Video Poker

It was inevitable that video poker would become something of a phenomenon among gamers. After all, slot machines have always been one of the most popular forms of gambling. Add to that the resurgence of interest in poker the past several years, and you have the right combination of factors to stoke the fires of interest in video poker.

Normally in video poker, the player is able to bet anywhere from a quarter to $5 each hand; the exact amount depends on the casino and the machine in question. Usually there is a minimum bet around $20. After the player inserts this minimum, he chooses how much he'd like to wager.

The player then clicks the button generally labeled "Deal Draw." He then receives his cards. If you're the player, remember that you want to get the best poker hand possible. Only certain poker hands will win you cash, so these are naturally the ones you want to obtain.
Some of the standard winning hands include the following:

Jacks or Better: Refers to two Jacks or two Queens. No pair less than Jacks counts in Video Poker.
Kings or Better: Refers to two Kings or two Aces.
Two Pair: 2 sets of pairs of the same card value.
Three of a Kind: 3 cards of the same value.
Four of a Kind: 4 cards of the same value.
Five of a Kind: 4 cards of the same value, in addition to a Wild Card.
Straight: 5 consecutive cards going by card value, not of the same suit.
Flush: 5 non-consecutive cards of the same suit.
Straight Flush: 5 consecutive cards, all of the same suit.
Royal Flush: 5 consecutive cards, all of the same suit, the 1st card being 10 and the last card being an ace.
Wild Royal Flush: Identical to a royal flush, but containing a Wild Card.

Online video poker, or draw poker, usually allows you to bet anywhere from $0.25 to $5 per hand, depending on the machine and casino at which you're playing. After you put in your money (generally a minimum of $20 at most sites), you can choose the denomination that you'd like to wager.

Once you've got your first cards, you want to improve the quality of the hand. You do this by holding on to certain cards and discarding the others. Ideally you will hold onto the cards that you think have the best chance of giving you a better hand as you draw again. After you drop the discards, press Deal/Draw again and new cards will replace them. When you're done, press the Cash Out button (It might also be labeled "Credit").

In Draw Poker, there is also the option of doubling your money in a second round, assuming you won your hand. This second bonus round is called "Double Playoff." It's the player's choice whether he plays this or walks away with his money. If you do choose to play, the machine's playing cards will turn over. The machine then flips a card for you to see. You then make a bet on whether the next card is lower or lower than the first one. If you're right, you win and double your money. If you're wrong, you lose your money. If it's the same value card, you neither win nor lose. Keep in mind that once you see the cards, it's too late to back out; you're committed and must make a guess. Sometimes this works in your favor (if the card is extremely high or low), but obviously it will be more difficult for you if the card is a mid-range value.