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Video Poker Online New Zealand 2023

The fascinating journey of video poker began in the early 1970s when these machines were developed alongside the first personal computers. Initially quite basic compared to today's models, Bally introduced a black-and-white video poker machine. Not long after, a competitor launched a colorful version, which revolutionized the landscape. By 1979 in Las Vegas, video poker, particularly SIRCOMA's Draw Poker, became a casino staple as it offered the potential for lucrative wins, including low hands. Many players found it more secure and less intimidating than traditional table games like blackjack and roulette. Over the years, numerous variations of video poker emerged, offering players diverse options and payout tables. Interestingly, classic games like Jacks or Better remain very popular today. Video poker is cherished for its simplicity compared to classic poker, yet it still calls for strategic decisions. Its growth was noticeable in the 1980s as it offered a less daunting approach than conventional poker, with smaller bets and accessibility outside of casinos. Video poker's appeal also paved the way for the acceptance of video slots, despite initial doubts about their mechanics. With the internet boom in the 21st century, video poker transitioned smoothly to the online world due to its digital roots, enhancing its reach and popularity.

Video Poker

Poker is a game often enjoyed in a casual setting at home or in social clubs. However, finding the right group to play with can be challenging, as it depends on others being available. In contrast, playing poker online offers flexibility and independence since you don't need to wait for other players. Video poker emerges as an excellent option for those looking to enjoy poker on their terms and potentially earn some money. Grab your virtual seat, take advantage of casino bonuses, and dive into a game of video poker!

Discover the world of Online Video Poker Games and their diverse variations.

Jacks or Better

In the realm of video poker, one of the most prominent versions you will come across is Jacks or Better, also known as Draw Poker. This particular game is renowned for its generous payouts based on the premise that you must have at least a pair of jacks or higher to get paid. Each round begins with an initial ante before players receive their five-card hands faced down. The betting can commence only if someone has the requisite hand. Failing this, the round restarts with new cards. When betting opens, players can choose to place a wager or opt to check. Players have the chance to exchange up to five cards from their dealt hand for new ones. After the second round of drawing, strategies come into play. The showdown determines who claims the pot, awarded to the best hand of five cards.

Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Another exhilarating variation in the world of video poker is Ultimate Texas Hold'em. In this game, players engage as though facing the bank, following straightforward rules. You start by placing an ante and receiving two cards while the bank does the same. Community cards are dealt facedown on the table, forming a shared hand. Based on your initial two cards, you can decide whether to raise your wager or ultimately fold and forfeit your ante. After turning the first three community cards, you compare these with your hole cards to gauge your hand's robustness, adjusting your bet accordingly. The last two community cards are revealed, and players must craft their best five-card hand. Finally, a betting round ensues before the bank's hand is shown. The game’s payouts depend on the relative strength of your hand compared to the bank's.

Casino Hold’em

Casino Hold'em presents a thrilling twist on traditional Texas Hold'em and holds particular popularity in specific regions like the Netherlands. Beginning with an ante, players receive hole cards along with the dealer, who presents three face-up community cards. Players can choose to either continue by placing an additional bet or fold and lose their ante. Subsequently, the dealer reveals two more community cards and his hole cards. The winner is determined by evaluating the best five-card hand using the two hole and five community cards. The dealer needs at least a pair of fours to qualify. Outcomes and winnings rely on the disparity in hand strength between you and the dealer. An extra progressive jackpot bet is available, offering further excitement.

Deuces Wild

This poker variant stands out due to its unconventional rules, making it both exciting and engaging. Similar to Ultimate Texas Hold'em, it’s a battle between you and the bank rather than other players. The goal is to achieve a hand of three of a kind or better. After placing your wager, you receive five cards and decide which to keep, exchanging the others. If you end up with three of a kind or stronger, you win based on the hand’s strength. Featuring an intriguing twist, 'Deuces Wild' designates all twos as wild cards, which can adapt to optimize your hand. This additional element increases the possibility for unique and potentially valuable card combinations not found in regular poker, like five of a kind.

