By PAGE Editor

Video poker can be viewed as the ugly brother of the slot game world. They aren’t looked upon too favorably in comparison, while they can often be forgotten about or overlooked.

Most perhaps assume that the game is too difficult to play because of the poker aspect. Not everyone knows the rules of the game. In most cases, they believe it’s too complex for them. They may also feel that they aren’t that interesting.

Indeed, when you recognize slots are based on simplicity and their immersive nature, it makes sense. However, players are missing out by ignoring these games.

Video Poker is simple and great to play

Those who haven’t played video poker won’t actually realize that they’ve been missing out. These games provide an excellent alternative to slots, especially for those players who might have become slightly bored by the repetitive gameplay they are based on.

These games don’t actually have complex rules like the traditional card game. In fact, they are often seen as a great way to learn the ropes. Players can play at their own pace and don’t have to worry too much about making big mistakes. They can play at their own budget and not be sucked into matching large pots.

Individuals who test these games out don’t have to worry about other aspects of traditional poker that can be potentially costly. For instance, body language and other tells don’t need to be focused on, as no one else is playing to take advantage.

At the same time, it’s possible to learn other key skills. Video poker can teach individuals about strategies and how they should be used. It can also teach patience, and decision-making. Each of these are key skills at the poker table, but if you’re rushed or feel the pressure, they can be difficult to remain on top of. Video poker’s calm environment allows you to master and implement them.

Playing Video Poker

If you feel you want to play video poker the next time you visit your chosen online casino, you’ll be pleased to learn that you’ll typically find several options. Variants can depend on the casino site that you use, but some of the most common options include the following:

Jacks or Better Poker Video Poker

A form of video poker that has proven very popular, Jacks or Better is a simple variant of the game. In this version, a player will qualify for a winning bet if they hold a pair of Jacks or better as a minimum. If they do, they can then look to try and beat the computerized opponent. If they don’t, then the game will come to an end. This version of the game will provide players with four hands to play at one time. You can discard any cards you don’t want and swap them for something else. 

Deuces Wild Poker

Deuces Wild Poker is the best-known video poker variant. Many know it, whether they play it or have heard of it. This version allows players to use two cards as wild cards if they are a suit of spades. The wilds then work like they do in a slot, being able to complete a sequence. A ‘2’ card is the most powerful, though, as it can be used to win the game. If you have an understanding of poker hands, you can use this card to create the best hands possible.

Video Poker offers better odds to players than slots

If you’re still left wondering why you should give video poker a chance when seeking an alternative from slot games, perhaps the odds offered can be the push needed.

The odds that are offered in these games can often be far greater than those returned by slots. The industry average for the latter is around 96%, but for video poker, they are far higher.

The return to player (RTP) rate for Jacks or Better can be anywhere between 98.37% and 99.54%, depending on the game's version. This is significantly higher than what most slots can offer. Odds can be increased through the use of strategies, something that can’t be achieved when playing slots.

Give Video Poker a try and surprise yourself

As has been highlighted throughout, video poker titles are often overlooked and shouldn’t be. They are pretty easy to play and can deliver enough fun as the slots that players continue to play.

If you’re looking for an alternative or just looking to up the game, try these games out. You never really know until you try.

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