Online Video Poker

There's no substantive difference between online video poker and standard draw poker except that with the former it's just you versus the machine. Many people steer clear of the poker tables at casinos because there are too many intangibles. You never know for sure if you're sitting down with a bunch of tourists or a set of disciplined card sharks.

One of the most common forms of online poker is called "jacks or better." As the name implies, jacks or better rewards any hand equal to or better than a pair of jacks. Otherwise, the same rankings apply. A straight flush beats four of a kind, which beats a full house, which tops a flush, and so on down to a pair of jacks.

How Online Video Poker Works

With online video poker, there are no other players to worry about. The machine deals you five cards, of which you may keep as many as you'd like. If you're dealt pure junk, it's advisable to take a fresh five cards. If you have even a pair, however, you'll want to hold onto it, even if it ranks below a pair of jacks.

The game then rewards you with a number of points that corresponds with the strength of your hand. You can continue playing as long as there are points in your bank, and you can cash out at any point you choose. Nearly every online casino offers video poker, which is as easy to learn as it is to play.