Slot machines are a game of luck. You put your money in the machine, hit the spin button and hope to hit the jackpot. You don't make any decisions that could change the outcome of the game. Table games, on the other hand, is a game that requires skill and the decisions you make can have an impact on whether you win or lose. 

One of the main reasons why more people don't play table games is the level of intimidation that comes with sitting at the table with other players - all of whom are possibly more experienced than you. While many would-be players would like to play games that require skill, they feel more comfortable with the solitary and non judgmental play of slot machines.  

Video poker, on the other hand, is a game of skill. Basically, it bridges the gap between slot machines and table games, so you get the best of both worlds. In most casinos, if video poker is played correctly, they offer a lower house edge than the slot machines. Video poker has gained in popularity in recent years, resulting in casinos adding more machines to the gaming floor. Today, there are over 100 variations of video poker. 

How to play video poker 

Video poker is based on the game of draw poker, with almost the same rules with one exception - you are not playing against other players. The machine deals five cards on the screen. The player then has the option of drawing up to five new cards. Pushing the 'hold' button allows you to keep the cards you want. Once you have made your choice you hit the 'deal' button and the cards you rejected are replaced by new cards. Your win or loss is then determined by the outcome of your final hand after you press the draw button.  How much you win is determined by which machine you are playing.  

The Return 

One of the main advantages of video poker is that you can determine the return of the game by reading the pay table. This is usually stated on the front of the machine. Most video poker games use a combination of hands that can be made from a standard 52 card deck.  There are 2,598,960 combinations that can be produced from a 52 card deck. A Random Number Generator in the video poker machine is set to simulate the probabilities of drawing one of the combinations of hands.  

With video poker you are not able to make calculations in your head, but there is software programmes, strategy cards, books and websites that can help determine the payouts for each pay table. By knowing how to read a pay table you increase your chances of playing a machine with the best return. 

Author Bio 

This article was written for Piggs Peak Casino and offers insights into playing video poker.