Back in 1970’s it was inventor Si Redd’s vision to combine the lucrative and addictive nature of video games together with a slot machine to create what we know today as video poker . Also known as draw poker, the game allows players to play a more personalized version of the game without the intimidation of sharing a poker table with the sleek players who can spot a fish a mile away.
Redd was a pioneer in the gaming industry after having founded International Game Technology (IGT) in 1978 and having received credit not only for the success of video poker machines but also for co-creating the Megabucks network of slot machines where lucky winners stand to win millions if they score the grand jackpot.
The Basics of Playing Video Poker
To play video poker, players must have some background on the game of poker or at least be familiar with winning poker hands. With dozens of video poker games now available, Jacks or Better is one of the classic versions of the game and may be a good place to start for newbies so you can become familiarized with the basics of the game.
Video poker works like this: players will be dealt five cards and must create winning poker hands with the option of holding and replacing cards as needed. Creating a hand known as a Royal Flush will give the highest payout that can only be obtained when wagering the max amount of coins. Every game will include a pay table that players can use as a guide when attempting to determine the highest payouts.
Video Poker Basic Strategy
Basic strategy will give players some insight into how to achieve optimal results by following the rules outlined below thanks to How Stuff Works:
* Always hold on to the following hands: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Three of a Kind and a High Pair.
(Exception: When achieving Three of a Kind, players have the option of discarding the remaining two cards for a chance at creating Four of a Kind and possibly a Full House. With Two Pair, discard the fifth card which leaves open the possibility of a Full House.)
*A Flush or a Straight can be broken up if four cards are held that may lead to a Royal Flush. So if all the cards are lined up for a Royal Flush minus one card, hold out for the possibility that the card you need will come along.
*Favor a low pair over one high card.
*If you’re holding Jacks or Better, the sequence can always be broken to make way for a higher hand only if you’re holding four cards to a Royal Flush or Four to a Straight Flush.
Video poker basic strategy comes down to making way for the best possible hand and not being fearful of disrupting an otherwise hopeful set of cards for the win.