When it comes to Video Poker, players have access to the best of both worlds. It offers a gaming opportunity that meets somewhere in the middle of slots and table games, allowing slot lovers to still have access to their beloved machines, and live-action players, the opportunity to take a chance against the odds. A multitude of varieties are up for grabs as well, making this gaming category a sure-fire hit for every type of player.

The game pits players against a machine, and is most typically played with a 52-card deck. This category of gaming first came onto the scene in the 1970’s, right around the time when at-home computers first came into use. As it became popular across the U.S. and other parts of the world, it became accessible online, and players no longer had to travel to a nearby gaming facility to engage.

How does a traditional Video Poker game work? When it comes to online gaming, players must first deposit cash into their player account, and begin by placing a bet from a given selection of credits, before clicking on a ‘Deal’ button. Upon doing so, a player is typically dealt 5 cards, and will be given the opportunity to discard one or more of them. Once discarded, they will be replaced with new ones. After the draw is completed, players will receive a payout for if the hand(s) played match any of the winning combinations, which are most commonly listed in a given paytable of some kind, providing possible wins from lowest to highest. Some versions of Video Poker also offer Progressive Jackpots, and along with other Bonus offers.

While the previous explanation serves as a base for Video Poker, there are dozens of variants available for players to choose from. Some of the most common include Deuces Wild, Aces and Eights, Jacks or Better, Joker’s Wild and others. Here is a look at some of the different variant options: Deuces Wild As you may have guessed from the name, Deuces Wild delivers a variation in which all twos are Wild. They serve as Wilds do in slot games, substituting for other cards in the deck to create better win combinations. This particular version includes pays for five-of-a-kind, a Wild Royal Flush, and four-of-a-kind deuces.

Aces and Eights

This games tacks on three pays that you won’t see in every other version. Players can score a win for snagging four-of-a-kind Aces, eights or sevens, and resembles the offerings found in the Jacks or Better variant.

Jacks or Better

This is a great option for beginners, and is very commonly found. It is known for having a low variance, meaning that it doesn’t pay out overly often, but when it does, players can look forward to some hefty wins.

Joker’s Wild

Players will have access to three versions of this game, which is played with a 53-card deck. They include Kings or Better, Aces or Better, and Two Pairs or Better. The Kings or Better version has gained the reputation of being the best of the Joker’s Wild variants to look for.

Deuces and Joker

This unique game serves as one of the few out there which offers a payout that is more than a Royal Flush. It is also played with a 53-card deck.

Those that are new to the Video Poker scene, can check out a variety of this category’s games online for free. For example, specific games which can be found for play at no charge, include Deuces Wild, Five Draw Poker, Multihand Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, and a number of others. It provides players with the perfect opportunity to get acclimated, while deciding which versions of this popular games are best suited for them.