Joker Poker

In this poker variant, the joker is not just accepted but celebrated. The game includes a 53-card deck, the extra card being the joker that can stand in to strengthen your hand akin to deuces in Deuces Wild. Known for its impressive payouts—approaching 99%—these start with pairs of kings or higher. Players begin with 5 cards, choosing which to retain and which to exchange. Joker Poker distinguishes hands with jokers from those without; for example, forming a straight with or without the joker involves different payouts. Employing a feasible Joker Poker strategy, players can decide whether to shepherd certain cards based on the presence of a joker. Much like Deuces Wild, it allows for peculiar hands unseen in standard poker games. Play this variant proficiently, ideally familiarizing yourself beforehand with games like Jacks or Better, since it presents a slightly more complex challenge.

Aces and Faces

Aces and Faces replicates Jacks or Better remarkably but devotes attention to the face cards and Aces. Forming pairs with these cards is essential because pairs of lower-ranking cards (2-10) don't yield payout. Commencing with your betting choice, you'll receive the conventional five cards where you decide which to keep while exchanging the rest. Your new hand's final value will determine your payout based on its strength. Despite its straightforwardness, multiple hands of Aces and Faces can be played concurrently given its simplicity. It maintains a low house edge and boasts a high payout percentage of around 98%, making it appealing for casino patrons. Note that this level of return requires implementing the perfect strategy, underscoring the importance of practice before playing with real money.

10’s or Better

This particular style of poker is quite appealing as it allows you to win a reward just by holding a pair of 10s or better. This significantly boosts your chances of success. Since the game's mechanics are pretty straightforward, it's an ideal choice for beginners venturing into video poker. The setup is much like the popular 'Jacks or Better' game. You decide on your initial bet, which can vary from a few cents to several hundred dollars, depending on the online casino you choose. You're dealt five cards and must determine which ones to retain to form the strongest possible hand. You can switch out the remaining cards (up to five in total) in an attempt to improve your hand. Merely having a pair of tens or higher ensures some sort of payout, with stronger hands yielding larger rewards. Just imagine the thrill of multiplying your original bet by a factor between 2 and 5 or even hitting the jackpot with a Royal Flush, which pays out thousands of times your wager. Winning big can indeed happen in a flash!

The Reliability of Video Poker

Engaging in video poker offers a sense of secure play, similar to other casino games, provided it's done through a reputable platform. Before settling on which casino to play at, it's crucial to assess the establishment's legitimacy. One way to ensure fair play is by verifying the presence of a valid license. A licensed casino provides a legal environment for both playing and winning prizes. Such credentialing guarantees fair play and fair chances without manipulation.

How to play

Video poker, inspired by the classic draw poker, offers a similar set of rules but pits players against the machine rather than each other. The game starts with the machine dealing five cards on the screen. If desired, players can opt for up to five new cards. By clicking the 'hold' button next to a card, players signify which cards they wish to retain. Once decisions are made, pressing the 'deal' button allows for these new selections. The game's outcome is final once the last hand is dealt. Players can consult a payout schedule displayed on the machine to determine their winnings. These machines often boast superior graphics compared to regular slot machines, enhancing the visual and immersive gaming experience.

Game Rules

Texas Hold’em poker can be an exhilarating experience, especially with a group of up to 10 players plus a dealer. It's played with a standard deck of 52 cards, leaving out the jokers. Each participant receives two face-down cards meant only for their eyes. As the game progresses, the dealer will show five community cards that everyone can see. Whoever forms the strongest combination using these shared and their private cards wins the round. Before laying down the community cards, there are certain rounds of action. Before diving into these actions, it's useful to familiarize yourself with potential hand combinations, known as poker hands. The straightforward nature of video poker makes it popular as it's quite accessible to learn. If you've got the hang of traditional poker, transitioning into video poker is a breeze. Even if you're not particularly skilled, understanding hand strength is often sufficient for play since most machines provide helpful instructions.

