Video poker is one of the most profitable games in the world of gaming. Unlike slots, a knowledgeable player can take advantage of the skill based element this game presents. In this article we explore how to play this extremely popular game and go into detail about the many variations Lucky Nugget Casino has to offer.
How to play video poker:
A typical 52 card deck is used with the generic game of video poker – although some varieties utilise a joker. The aim of the game is to build the best poker hand you can with the five cards you are dealt.
Styled like a slots machine, instead of spinning the reels, a player is dealt five cards. The aim is to create the best hand in two runs.
In the first run, a player can choose to keep as many cards they like by holding them, the rest are reshuffled and dealt again. So, for example, if a player holds two cards, they will receive three new cards. In the second run, if a player manages to land one of the poker hand combinations, they will win a prize based on the rarity of the combination.
The typical poker hands one can strike to win a prize
As the odds of striking a hand decreases, the value of the prizes that one can receive increases. The prizes vary from game to game, with a return of your stake being the usual prize for a pair, whilst the prize for striking a royal flush would be the equivalent of striking the jackpot on a slots game.
To increase returns, a player can increase his bet, usually from 1 to 5 coins. The above example is from Microgaming’s Jacks or Better, which can also be found on Lucky Nugget Casino. To win a pair prize in Jacks or Better a player must land a pair of Jacks, or better – it’s in the name you see.
Lucky Nugget offers a large variety of video poker games:
Deuces Wild: One of the most common video poker games. Every deuce, or number two is wild – somewhat like the wild symbols from any slots game. You can use a two in place of any card in the deck. If you’re one away from a red flush and you land a black two, you’ll win the prize as if you landed the red two.
Bonus video poker: Based around Jacks or Better, you’ll get enhanced winnings on a four or of a kind result. A difficult hand to land, it adds to the joy of landing this sought after hand and ultimately makes the game more profitable. There’s also the Double Bonus and Double, Double Bonus varieties, which award players for either getting four aces (double bonus) or a variety of four card combinations (double, double bonus).
Tens or better: Like Jacks or Better but with 10s being the lower limit for pairs. Increasing yours odds of winning even further but as a side effect decreases the prizes you might win for getting a straight or a full house.
Video poker can be played via our desktop software, instant play or by playing on your mobile device. However you choose to play, only expect the best from the Lucky Nugget team.
So, what’s your favourite style of video poker? You prefer the easier to win Tens or Better or the more difficult Jacks or Better? If you’ve got any advice for our aspiring video poker players let us know in the comment section below.
