Video Poker NZ Guide

What is Video Poker

Video poker is a digital version of draw poker where players make poker hand combinations to land a win. Video poker is played with a deck of cards which is randomly shuffled by a random number generator. With poker, guessing the game is rather impossible as there are over 2.6 million possible card combinations. However, you can boost your winning chances by playing more hands though this also increases your risk level.

Each poker variant features its own deck, and certain variations to the rules of the game. Some rules make the game easier so your chances of winning are higher. These poker variants are the best places for beginners to start.

Unlike other casino games, video poker is mainly a game of skill though some luck could go a long way. Still, there is a long list of professional poker players that have found a way to win at the game.

How to start playing Video Poker Online

Video poker is a simple game with a straightforward gameplay. To play video poker online, you can follow the steps below.

	Choose a video poker site from our list. The first step to playing video poker online is to choose the right video poker casino site. You will need to go for a site with the best selection of video poker variants, bonuses, payment methods, and apt customer service. Rather than having to search the net for such a site, you can easily make your choice from one of the recommended video poker sites in our list below or above.
	Create an account Once you've chosen the online casino, you will have to create an account. Use the registration button to start the process. Registering an account would require providing your personal information (email address, residential address, mobile number, etc.) to the online casino. When done, you might be required to verify your account information.
	Select the video poker variant of your choice With your account all set up, the next step would be to select from the gaming library. You will find many video poker variants. To make the best choice, you would want to consider the ease of gameplay. Another thing to consider is the RTP of the poker variant. For beginners, it could be best to get started with a poker variant with special bonuses.
	Make a deposit and start playing You will need to fund your casino account to play poker for real money. To make your deposit, navigate to the cashier section. Choose deposit and then select your deposit method. After that, you need to enter the amount you wish to deposit and confirm it. Deposits at video poker sites are verified instantly.

Rules of Video Poker

The rules of video poker apply to all types of poker, though there would be variations in some cases. For real money players, being familiar with the rules could improve your winning chances in the game.

- When the game begins, you will have to press the "Deal" button and then you would be dealt five cards. These cards are dealt randomly via the computer and shuffled via the random number generators. Depending on the version you're playing, you might be dealt fewer cards.

- When dealt the cards, observe each of them to determine your chances. You can choose to hold the cards after which they would be revealed or you can choose to discard a card or all the cards.

- When you discard a card, another will be randomly chosen to replace the card.

- When it is time to reveal your card, your winning chances depend on your hand combination. In video poker, the highest hand possible is the Natural Royal Flush or the Royal Flush.

How to Play Video Poker

Video poker is one of the easiest online casino table games to play. The rules are simple to follow and once mastered, you can trigger a winning streak of your own. While each variant of poker comes with its own gameplay and rules, follow the steps below to learn how to play video poker online.

	Decide on the video poker game to play There is an abundance of variants when it comes to online video poker. You can try out traditional online poker games that feature straightforward gameplay or go for modern titles with bonus features and exciting twists. The most important thing is to keep your eyes on the game features before playing for real money.
	Look at the paytable on the game's screen The paytable determines how juicy your rewards would be with every win. Each video poker variant has its own hand combination and payouts. For example, you would receive a bigger payout for the highest hand combination on Joker Poker than you would get for the same hand combination on Jacks or Better.
	Select a coin size To start playing for real money, you will have to make a choice. Start by choosing how many credits you want on the round. The coin size could be as small as $1 or even smaller in some variants.
	Select 'Deal' from the drop-down menu With your bet in place, tap on "Deal" and the video poker game will deal your cards.
	Make a hand With your cards dealt, the next step is to make a hand. The goal is to have the highest hand combination possible. Access the value of your cards before making the next move.
	Discard a card and draw a new one Once you've gotten your cards, you can decide to keep all the card (hold) or discard them. You can choose to discard all the cards you were dealt and you will be dealt new ones. The discarded cards will be randomly replaced.
	Examine your hands and enjoy your winnings Once you've received all the needed cards, you can examine your hand to determine if you have the best value. Remember that the higher the hand according to the paytable, the higher your chances of winning and the bigger your payout would be.

Video Poker Winning Tips

Unlike slots, roulette, and other games of chance, you can land a video poker win if you use the right strategy. Though winning at video poker requires a bit of experience and tons of luck, using our expert winning tips could boost your chances of getting lucky with every bet.

Play the maximum number of coins

While you should always keep an eye on your bankroll, going for the maximum number of coins on every bet with video poker could be your ticket to a huge win. This tip is best applied when you have a strategy and you've been playing poker for a while. Beginners might want to test their skills with free poker and developer a strategy from there.

Examine the paytables

The better the paytable, the bigger your wins would be. The likes of Joker Poker and Jacks or Better tend to have the best paytables, however, the exact value of your wins would depend on your bet amount.

