How to Play Video Poker

Video poker is also known as draw poker. The game uses a regular 52-card deck, which is played fresh after each hand. The object of the game varies with each machine, and you should check the individual machine specifics for payoff rates and winning combinations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Video Poker

Choose Bet Denomination
Select the denomination of the bet by clicking it.
Place Your Bet
Click on the "Bet One" button once for each credit you wish to bet, or the "Bet Max" button to place the maximum bet of 5 credits (or the machine's max).
Initial Deal
After betting, click on the "Deal/Draw" button to be dealt a five-card hand. If using "Bet Max", the deal happens automatically.
Hold Cards
Click on the "Hold" buttons under the cards you wish to keep.
Draw New Cards
Click on "Deal/Draw" again to replace cards not held with new ones.

Enter Double-Up
Click the "Double" button to risk your winnings as the new bet.
Machine Draws
The machine shows five face-down cards and turns one face-up.
Choose Your Card
Click one of the four remaining face-down cards.
Compare Results
If your card is higher, you win and can continue. Equal value is a tie (push), no win/loss. Lower value means you lose the bet.
Repeat or Collect
Click "Double" to play again or "Collect" to take your winnings.

Your final hand is compared to the table of winning combinations (usually shown on the machine). If the value of your hand is lower than the minimum winning combination, you lose your bet. If higher, you win according to the paytable.

Video Poker Hand Rankings

Jacks or Better : One Pair pays only if the pair is Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Lower pairs do not pay.
Kings or Better : One Pair pays only if the pair is Kings or Aces. Lower pairs do not pay.
Two Pair : Two separate pairs of the same card denominations.
Three of a Kind : Three cards of the same denomination (e.g., 5-5-5, 9-9-9, K-K-K).
Straight : Five consecutive cards of different suits (e.g., 7-8-9-10-J).
Flush : Five cards of the same suit, not consecutive.
Full House : Three of a kind plus a pair.
Five of a Kind : Four of a kind plus one Wild card.
Four of a Kind : Four cards of the same denomination.
Straight Flush : Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Royal Flush : 10-J-Q-K-A of the same suit.
Wild Royal Flush : Royal Flush including a wild card.