. Use this guide to learn all there is to know about the game and kick-start your video poker journey.
