Can’t decide between slots and poker games? Why not keep it simple and choose video poker? Video poker stands as the favored gambling option that skilled players can leverage to gain a competitive advantage. Playing a game with acceptable pay tables while using optimum strategy and receiving comps for your play enables you to achieve a slight return on your money over time.
People praise video poker over slot machines because it offers better returns on your money combined with higher odds of winning hands. You also get the benefits of the latest slot games while getting a gentle introduction to Five-Card Draw.
Starting Was Easier Than I Thought
While I always do some research before playing a casino game, in less than five minutes, I was sitting at the video poker machine. You see, most video poker games have an average RTP of 96%. If you’re new to casino games, the RTP is a barometer about how much money a player can usually expect to get back over time based on a $100 wager.
RTP plays heavily for blackjack players and those who invest heavily in good online slots where they can get the most bang for their buck. You can use the autoplay mode, like playing slots, to play any video game.
I Didn’t Know There Were So Many Variants to Try
While not as deep as slot games, video poker, especially online video poker, isn’t a slouch when it comes to variety. Besides the universal standards like Bonus Poker and Deuces Wild, today’s online video poker games have variants based on variants. For example, Bonus Poker usually had Double Bonus Poker.
Learning the Ropes
Being lazy, I let the game handle the dealing and discarding of the five cards. However, in a minute or two, I was completely up to speed with the video poker payouts.
Each video poker game has a payout table that breaks down the different winning hands. Video poker follows the same winning hands as traditional poker games like Texas Hold’em, for example.
So Much Easier than Playing Real Poker and Slots
Because video poker games support the autoplay feature, like playing online slot games for real money, many new poker players start their poker journey playing video poker. By letting autoplay do the work, players can sit back and let the game do all the work without having to develop their poker faces.
Going one step further, once video pokers get hooked, they often find playing these variants easier than most slot games. The superior payback settings give video poker an advantage over slot machines, which makes it preferred by players. These video games don’t promise vast wealth, yet they produce significantly better returns than slot machines.
Video poker games in most casinos deliver payback rates of up to 98%, which can differ from one location to another. In other places, it goes even higher. Video poker enables players to assess machine returns simply through visual inspection.
For those savvy enough, they can use payout tables to spot machines that offer better returns during their game search. Most slot machines do not offer this feature because players cannot evaluate the machine’s returns by examining them. Certain online casinos show game return (RTP) figures, but video poker games consistently offer better returns.
Don’t Blink to Miss
After mastering the game, I soon discovered I was able to play faster, which only increased the thrill and the drama. The simplicity of mobile gaming lets you begin and leave a game with no difficulty. The convenience of mobile gaming and fast gameplay make advanced players choose this poker type as their favorite online game whenever they need to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Throw in the unbelievable access to social casinos, I often play Deuces Wild and Joker Poker, hopping in between states without missing a beat. Depending on the video poker game, I can use autoplay to play up to 700 playing hands.
New players should focus on mastering bankroll management, probability analysis, and situational awareness to achieve successful gameplay.
I literally blinked to find that I hit a straight and some flushes. That’s the power of video poker!
No Pressure at All
While some online video poker games offer jackpots, I play to let the virtual chips fall where they may. I find that when I don’t stress about winning big payouts and staying within my budget, I usually come on the winning side. Sure, there are some dry spells, but sticking to my budget and making small bets continue to serve me well.
Final Thoughts
Although I can go on until the cows fall down about how amazing video poker is, I think this article is a good start to falling in love, as I did. Hopefully, this information should give you enough understanding of the potential benefits you could miss.
While I’m not saying that other games, especially slots, aren’t worthwhile, the benefits of video poker extend beyond what other options could provide.
After playing for a while, I tried my hand at real-life poker games like Omaha and Five Card Stud. I quickly learned that my decision to play video poker games pays dividends. While I still have to work on my poker face, video poker has me striving to play with my A-game.
