Top 5 Video Poker Variants You Should Try

Video poker is a popular casino game that combines the thrill of slots with poker strategy. Unlike traditional poker, you play against a machine rather than other players. While “Jacks or Better” is the most common version, there are many exciting variants that offer unique features, strategies, and chances to win big. This guide covers the top 5 video poker variants you should try, their rules, strategies, and tips for beginners.

Jacks or Better

Overview

Jacks or Better is the classic video poker game and a perfect choice for beginners. The minimum winning hand is a pair of Jacks.

How to Play

• Place your bet and deal five cards.

• Choose which cards to hold and which to discard.

• Draw new cards and collect payouts based on your final hand.

Why Try It

• Simple rules make it easy for beginners.

• High returns with full-pay machines (up to 99.54% RTP).

• Helps you learn basic video poker strategy.

Tips

• Always hold high pairs (Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces).

• Avoid holding low pairs if there’s potential for a straight or flush.

Deuces Wild

Overview

In Deuces Wild, all 2s act as wild cards, which can substitute for any other card to form winning hands.

How to Play

• Place your bet and deal five cards.

• Keep wild cards and other strong cards to maximize winning potential.

• Draw new cards to complete hands.

Why Try It

• Wild cards create more chances for high-paying hands.

• Offers a different strategic challenge compared to Jacks or Better.

• Can yield impressive payouts on four-of-a-kind and straight flushes.

Tips

• Always keep wild cards in your hand.

• Learn the optimal strategy since wilds change card value probabilities.

Joker Poker

Overview

Joker Poker adds a single Joker card to the deck, which acts as a wild card. This increases your chance of hitting strong hands.

How to Play

• Bet and deal five cards, including the Joker.

• Hold high-value cards and the Joker to maximize hand potential.

• Draw replacement cards and collect your winnings.

Why Try It

• Easier to form royal flushes and straight flushes.

• Adds excitement with slightly higher payouts for premium hands.

• Good intermediate variant for players who mastered Jacks or Better.

Tips

• Prioritize holding the Joker and cards that can create strong combinations.

• Learn payout tables, as they differ from standard variants.

Bonus Poker

Overview

Bonus Poker is similar to Jacks or Better but offers higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, depending on the card rank.

How to Play

• Place your bet and deal five cards.

• Decide which cards to hold or discard.

• Draw new cards and earn bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind combinations.

Why Try It

• Higher rewards make it ideal for players seeking bigger wins.

• Retains simple rules while adding more excitement and strategy.

• Encourages players to learn which hands are most valuable.

Tips

• Hold four cards when you have a high probability of completing a four-of-a-kind.

• Focus on high-ranking cards (Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks) for maximum payout.

Double Bonus Poker

Overview

Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Bonus Poker with even higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. The stakes are higher, and the game offers better potential returns for skilled players.

How to Play

• Place your bet and deal five cards.

• Decide which cards to hold for best hand improvement.

• Draw new cards and receive payouts, particularly for four-of-a-kind hands.

Why Try It

• Offers a more rewarding experience for experienced players.

• Encourages strategic decision-making for maximum profit.

• Retains simple gameplay while providing higher excitement and potential wins.

Tips

• Study pay tables carefully to understand which hands provide the highest returns.

• Use optimal strategy charts to maximize RTP.

Conclusion

Exploring different video poker variants adds fun, strategy, and excitement to your gaming experience. From the simplicity of Jacks or Better to the wild opportunities in Deuces Wild and Joker Poker, each variant offers a unique challenge and potential for big wins. Bonus Poker and Double Bonus Poker cater to players seeking higher payouts and advanced strategy. By learning the rules, practicing, and following optimal strategies, you can maximize enjoyment and winnings across all video poker games.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, trying these top five variants will give you a well-rounded and rewarding video poker experience.