Video Poker Basic Rules

In contrast to live poker, video poker does not involve competing against fellow players. The focus isn't on crafting the best hand imaginable but on forming one valuable enough for a payout. The machine displays a payout table that specifies the value of various hands. For example, on a 'Jacks or Better' machine, a minimum hand of jacks warrants a payout. The more robust your hand becomes, the larger the payout you receive. To play, insert your desired number of coins and press either the 'deal/draw' or 'Play Max Coins' button. You'll then receive a hand of five cards, akin to draw poker, and use the buttons beneath each card to choose which ones to hold. After making these selections, hit the 'deal/draw' button again to replace the unwanted cards with new ones. If this final hand includes anything stronger than a pair of tens, your payout is based on both the hand's strength and the payout table.

  • Royal Flush
  • Achieving an Ace through 10 of the same suit represents the pinnacle of poker hands. It doesn’t matter which suit they belong to, this is the strongest possible hand you can have.
  • Straight Flush
  • A straight flush occurs when you have five sequential cards of the same suit. If multiple players manage a straight flush, the one with the highest card wins.
  • Four of a Kind
  • A hand with four cards of the same rank, often referred to as a 'four-of-a-kind' or 'carré', is quite powerful. The highest configuration of this hand would be four Aces.
  • Full House

A full house combines three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. This combination is also depicted visually, highlighting its status as one of the top hands.

  • A flush consists of five cards from the same suit, like an entire hand of spades. In case of flush ties, the hand with the highest card, and if needed, the next highest card, determines the winner.
  • A straight, sometimes called a 'street', involves five sequential cards of any suit. The ultimate straight runs from ten to Ace.
  • A 'three-of-a-kind' consists of three cards of the same rank, such as the trio of queens shown here. The best form of this hand would feature three Aces.
  • Two pairs comprise two cards of one rank and two cards of another. If multiple players present two pairs, the hand with the higher pair prevails.
  • A pair involves two cards of the same rank. Aces form a superior pair compared to kings. In case of ties, the highest remaining card(s) are used as tiebreakers.
  • If no other poker hand materializes, the 'high card' takes precedence as the highest card available, typically an Ace.

Poker Game History

Before players receive their two face-down cards, each must place a bet determined by their position around the table. The player immediately to the left of the dealer places the 'small blind', while the next player posts the 'big blind', typically double the small blind. After each game, the dealer button moves clockwise. The player beside the big blind gets the first chance to react to their two cards, choosing to either fold, call, or raise.

  • Folding means a player opts to surrender their hand, returning their cards facedown to the dealer. They forgo participation in the current round, neither risking further loss nor gaining wins.
  • Calling signifies a player's intention to match the current bet, thereby maintaining their involvement in the round using their existing cards.
  • Raising allows a player to increase the bet, compelling others to either follow suit to remain in the game or fold if they don't wish to match the new stake.

After the opening betting round, the dealer reveals three community cards, collectively known as 'the Flop', with all remaining players having the opportunity to use them in pursuit of a winning hand.
Participants with active hands now have a total of five cards to work with: their two concealed cards and the three visible ones. The first player left of the dealer can either act, check, or bet based on the current setup.

  • Checking offers a player the ability to stay engaged in the game without adding to their bet. If all players check, the dealer introduces the next card without any extra cost.
  • Placing a bet means that you are initiating a round of wagering, being the first in this betting cycle.

Should the initial player decide to check after the flop, subsequent participants have the option to check as well. However, once a bet is placed, others must then choose to call, raise, or fold. When there are still active contenders, the dealer places the fourth community card, known as 'the Turn,' on the table, repeating the previous betting cycle. Finally, the dealer unveils the fifth and last card, or 'the River,' allowing for a final series of bets. Any players still participating reveal their two cards, with the person holding the highest ranking combination taking the pot. The house earns a small fee from the pot, called the 'rake.'

