If you master the right strategy and choose the best games, video poker can deliver some of the highest payout rates available in any casino.
This bold guide will show you everything you need to know to play smarter, win more, and have a lot more fun!
What is Video Poker?
Video poker is a computerized version of five-card draw poker. You are dealt five cards, choose which ones to hold or discard, and receive new cards to complete your hand. Based on your final hand, you get paid according to a payout table. Unlike slots, video poker gives players the power to influence the outcome through skillful decisions — making it one of the few casino games where strategy really matters.
How to Play Video Poker – Basic Rules
- Place your bet (choose how many coins/credits to wager).
- Receive five cards face up.
- Decide which cards to hold and which to discard.
- Receive new cards to replace the discarded ones.
- Get paid according to the strength of your final poker hand and the machine’s paytable.
Typical winning hands include pairs, three of a kind, straights, flushes, full houses, and even royal flushes for massive jackpots!
Top Video Poker Variants for BC Players
Not all video poker machines are created equal. Some variants offer much better returns to players (RTP) than others. Here are the top versions to look for:
- Jacks or Better: The classic video poker game, with simple rules and a high payout percentage (up to 99.54% with perfect strategy).
- Deuces Wild: All 2s are wild cards. Offers huge potential but usually comes with lower payouts for some hands.
- Bonus Poker: Like Jacks or Better but with extra payouts for four-of-a-kind hands.
- Double Double Bonus Poker: High volatility, with massive payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands.
- Joker Poker: Includes one Joker card as a wild, creating more winning hands but with adjusted payouts.
Pro Tip: Always check the specific machine’s payout table before you start playing. Even small differences can drastically affect your long-term returns!
How to Choose the Best Video Poker Machines
Choosing the right machine is crucial if you want the best chances of winning:
- Look for 9/6 Jacks or Better machines (9 coins for a Full House, 6 coins for a Flush) — these offer the best payout rates.
- Prefer full-pay Deuces Wild machines, which return over 100% with perfect play.
- Avoid “short-pay” machines that reduce payouts on Full Houses or Flushes.
- Always play max coins (usually 5 coins) to qualify for the Royal Flush jackpot bonus.
Winning Strategies for Video Poker
Skill matters in video poker! Here are essential tips for maximizing your winnings:
- Never break up a winning hand unless you are trying for a Royal Flush or a Straight Flush.
- Always hold high pairs (Jacks or better) and discard low pairs unless you are one card away from a straight or flush.
- Hold four cards to a Royal Flush whenever possible — the jackpot potential is worth it.
- Learn and follow a strategy chart for the specific variant you are playing.
- Practice for free online before betting real money to refine your skills without risk.
Essential Decision Table for Jacks or Better (Perfect Strategy)
| Hand | Action |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Hold all five cards |
| Straight Flush | Hold all five cards |
| Four of a Kind | Hold all four cards |
| Four Cards to a Royal Flush | Hold the four cards, discard the fifth |
| Full House | Hold all five cards |
| Flush | Hold all five cards |
| Straight | Hold all five cards |
| Three of a Kind | Hold the three cards, discard the rest |
| Two Pair | Hold both pairs, discard the fifth card |
| High Pair (Jacks or Better) | Hold the pair, discard the rest |
| Four Cards to a Straight Flush | Hold the four cards |
| Three Cards to a Royal Flush | Hold the three cards |
| Low Pair (10s or lower) | Hold the pair, discard the rest |
| Four Cards to a Flush | Hold the four cards |
| Unconnected High Cards (J, Q, K, A) | Hold one high card only |
| No Pair, Low Cards | Draw five new cards |
Tip: Memorizing this chart for Jacks or Better can greatly improve your winning percentage!
Where to Play Video Poker in BC
- Land-Based Casinos: River Rock Casino Resort, Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, and Grand Villa Casino Burnaby offer a variety of video poker machines.
- Online Casinos: PlayNow.com provides secure, licensed video poker games. Internationally trusted sites like Spin Casino, Jackpot City, and Luxury Casino also offer excellent video poker options for BC players.
Conclusion
Video poker is one of the few casino games where the right skills can turn the odds in your favor. By choosing the right machine, applying perfect strategy, and practicing disciplined bankroll management, BC players can enjoy higher returns and a much more rewarding gaming experience. Take your time to learn the best moves, play smart, and you’ll see why video poker remains a favorite among serious players around the world!