Video Poker Variants: Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild & More

Image source: Pixabay

You’ve probably seen video poker when you were browsing through the games lobby at top online gaming platforms like Bet365 Casino or 1xBet Casino. These video-based games offer a unique blend of poker strategy along with the convenience of slot machines. Both these factors combine to give players the chance to make decisions that impact the outcome. For anyone new to online casinos, you’ll quickly discover that video poker variants are a perfect mix of excitement and control. Personally, I love video poker because it’s both simple whilst remaining engaging. In the game, you get five cards and choose which to hold. The machine replaces the rest. But as you explore different video poker variants, you’ll find various layers of strategy. This online casino games guide will explore the different types of video poker available across all the best online casino websites. In addition, we also offer plenty of winning tips and playing strategies for new players.

What Is Video Poker? 

At its core, video poker is simply a digital version of 5-card draw poker. The game begins with you being dealt five cards. You then choose which ones to hold while the machine replaces the others. If your final hand matches the pay table, you win. What makes video poker variants special is the sheer variety of rules and strategies. You’ll find that some variants add wild cards, whilst others tweak payout structures. Some machines even change the hand rankings. All these variations are designed to keep the game fresh and exciting. For a poker enthusiast, whether you’re newbies or poker veterans, video poker is a heady mix of control, strategy, and chance. Unlike slot machines which rely solely on luck, with video poker you can make strategic choices. This gives you a much deeper connection to the game.

The History Behind Modern Video Poker

Video poker started in the 1970s with the game, “Draw Poker,” which was an early electronic version of traditional poker. In the 1980s, the first video poker machines appeared in brick-and-mortar casinos, allowing players to enjoy poker at their own pace. Online casinos, such as Bet365 Casino, soon followed suit. They started offering a variety of video poker variants with improved graphics and faster gameplay. What I love about video poker is that it’s evolved to offer players more choices. Whether you’re at HellSpin Casino or another platform, each video poker variant has been fine-tuned over decades of trial and error. That means when you play, you’re getting a game with plenty of testing behind it along with plenty of real-world experience.

Basic Gameplay Shared Across Video Poker Variants

No matter which video poker variant you choose to play, the mechanics are always similar. As previously mentioned, you place your bet, are dealt five cards, and then choose which to keep. The remaining cards are replaced. Then your final hand is compared to the pay table. To be honest, the pay table is key to the game. This is because it shows you how much each hand is worth, from a simple pair of Jacks to the rare Royal Flush. Understanding the pay table helps you make better decisions. Especially as you start exploring different video poker variants. When I first started playing, I made the common beginner’s mistake of holding onto too many low-value cards, hoping for a lucky draw. Over time, I learned that only by holding onto high-value cards, especially Aces and face cards, I could increase my chances of a good hand. Just like regular poker, video poker is all about strategy and patience.

Jacks or Better: The Classic of Video Poker Variants

Jacks or Better is the most common type of video poker and also, it’s the easiest for new players to learn. As the name suggests, you’ll need at least a pair of Jacks or better to win. Take note that the payouts increase based on the strength of your hand. So, for example, a Royal Flush pays out much more than a simple pair. One of the things many players enjoy about Jacks or Better is its consistency. After all, the rules are easy to follow, and the paytable is clear. If you’re a beginner, it’s a great way to learn the game without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll see that the strategy focuses on holding onto pairs and higher-value cards. This simple gameplay makes it a good entry point for newcomers.

Deuces Wild 

If you’re ready for something a little more exciting, Deuces Wild is one of the best video poker variants to try. In this game, all the twos (Deuces) are wild cards. This means a Deuce can substitute for any card to complete a winning hand. As you can imagine, this makes it so much easier to land strong hands like full houses and flushes. However, the payout for regular hands is slightly lower because you’re more likely to win with wild cards. Although Deuces Wild is more volatile than Jacks or Better, it’s also a lot more rewarding when you hit a big hand. We’ve found that the thrill of Deuces Wild is in the surprises. Every time you’re dealt a hand, you’re hoping for a Deuce to complete a winning combination. But be mindful of your bankroll. Though the rewards can be great, the variance in the game can sometimes leave you waiting a lot longer for big hands.

Video Poker Variants: Bonus Poker

Bonus Poke is a variation of Jacks or Better. However, it comes with higher payouts for certain hands, especially four-of-a-kinds. For instance, four Aces or four Kings will pay more than they would in Jacks or Better. As such, this variant gives you a little more excitement and value for the same basic gameplay. I find it to be a great option if you’re familiar with Jacks or Better. Especially if you’re after the chance of a bigger payout without dramatically changing the rules. In Bonus Poker, the gaming strategy is still about holding onto high cards. But you get the added benefit of larger payouts when you hit premium hands like four-of-a-kind.

