Video Poker Rules: How to Play Video Poker

Unlike in "regular" poker, when playing video poker, you are not playing against an opponent, but you are trying to get the best hand possible given the cards you are dealt.

At the beginning of each hand, you will be dealt 5 cards. Then, you have to make a decision as to what cards to keep, and which cards to change, so you can make a hand that pays. Then, the cards you want to have changed, will be exchanged and should you have made a hand now, you will be paid according to the payout schedule. Should you not have hit anything that pays, you don't win and will have to try again in the next hand.

Depending on the game, you will usually get at least 2 pairs to get paid, but will get paid for anything that is 2 pairs or better. In some games, like Jacks or Better, you will be paid for a pair of Jacks or better, meaning pairs of Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces pays, as well as 2 pairs, 3 of a kind, streets, flushes, 4 of a kind, etc.

There are also a few special rules that depend on the game of video poker you are playing. For example, when playing Joker Wild, there will also be a joker in the deck of cards, which counts for whatever card you need it to count for. In Deuces Wild, deuces are wild, which means that they can replace any card that you need them to replace in order to make the best hand possible.

As you can see, the game itself is pretty easy. The only thing that is somewhat more difficult is the proper strategy, especially with regard to which cards to replace, and which to hold. For more information about this, visit our Video Poker strategy section, in which we give you more tips with regard to playing Video Poker.

If you want to start playing Video Poker online, visit one of our recommended casinos listed either on the Video Poker main page, or in our Internet Casinos section. Before gambling online, make sure to read through the Terms & Conditions of the casino you want to play at.