Video poker is found in land-based casinos and online. The basic rules of all video poker are the same, however, there are some variations depending on where you play. Most video poker games are based on five card draw poker.

Video poker is a game of chance and some skill. There is no opportunity for bluffing as would be done in a regular poker game. You play against the computer, and not against other players.

How to Play

- Place your initial bet.

- Press the draw/deal button.

- Your five cards will be displayed on the screen.

- Decide which cards you would like to keep and which you would like to discard.

- Underneath the cards you decide to keep, press the "hold" button.

- Again, press the draw/deal button.

- The cards you had chosen to discard will automatically be replaced by other cards.

- If you hold a winning hand with your new set of five cards, you have won the game. If not, your game is over, and you may begin another game.

Winning Hands

The winning hands for video poker are similar to winning hands in five card draw poker, with the exception that a single pair usually needs to be a certain card or higher to win, as shown below.

Jacks or Better: You need at least two Jacks or something higher than Jacks in order to beat the video poker machine.

Kings or Better: You need at least two Kings, or two Aces in order to win.

Two Pairs: Two sets of pairs. Each pair is made up of two cards that have the same card value.

Three of a Kind: Three cards that have the same number or picture.

Four of a Kind: Four cards that have the same number or picture