Video Poker

Online casinos have become a phenomenon for traditional casino players all over the world and are especially popular in India. Poker was one of the first games played in major casinos and tournaments internationally. This article will cover a brief history of Poker, how to play online poker, what Video Poker has become in the virtual world and the different Poker game rules and match styles.

History of Poker

Poker dates back to the 1930’s in the United States and was akin to the Persian game of As-Nas. In its infancy, the game was played with five cards dealt to each player from a twenty-card deck. In as early as the 1970s players started to deviate away from the Persian As-Nas style. These new game developments boosted Poker’s popularity and American casinos even started hosting regular tournaments after the World Series of Poker began, in 1970.

How do you play Poker?

Although Poker match rules can vary, the ‘traditional’ method is played using a standard deck of 52 cards. Each player is dealt five cards of which you can choose to keep or redraw once. The first round of betting begins with a player making a forced bet known as the blind or ante bet. Each player bets according to perceived value of the hand they have been dealt against the unveiled potential of the other hands being played. Once each player has evaluated their hand they take turns clockwise either matching (or calling) the maximum previous bet or they can fold (or forfeit) their participation in that hand. As players match/call their bets, they also have the opportunity to raise the stakes by increasing the bet, also referred to as the pot. Once all players have placed their match/call or fold the betting round ends. The stealthy players with an excellent ‘poker face’ can collect the pot without revealing their hand if all subsequent players fold. If more than one player remains in contention after the final betting round, players enter into what is known as a showdown. In a showdown, the hands are revealed, and the player with the winning hand takes the pot.

How do you win in Poker?

Money is contributed into the pot voluntarily by each player (with the exception of initial forced bets). Players will normally contribute if they believe their hand is strong enough to deliver high potential earnings or players who are stealthy enough to bluff other players. Thus the ‘last man standing’ with the best cards or who is able to bluff all players out wins the pot. Tournament prizes today often reach the multimillion-dollar mark.

How is Video Poker different from Traditional Poker?

The traditional land-based Poker game rules still apply however Video Poker games are a lot faster pace, high volume game turn over, real-time card value stats and leaderboards, and less room for bluffing. Players can also choose from thousands different visual styles and themes in Video Poker. 

Key Advantages of playing online; 

• Players can play multiple hands at once
• Players have the option to play for free first
• You can play at home or on-the-go without stepping foot in the casino 

Styles of Poker

Poker games can vary by the casino operator including the number of cards in play, the number dealt face up or face down, and the number shared by all players with one or more rounds of betting. Depending on players risk taking assessments there are low variance and high variance games to choose from.

• Low variance slots –  Best for beginner players as you win small amounts in almost every spin, but won’t be able to access jackpot style big wins. 
• High variance slots – Experts prefer this roller coaster of risk with high ups & downs. Players may win nothing for a long period of time but then win a massive jackpot. 

Joker Wild Video Poker

In Joker Wild Video Poker, a Joker card is added into the deck and is considered a wild card which can take any card value to make a successful poker hand.

Is Online Poker Safe?

Short answer, Yes! These websites are rigorously tested, audited and approved by licensed gaming authorities. They are backed by cybersecurity third parties and trusted computer programmers. Online casinos use RGNs (Randomly Generated Numbers) to ensure fairness for every game outcome.

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash