Video poker, a riveting blend of traditional poker and cutting-edge technology, has emerged as a favorite among online gambling aficionados. This unique game of strategy, unlike many of its casino counterparts, offers more than just a game of chance. In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital gaming, video poker stands out with its dynamic, rapid-fire gameplay that continues to captivate gamers around the globe. This article will take you on a deep dive into the world of video poker online, featuring the top 10 best games you can play right now. Our selection is meticulously curated based on several key factors including diversity of games, payout rates, and overall user experience. With this detailed guide in hand, prepare yourself for an exciting exploration of the multifaceted universe of online video poker.
Understanding Video Poker
Video poker is a popular online game that merges the thrill of poker with the quick pace of slot machines. The game begins with the player being dealt five cards from a virtual 52-card deck. Like traditional poker, the aim is to create the best possible hand. Players decide which cards to hold and which to discard, with the discarded cards being replaced in a single draw. To play video poker online, players must first choose their bet size, then press ‘deal’ to receive their initial hand. They can then select the cards they wish to keep by clicking on them, before pressing ‘draw’ to replace the unwanted cards. Winning hands are based on traditional poker hand rankings, and payouts vary depending on the strength of the hand and the specific game rules.
One of the key strategies for winning at video poker involves understanding the pay tables and choosing games with the best odds. It also requires a good knowledge of poker hand rankings and the application of basic poker strategy. Video poker appeals to a wide range of players. For those who enjoy games of chance, the element of luck in the draw creates an exciting, unpredictable dynamic. Meanwhile, players who prefer more strategic gameplay will appreciate the decision-making involved in choosing which cards to hold.
Online platforms offer an extensive variety of video poker games, each with different rules, formats, and payouts. These variations range from Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild to more unique versions like Double Bonus Poker. This wide selection caters to different player preferences, offering something for everyone.
Here are the top 10 premier online video poker games you should consider trying out.
1. Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is one of the most popular and straightforward variants of video poker, often considered the game from which all other versions have evolved. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the primary objective is to create the best possible five-card hand. The unique aspect of Jacks or Better is its minimal qualifying hand – a pair of jacks or better, hence the name. This means that players must have at least a pair of jacks to receive a payout. The game follows the traditional poker hand ranking system, and the payouts increase depending on the strength of the hand, with the highest being a royal flush. Jacks or Better is known for its simplicity and relatively low volatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners learning video poker. However, despite its simplicity, players still need to employ strategic decision-making to optimize their play. Whether you’re a novice looking to understand the basics of video poker or a seasoned player seeking a game with stable returns, Jacks or Better serves as an excellent option.
2. Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is a thrilling variant of video poker that adds an intriguing twist to the traditional game. This variant is played with a standard 52-card deck, but with a unique feature – all deuces (2s) act as wild cards. This means that any deuce can substitute for any card in the deck to form a winning hand, offering a plethora of opportunities for players to create strong hands. It significantly alters the gameplay and strategy, making every hand potentially valuable and every decision impactful. The paytable in Deuces Wild is adjusted to accommodate the wild feature, with certain hands like four deuces or a natural royal flush providing substantial payouts. However, it’s important to note that because of the wild cards, the lowest paying hand is typically a three-of-a-kind, unlike a pair in more traditional variants. Deuces Wild offers an exhilarating gaming experience with its high volatility, meaning there are significant risks but also the potential for large rewards. The unique blend of strategy, luck, and the thrill of chasing wild deuces make Deuces Wild a captivating choice for both beginners and seasoned video poker players.
3. Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is a riveting variant of video poker that introduces an extra layer of excitement with its unique bonus payout structure. This game is generally played with a single 52-card deck, and the primary objective, akin to traditional poker, is to formulate the best possible five-card hand. However, Bonus Poker stands out due to its special payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands. The bonus payout system compels strategic decision-making and adds a fresh dynamic to the game. Players need to adapt their strategy to target these bonus hands, rendering the game more challenging and intriguing. The game adheres to the standard poker hand ranking system, but the enhanced payouts for specific hands, such as four aces or four 2s, 3s, and 4s, set it apart. Whether you’re indulging in online gaming or at a physical casino, Bonus Poker’s intuitive interface and thrilling bonus structure make it a popular choice among video poker aficionados.
4. Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is an enticing variant of video poker that takes the excitement to new heights with its lucrative bonus payout structure. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the objective of the game remains the same as traditional poker – to construct the best possible five-card hand. But what sets Double Bonus Poker apart is its enhanced payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands. Players receive a bonus for four aces, and additional bonuses for four 2s, 3s, and 4s, as well as four 5s through Kings.
This bonus feature significantly influences the game strategy, encouraging players to aim for these high-paying hands. The hand rankings follow the standard poker hierarchy, but the paytable in Double Bonus Poker varies, emphasizing the value of the four-of-a-kind hands. Although the game advertises high payout percentages, these are based on optimal play, so understanding the game’s strategy is crucial. Compared to other video poker games, Double Bonus Poker offers higher volatility, meaning the potential payouts are larger, but so are the risks. With its unique bonus structure and strategic depth, Double Bonus Poker provides an exhilarating experience for both new and seasoned video poker players.