Recognize the game you're playing

While most poker variants are generally the same, you will find that each variant has several twists that make them stand out. When playing any poker variant, it is important to read through the game instructions, paytable, and know more about your odds. If you're applying a poker strategy, only go for strategies specific to that poker game.

Do not rush

Winning poker is all about landing the best hand combination than any other player or the dealer. To do this, you need to know which cards hold and which cards should be discarded and replaced. Replacing cards could either give you new chances or completely take you out of the game. So when making such a decision, reassessing our strategy and staying calm does make for a better approach.

Make the most of bonuses

Poker bonuses are a great way to improve your chances. They allow you to play for longer periods and take more risks without stretching your bankroll. This means you can use the same budget but make more bets. However, when using poker bonuses and rewards, you should always check through the terms and conditions before claiming them.

Variations Of Video Poker

When playing video poker at online poker sites, you will come across multiple variants of the game. Each variant comes with its own thrills and added rules that make the game more exciting and could boost your winning chances. Ensure you check through the rules and paytable of each poker variant before you start playing for real money.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is one of the most popular video poker variants you will find at online casinos. The features a 52-card deck and can be played in more than one hand. As with any other poker card variant, the objective of the game remains the same; to collect one of the possible poker hands. However, Jack or Better comes with a twist. To get paid, you need to have at least one pair of Jacks. Any hand of lower value will not be counted. With Jacks or Better, you're almost guaranteed a win on every bet you place. The game has an RTP of 99.54%

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is another variant of online video poker that has some popularity to it. As the name implies, you would need to get a hand with a pair of tens or better before you can consider a payout. A hand combination with a lower pair would not offer a payout, but with a pair of tens or better, your payout will be determined by the paytable. Tens of Better bears similarity to the Jacks or Better casino variant though it has a lower RTP value of 99.1%

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is one of the most popular poker variants that make use of the standard deck of 52 cards. In this variant, all cards with a value of two are known as deuces. The deuces represent wild cards that can substitute for any card in a winning hand. This gives players better chances of winning if you they're lucky enough to land the special wild cards.

Aces and Eights

Aces and Eights online poker is played on the standard deck of 52 cards. This poker variant is based on the Jacks or Better poker though it comes with a twist. The game focuses on hands containing four of a kind. This means you get bigger payouts when you land a four-of-a-kind combination. The only rule is that the extra payout only applies to hands with four aces or four eights. Like many Jacks or Better variants, the game features an outstanding RTP of 99%. This almost assures you of getting a lucky hand with every bet.

Progressive Jackpot Video Poker

Progressive jackpot video poker combines the thrills of a jackpot win with the standard game of video poker. This variant of video poker features a progressive jackpot that will continue to rise in value with every bet made in the game. Dropping the jackpot prize usually requires hitting a royal flush, however, some progressive jackpots can be dropped with straight flushes or four-of-a-kind hands.

Playing progressive jackpot poker can be very tricky. While there is a huge prize to claim, this poker variant usually requires higher bets to be eligible for the jackpot. This could eat deep into your bankroll in no time. Also, hitting the jackpot could be near impossible as there are numerous players trying to achieve the same feat.

Aces and Faces

Aces and Faces is a fun and easy variant of the popular Jacks or Better online poker. The main difference between this variant and Jacks or Better is that you will receive bonus payouts on a 4-of-a-kind hand. The bonus payouts only apply to any 4 of a kind made up of aces or of face cards (the jack, queen, or king). Aces and Faces poker has a high RTP value of up to 99.26%

Video Poker Odds and House Edge

When playing video poker, understanding the RTP (return to player), odds of winnings, and the house edge is very important. The RTP refers to the percentage of money that the video game is programmed to pay back to players over time. The house edge, on the other hand, refers to the advantage the casino has in the game. This means that players cannot always win in the game regardless of how high the RTP is.

When choosing an online poker game, you might want to consider the RTP as well as the house edge. In this case, the higher the RTP of the game, the better your chances. Also, the lower the house edge, the better your winning chances. All video poker variants come with varying RTPs. The best poker variants feature high values of 99% or more. You will find such high RTP in variants such as Texas Hold'em, Bonus Poker, Tens or Better, Double Bonus Poker, Bonus Deuces Wild Poker, and more.

Conclusion

Video poker remains one of the most popular online casino games for New Zealand players. This game is available at every leading online poker site with multiple variations to choose from. Getting started, you would want to consider the bonuses that come with the poker site. Bonus offers could reduce your risk and boost your winning chances at any video poker site. Before you start playing, you might want to read through the poker rules and learn more about the payouts. When you're ready, simply check through the list and make your choice of any poker to start winning real money.