Joker Poker 

In Joker Poker, a Joker is added to the deck as a wild card. The Joker can substitute for any card in the deck, thereby increasing your chances of landing winning hands. Because of this, Joker Poker is more dynamic than Jacks or Better or Bonus Poker, as you can form straights, flushes, and other hands more easily. However, the pay table for Joker Poker usually has a higher minimum hand to qualify for a win. This means you’ll need to be aware of what’s required for a payout. To be honest, it’s the unpredictable nature of the Joker that adds a layer of excitement that can change the pace of the game. If you’re the type of player who enjoys a twist on the classic video poker format, then the wild Joker keeps things interesting and will keep you on your toes when wagerin on different online casino sites in Canada. 

Double Bonus and High-Reward Video Poker Variants

Double Bonus Poker is one of the most exciting video poker as it increases the rewards for four-of-a-kind hands. If you get four Aces, for example, the payout is significantly higher than in Jacks or Better or Bonus Poker. However, it’s important to remember that in order to make up for these higher payouts, regular hands like pairs or two pairs have lower payouts. That means it’s a high-risk, high-reward game, and, as such, requires more patience. You’ll need to hit those bigger hands consistently to make it worth your while. Many players prefer Double Bonus video poker at casinos like HellSpin Casino because it’s thrilling to chase after the big hands. But to be honest, it can be a little slow if you’re only hitting smaller hands, so carefully managing your bankroll is crucial.

Deuces and Joker Poker: Two Wilds

Deuces and Joker Poker takes things up a notch by adding both twos (Deuces) and the Joker as wild cards. This gives you tons of opportunities to complete strong hands, making the game even more exciting. However, there’s a downside. This is that the pay tables are adjusted, so regular hands pay less, and you’ll need to be strategic in your approach. We recommend this variant for those of you who are experienced with other video poker variants and want to try something more challenging. Whilst it’s certainly true that the added wild cards give you a lot of chances for big hands, it requires a bit more strategy and patience.

Video Poker Variants: All American Poker 

If you’re a video poker player who enjoys chasing premium hands like straights and flushes, then All American Poker is going to be a great option. It offers better payouts for hands like straights and flushes, especially when compared to Jacks or Better. The strategy focuses more on these hands. Some players enjoy the nice change of pace this gameplay offers. It’s also a good choice for players who want to focus on high-value hands without stepping into the high-risk territory of games like Double Bonus.

Aces and Faces 

Aces and Faces is yet another variation of the video poker stable, Jacks or Better. It offers higher payouts for hands like four Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks. This variant rewards you for holding onto face cards and Aces, thereby making it feel like a premium version of Jacks or Better. We think it’s perfect for players who like the simplicity of Jacks or Better but want bigger rewards for high-value hands.

Multi-Hand Play and Fast-Paced Video Poker 

Multi-hand video poker variants like Ten Play and Fifty Play give you the opportunity to play multiple hands at once. This dramatically speeds up the game and increases the potential for winning hands. However, it can be overwhelming for new players. I recommend starting slow and keeping your bets under control when playing these fast-paced variants. Keep in mind, they’re not for everybody and if you’re feeling uncomfortable, simply revert back to a different and slower version of video poker.

Choosing Between Different Types of Video Poker as a New Player

With so many video poker variants to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here’s our quick breakdown of the main differences between them:

• Jacks or Better: Best for beginners as it’s straightforward and gives you a solid foundation in all types of video poker.
• Deuces Wild: For video poker players looking for more excitement and wild cards.
• Bonus Poker: Adds extra rewards for premium hands while keeping the core mechanics familiar.
• Aces and Faces: A more rewarding version of Jacks or Better with bigger payouts for premium hands.

Shared Tips That Work Across Video Poker Variants

Here we’ve listed a few brief tips to help you succeed across all video poker variants:

• Learn the Pay Table: Understanding what each hand is worth will help you to make better decisions.
• Focus on High-Value Hands: Aim for premium hands in order to maximize your winnings.
• Be patient: Take Your Time to Make Decisions. Video poker is a game of skill.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Always keep track of your bets and avoid spending too much too quickly.

Conclusion: Finding Your Rhythm With Video Poker Variants

Whether you’re a complete newbie or an experienced player, online casino video poker variants offer something for everyone. The beauty of these games is the balance between strategy and luck. In truth, each variant brings its own unique twist to the games table. Whether you start playing at bet365 Casino with the ever-popular Jacks or Better or dive into the more exciting Deuces Wild, there’s a video poker game for every type of player. So take your time and enjoy the game. You never know, but maybe you’ll land that perfect hand sooner than you think.

Check out different Video Poker options at bet365