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How to Play Video Poker online

Last updated: 08.11.2025
Emily Thompson
Published by:Emily Thompson
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One of the main virtues of video poker is how dynamic it can be. While the game has simple rules and moves quickly, it also requires the player to do more than just press buttons and wait for the outcome.

What do we mean by that? Well, we are just saying you will have to use your brain if you want to truly enjoy what video poker has to offer in India. It involves understanding what are the best odds you have after seeing the first cards, then deciding which ones you will keep.

The truth is that video poker can be fun and challenging at the same time. That's why we bring you a quick guide to enjoy each round of this popular game to the fullest: with fun and, who knows, some nice profit in your pocket.

Video Poker Rules: How to Play the Game in India

The general rules of video poker are quite easy to learn. The way the game works may vary slightly depending on the variation of video poker you choose. However, the main aspects remain the same. So, you will not have so much of a problem adapting from one variation to another.

Unlike other poker games, this is a solitary game. Only you will receive cards. Instead of comparing your hand with other players or with a casino dealer, the goal here is to form a combination that pays out according to the game's paytable.

Here's how it works:

  1. You must first select a value for your bet.
  2. Next, click on DEAL to reveal the five initial cards.
  3. Analyze the cards, choose which ones you want to keep, and click on HOLD.
  4. Then, click on DRAW to receive new cards in place of the ones you discarded.
  5. If you get a valid combination, you will automatically receive a prize according to the paytable.

Some steps may vary depending on the version you are playing. In some games, you can activate the auto-hold feature to automatically choose which cards to keep in your hand, for example. This is helpful for beginners in India.

In any case, keep in mind that the cards are dealt randomly, similar to online slot machines popular in India. You can try to adopt strategies to win at video poker, but you cannot predict which cards the game will draw for you.

Hands in Video Poker for Indian Players

Those who have played other versions of poker will quickly recognize the possible card combinations in video poker. After all, they include the most popular — and desirable — options, such as Royal Flush, Full House, or Two Pairs.

Depending on the variation you are playing, some combinations will be possible and others will not. Therefore, it is important to check the paytable displayed on the screen before you start.

The payouts for each combination obtained are calculated according to the odds of getting them. In other words, the harder it is to get a winning hand, the higher the prize you will receive. The paytable may vary slightly in each game, but generally follows a similar structure.

Below, we list the most common hand rankings and payouts in the main variations of video poker.

Jacks or Better

In this version of video poker, the main feature is the possibility of winning with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. Typically, when you get a Jacks or Better combination, the payout is equal to the amount of the bet you placed.

  • Royal Flush: 1 to 250
  • Straight Flush: 1 to 50
  • Four of a Kind: 1 to 25
  • Full House: 1 to 9
  • Flush: 1 to 6
  • Straight: 1 to 4
  • Three of a Kind: 1 to 3
  • Two Pairs: 1 to 2
  • Jacks or Better: 1 to 1

Deuces Wild

In this other version of video poker, the main feature is the presence of wild cards. All cards with a value of 2 (the deuces) can be used to substitute for other cards.

Naturally, this changes the entire payout structure. At the same time, it requires a bit more attention when choosing which cards to keep in your hand or discard.

  • Natural Royal Flush: 1 to 800
  • Four Deuces: 1 to 200
  • Wild Royal Flush: 1 to 25
  • Five of a Kind: 1 to 15
  • Straight Flush: 1 to 10
  • Four of a Kind: 1 to 4
  • Full House: 1 to 4
  • Flush: 1 to 3
  • Straight: 1 to 2
  • Three of a Kind: 1 to 1

FAQ

How to play Video Poker?

To begin, you'll first need to choose a reputable and high-quality online casino that offers Video Poker. Once you've made a deposit into your account, select one of the popular game versions, such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Start the game, choose your desired bet amount, and click on 'DEAL'. Review the initial five cards you receive and decide which ones you wish to hold and which to discard. Finally, new cards will replace the discarded ones, and you'll see if you've formed a winning hand.

What are the winning hands in Video Poker?

The winning hands in Video Poker can vary slightly depending on the specific version you're playing. However, common winning combinations include a Royal Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, and Two Pairs. In the popular Jacks or Better variant, you can secure a win with a simple pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. For the Deuces Wild version, the 2s act as wild cards, significantly increasing your chances of forming powerful winning hands.

What are the basic rules of Video Poker?

A standard Video Poker game is typically played with a single deck of 52 cards. To start, you'll need to select your bet amount, and remember that your potential winnings will directly correspond to the size of your wager. After receiving your initial five cards, your objective is to choose which cards to keep (hold) in an attempt to form the best possible winning hand. The cards you discard will be replaced with new ones. If your final hand forms a winning combination, you'll receive a payout according to the game's paytable.

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