Video Poker

* 1st September 2003

Hi and welcome to Casino-on-Net’s very own Gaming School.
This month I’d like to give you a few tips on the much underrated Casino-on-Net game of Video Poker.

Also known as Draw Poker, it’s a unique little game allowing more than the average number of decisions to be made and there are different strategies that must be taken into account when playing – particularly as you are not playing against the dealer or anyone else.

To win you must get ‘Jacks or Better’ (Two Jacks or any higher valued hand) and you get two draws in which to do it.

The odds and pay-out ratios are clearly displayed on a board above the cards and it pays to study them before betting.

For example, the pay-out on a Royal Flush for a $4 bet is $1000 but for a $5 bet, it’s $4000 making it worth thinking about putting on that extra dollar.

After the first draw, you are allowed to "Hold" as many of the five cards (for your final hand) as you want or draw them all again if you wish.

Again, it pays to study the table! For example, if you draw two pairs do you hold them and draw a final card hoping for a ‘Full House’ which is worth $40 for a $5 stake, or do you hold one pair and draw three others hoping for four-of-a-kind which is worth $125 for a $5 stake?

With those pay-outs, it’s got to be worth thinking about taking the chance!

One great feature is that when you win, you’re given the option to ‘Double’ or ‘Half Double’. This means that you can gamble all or half of your winnings on the turn of the next two cards. The very next card (shown face up) is the ‘House’ card. You then must select one other from four (face down) choices.

If your card is higher than the House’s, you double or half-double your money! And you can go doubling or half-doubling up to five times!

Once again, it can be an attractive 50/50 bet in order to build up some really impressive winnings as well as an exciting option that really does capture the essence of gaming!

Remember, play well, bet smart and win!