Top Online Video Poker Casinos for Real Money in 2023 & Complete Guide to Online Video Poker Games

In video poker, the hand rankings are based on traditional five-card poker. Therefore, the hands are ranked from weakest to strongest as follows:

1. High Card: A hand with no matching cards or a straight or flush. The highest card determines the value of the hand.
2. One Pair: A hand that has two cards of the same rank. The rank of the pair determines the value of the hand.
3. Two Pairs: A hand with two pairs of cards of the same rank. The rank of the highest pair determines the value of the hand.
4. Three of a Kind: A hand with three cards of the same rank. The hand's value is determined by the rank of the three of a kind.
5. Straight: A hand that has five consecutive cards of any suit. The highest card in the sequence determines the value of the hand.
6. Flush: A hand that has five cards of the same suit. The highest card determines the value of the hand.
7. Full House: A hand with one pair and three of a kind. The hand's value is determined by the rank of the three of a kind.
8. Four of a Kind: A hand with four cards of the same rank. The hand's value is determined by the rank of the four of a kind.
9. Straight Flush: A hand with five consecutive cards of the same suit. The highest card in the sequence determines the value of the hand.
10. Royal Flush: A hand with an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit. This is the highest possible hand in video poker.

It's important to note that in some video poker games, such as "Jacks or Better," a pair of jacks or higher is required to win. In addition, some games include wild cards that can be used to complete certain hands, such as a "Deuces Wild," where all twos are considered wild cards.

It's also important to know that the payouts for each hand can vary depending on the video poker game and the casino you play. So, checking the game's paytable before playing is always advisable.

Video poker is one of the few casino games where players can gain an advantage over the house by using optimal strategy. However, the strategy can vary depending on the game variant and paytable.

Here is an example of a basic strategy for playing Jacks or Better with a full pay table:

• Always draw five new cards when dealt five disconnected cards
• Draw four new cards when dealt one high card
• Draw three new cards when dealt two high cards
• Draw three new cards when dealt two cards to a potential royal flush
• Draw two new cards when dealt three cards to a potential straight flush
• Draw one new card when dealt four cards to a potential straight
• Draw three new cards when dealt one low pair
• Draw one new card when dealt four cards to a potential flush
• Draw two new cards when dealt three cards to a potential royal flush
• Draw one new card when dealt one high pair
• Draw one new card when dealt two pairs
• Draw one new card when dealt four cards to a potential straight flush
• Keep all five cards when dealt a straight
• Keep all five cards when dealt a flush
• Keep all five cards when dealt a full house, four-of-a-kind, straight flush, or royal flush

It's important to note that this strategy is a basic starting point and that players should adjust their strategy depending on the game variant and paytable. However, this strategy will help players to maximize the chances of winning on each hand. It's also important to remember that while strategy is important, players should also consider their preferences and play responsibly. It's also recommended to check the game's paytable before playing, as it can change from casino to casino.

Video poker is a popular game that brings the excitement of traditional poker to the convenience of online gambling. The game is unique because it pits players against the machine rather than against other players or dealers. This means that players do not have to worry about other players outsmarting them or taking the pot.
One of the benefits of playing video poker online is that payouts are easy to track, as each winning hand has a set payout. This eliminates the need to worry about other players or dealers having a better hand.

Another advantage is that online casinos often offer welcome bonuses, such as first deposit or no deposit bonuses, which give players extra credit to play with and increase their chances of winning.
Playing video poker online is also a great way to relax and unwind, as players can take their time to make their decisions without feeling pressured to play quickly. This makes it a great choice for players new to poker and still learning the game.