5. Loose Deuces Wild
Loose Deuces Wild is a fascinating variant of video poker that offers an exciting twist on traditional gameplay. The game is played with the standard 52-card deck, but here’s where it gets interesting – all deuces (2s) are wild and can substitute for any other card to form a winning hand. However, what sets Loose Deuces Wild apart from other deuces-wild games is its unique payout structure. In this variant, four deuces not only serve as wild cards but also offer the highest payout, even more than a royal flush. This makes the pursuit of deuces incredibly exhilarating and strategic.
The paytable is adjusted to accommodate the increased frequency of winning hands due to the wild deuces, with typically a three-of-a-kind being the lowest paying hand. Loose Deuces Wild is known for its high volatility, meaning while there’s a potential for substantial winnings, there’s also a higher risk involved. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a new challenge or a casual gamer seeking some thrilling action, Loose Deuces Wild delivers an engaging and unpredictable video poker experience.
6. Double Double Bonus Poker
Double Double Bonus Poker is a compelling variant of video poker that stands out for its high payouts and strategic gameplay. This game, also known as 10/6 video poker, is based on the popular Jacks or Better format but offers additional bonuses for different four-of-a-kind hands. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck and retains the objective of creating the best five-card hand.
However, the real allure of Double Double Bonus Poker lies in its paytable. It offers exceptionally high payouts for hands featuring Four of a Kind, with different payouts depending on the fifth “kicker” card. Unsurprisingly, a royal flush still holds the position of the highest payout in this game. With an RTP of 98.98%, Double Double Bonus Poker provides an enticing balance of risk and reward that attracts both seasoned players and those who love the prospect of big payouts in a single hand.
7. Triple Bonus
Triple Bonus Poker is an engaging variant of video poker, known for its unique paytable and strategic gameplay. Based on the traditional Jacks or Better format, the game is played with a standard 52-card deck, and the objective is to create the best possible five-card hand. The twist in Triple Bonus Poker comes from its rewarding bonus structure. It offers enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially those made up of specific ranks, with the payouts being tripled compared to the regular Jacks or Better game.
However, these increased payouts are balanced out by lower payouts for two pairs and flush hands. This adjustment to the paytable adds an exciting element of strategy to the game, as players must decide whether to chase the higher-paying four-of-a-kind hands or play it safe with the more frequently occurring hands. With its blend of risk and reward, Triple Bonus Poker provides a thrilling experience for both novice and experienced video poker players.
8. Pick’em Poker
Pick’em Poker, also known as Pair Poker, is a simplified yet exciting version of video poker that offers players an interesting twist on traditional gameplay. Unlike other video poker games, in Pick’em Poker, the player only has two choices to make, reducing the complexity and making the game ideal for beginners just starting. The game begins with the player seeing the first two cards of their five-card hand. From there, they are given the choice of one of two additional cards to complete their hand.
This unique structure eliminates the need to decide which cards to hold and which ones to discard. Despite its simplicity, Pick’em Poker still requires strategic thinking, especially when juggling several hands simultaneously. With a house edge of 0.05%, full-pay Pick’em Poker often has the lowest house edge, making it a popular choice among seasoned players.
9. Jokers Wild (or Joker Poker)
Jokers Wild, also known as Joker Poker, is a popular variant of video poker that introduces the Joker card as wild, adding an exciting twist to the traditional game. Played with a 53-card deck – the standard 52 cards plus a joker – the aim remains to create the best five-card hand possible. The inclusion of the Joker means it can stand in for any other card, creating additional possibilities for winning hands and strategic decisions. For instance, a player could use the Joker to complete a straight or flush or to turn a three-of-a-kind into a four-of-a-kind.
However, the paytable is adjusted to account for the added Joker, typically requiring a pair of Kings or better to win. Despite this, Jokers Wild offers an enticing mix of strategy and luck, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced video poker players.
10. ACE$ Bonus Poker
ACE$ Bonus Poker is a captivating variant of video poker that adds an extra layer of excitement with its unique bonus structure. The game follows the traditional Jacks or Better format, but with an added twist: it features a special payout for a four-of-a-kind hand made up of Aces combined with a 2, 3, or 4. This specific hand pays significantly higher than other four-of-a-kind hands, hence the name ACE$ Bonus Poker. However, to balance these high payouts, the returns for other hands, such as two pairs and full houses, are often reduced compared to standard video poker games.
This unique paytable structure adds an interesting strategic element to the game, as players must decide whether to pursue the high-paying Ace combinations or stick to more common, lower-paying hands. With its blend of strategy and chance, ACE$ Bonus Poker offers a thrilling gaming experience for both novice and seasoned video poker players.
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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