Strategies and insights for Online Video Poker

Mastery of video poker involves strategic decision-making, primarily about which cards to keep versus discard. Many decisions can be straightforward, yet others may require deeper strategic thinking.

Find your Video Poker Strategy

For instance, if you're dealt a pair alongside four suited cards, the dilemma may arise: should you stick with the pair or gamble on forming a flush? To decide, consider the likelihood of failing to reach a flush against the heightened payout if successful, bearing in mind that maintaining the pair could also result in a three-of-a-kind or even a four-of-a-kind, although those odds are slim. While these calculations might be complex, retaining the pair usually becomes the more favorable action. As you gain experience, your intuition for the optimal play will sharpen. Typically, clinging to three cards in hopes of a straight or flush is inefficient. In 'Jacks or Better,' it's generally wiser to hold all high-value cards than risk losing potential payouts by drawing completely new cards. Sometimes, casinos offer advice on which cards to hold, which can be reliable though it's always up to you to trust their guidance.

Set the Maximum Number of Coins

Evaluating the payout table reveals a particular trend: payouts for suites, such as having an ace, often exceed expected values. If a payout assigns 250 credits for one coin, 500 for two, and 750 for three, logically, it ought to be 1000 for four. Yet, it can surprisingly reach 4,000. Consequently, maximizing coin bets can improve your odds, making it wiser to wager four quarters over a single dollar, for example.

Do Good to Bonuses and Jackpots

Keep an eye out for promotions that offer sign-up incentives, along with games that have special bonus features or jackpots that grow over time. These bonus rounds can significantly boost your potential earnings. Essentially, participating in a bonus round could allow you to increase your initial stake by multiple times. In video poker, this feature is especially advantageous because it aligns the extra money you receive with the amount you've bet. Progressive jackpots are sums that accumulate during the course of gameplay and are awarded to a random player who hits a specific combination, delivering an exciting gaming experience. It's important to remember that to qualify for these jackpots, betting the maximum number of coins is necessary. Additionally, online casinos frequently entice players to deposit real money by offering bonuses, although these usually require you to wager a certain amount before the bonus is awarded. Utilizing bonuses effectively can greatly enhance your winning prospects.

Let the Time Work for You

Make sure to give yourself time to carefully consider each decision you make. There's no rush since there's no time limit or prize for hurried play. On the contrary, rushing can shorten your gaming experience and reduce the overall enjoyment you get from your spent money.

The Payout Schedule

One of the distinct benefits of video poker compared to other slot games is that your potential winnings can be directly calculated based on a payout table displayed on the machine. Many video poker machines use card combinations from a standard 52-card deck. Some games, like certain variations of joker poker, include one or two jokers in the deck. For instance, 'deuces wild' plays with a full deck of 52 cards, but the 2s act as wild cards. The payouts for each winning combination are predetermined based on the card combinations possible in the game.

What are the possible card combinations in Video Poker?

With a 52-card deck, there are 2,598,960 possible combinations. Video poker machines use software to simulate the odds of these combinations appearing, ensuring a consistent house advantage as set by the casino. Books, online resources, and software can help you learn to interpret payout tables to identify which machines offer the best chances of success.

Online Slot Machines with Skills

Many beginners start their journey with online slot games, but video poker is highly recommended due to the opportunity to apply skill to the game. Online video poker combines the thrill of regular slot machines with the strategic depth of influencing your odds. Many players seeking to enhance their winnings choose video poker for its balance of excitement and skill.

Conclusion

Video poker beautifully bridges the gap between slot machines and traditional table games, offering a unique blend of fun and strategy. While remaining easy and entertaining, it provides players a chance to actively impact their outcomes and maximize winnings, which adds a layer of excitement. Generally, video poker machines present a favorable house edge compared to standard online slots. Initially, versions like 'Jack or Better' or 'Draw Poker' were popular, but there are now over a hundred variations available both in physical casinos and online.