Slots meet poker in the ultimate video poker games

There are countless variations of poker available today, but it all started with the 5-card draw poker. Video poker brought the classic poker variation into the 21st century, offering casino goers a simplified version that was easy to use and offered hours of games fun. Though they show a clear Poker influence, the fact that all the cards in online Video Poker appear at once gives the game a much faster pace and makes it feel very immediate – much like the slots that our players love so much. You might say they are the best of both worlds!

Video poker has come a long way since the 1970’s when in the early days it was still referred to by some as “poker slots”. Originating in the 1970s means it is one of the newer categories of casino games, and it was made possible by game terminals’ technological developments and improved central processing units during that time.The similarities between slots and video poker are clearly apparent thought, with both being incredibly simple to get the hang of, and of course, no dealer is required.

How do you play video poker?

Video poker is based on the classic 5-card draw poker and as a result it works in much the same way. However, it is much faster and rather than placing bets and making moves at several points during a game, you only have one chance to discard and replace your cards as you try to build a better hand.

Playing is as simple as:

• Placing a bet of up to 5 coins.
• Clicking the Deal button, following which 5 cards will be drawn to you.
• You can now choose to exchange one or more cards from your hand and then click Deal again.
• Standard Poker hand rankings apply to all versions of Video Poker.
• The result will be calculated and your winnings paid out, according to what is in your final hand.
• Note: Standard video poker games are played with a 52-card deck of cards. The joker wild games however will also include one or more jokers.

Strategy for playing video poker

As a result of the extremely simple nature of video poker, any strategy employed to play the game are equally as simple. Most players employ a strategy based on a table that dictates a hand by hand strategy on any possible hand.

Examples of this type of strategy include:

• On a royal flush or a straight flush keep all five cards.
• Suited KQJ or QJT, keep royals and draw for a royal flush.

This type of strategy, although easy to follow, allows for little variation and adaptability. It is more about employing sound 5-card draw knowledge than a get-rich-quick strategy. You’ll also find detailed strategy charts for every version of the game online, which will tell you exactly what moves to make for every possible hand configuration.

Popular video poker games to play

Euro Palace offers several superb versions of online Video Poker, all of which are powered by legendary software developer Microgaming. You can trust that you’ll enjoy perfect functionality, great graphics and generous payouts when you play these, or any of our other titles:

• Aces and Faces
• Bonus Poker Deluxe
• Deuces and Joker
• Jacks or Better
• Joker Poker
• Tens or Better

Video Poker is clearly much simpler than conventional Poker table games, but it also has plenty of elements in common and is a great way for novices to be introduced to Poker. You’ll get to know the ranking system, and how to make quick decisions to create the best possible hand.

Alternatively, you could just play and enjoy the video version for its own fast-paced action and great rewards. Whatever your reasons for playing, Euro Palace is the place to be. If you’re excited about video poker, then click here to start playing, but also be sure to check out some other hot casino games too.