Next to slots, video poker is the most popular game in the casino. Video poker offers fun, fast-paced action, even for low rollers. When playing full-pay machines with optimal strategy, video poker is also one of the few games in the casino that is truly beatable.

The gameplay of video poker is obvious to anyone familiar with the classic card game Five Card Draw. The objective is simply to draw the highest five card poker hand. There are a wide variety of video poker machines, from wild card games to progressive jackpots to the new multi-play games, but all share the same basic gameplay.

Video poker is generally played with 1 to 5 coins or credits, in denominations ranging from a penny up to $5 or more. Some newer multi-play machines can take up to 100 credits per play. A pay schedule will be posted on the machine, showing the payout for each hand based on the number of coins bet.

Notice that on a typical machine, a natural royal flush (the highest hand) will payout at least 4000 coins for a 5 coin bet, compared to only 1000 for a 4 coin bet. To achieve the highest possible long-term payout, always play the maximum number of coins to get the maximum jackpot on a natural royal flush! If 5 coins on a quarter machine is too large of a bet for you, play 5 coins on a nickel machine instead.

To play, deposit money into the machine and select how many coins to play for the current hand. A Bet Max button is conveniently provided to bet the maximum number of coins. Most newer machines accept bills, or use a ticket system to track and pay out winnings. Hit the Deal/Draw button, and five cards will be dealt on the screen. Use the Hold buttons to select which cards you'd like to hold on to, or on newer machines, simply touch the cards on the screen. Hit the Deal/Draw button again, and the remaining cards will be drawn. If you've made a hand, you will be paid according to the pay schedule posted on the machine. After play, the Cash Out button will pay out your winnings.

Attached Thumbnails