Online Video Poker – Best Video Poker to Play. Online Video poker is a game that comes in many variations in an online casino. It is fun, fast-moving, and can pay off with big jackpots. When playing video poker online you can get a Return to Player (RTP) of over 99%. Master the online video poker game with this free trainer. Play online video poker real money USA for free with no-download from our top casino sites! Enjoy the best online video poker games like Jacks or Better, Bonus, Double Bonus, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, and more from these casinos.
Video poker games are an integral part of every US casino, both online and land-based.
If you want to find quality casino sites where you can play some of the best video poker games online, you've landed on the right page. Apart from identifying top casino websites in the US, this article will also discuss how real money video poker works, what to look for when choosing a casino, how to play free video poker and which bonuses to use when playing.
If you don't have a lot of experience playing online video poker, you should pay close attention to our tips and strategies section. In it, we will teach you how to minimize your risks and improve your chances of winning big.
Best online casinos with video poker
Playing real money video poker online
Since video poker machines are single-player electronic games, it's no wonder that their transition to the online world was rather smooth. There are no major differences between land-based and online video poker, at least not when it comes to different game variants and rules.
However, playing video poker online has the upper hand because of two things — convenience and bonuses. Namely, instead of traveling to a local casino, you can simply log in to your online casino account and play video poker online with real money from your home. Furthermore, unlike land-based casinos, online gambling sites award bonuses to both new and existing players, and these bonuses are usually compatible with the casino's selection of video poker games.
Free video poker vs. real money video poker
Most real money casinos will allow you to test their video poker games for free. Still, you might be wondering what's so interesting about playing a gambling game where you have no chance of winning money. Well, playing video poker for free actually has plenty of benefits. Here are the main advantages of playing free video poker:
Benefits of playing free video poker
- If you're new to video poker, trying it for free gives you a chance to see whether you like the game or not before risking your own money.
- Video poker is a game of skill, which makes it fun even when there's no money involved.
- Playing free video poker allows you to practice and improve your strategy with no risk.
While free video poker has its set of advantages, it can get pretty monotonous after a while. When that happens, you should consider starting to play it for real money.
Benefits of playing real money video poker
- Real money video poker is ultimately more exciting than the free version of the game.
- You will have a chance to make a profit, potentially winning massive jackpots.
- Video poker games have a range of betting limits, suitable for small-time gamblers and high-rollers.
How online casino bonuses work with video poker
US online casinos offer several types of bonuses, many of which are compatible with the casinos' range of video poker games.
For example, if the casino offers a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500 and you deposit $200 into your newly-created account, you will get an additional $200 to play with. Of course, this bonus won't be withdrawable right away. Instead, you will have to complete the wagering requirements first, which mean playthroughs of anywhere between 10x and 30x.
However, video slots are usually the only full contributors to that requirement. Since video poker games have a relatively low house edge, the casinos will make it more difficult for you to clear the bonus by playing them. In most cases, the wagering contribution for video poker games is around 10% to 20%, which is why it will take more time for you to request a withdrawal.
Let's say the casino of your choice has placed a 30x wagering requirement with a 10% wagering contribution on your $200 bonus. That means that you would have to wager a total of $60,000 (200x30x10) to clear the bonus' wagering requirements and withdraw your winnings.
It seems like a lot, we know, but this is just an example. You can find many online casinos that offer bonuses that are easier to clear. So, when choosing bonuses with video poker in mind, look for the lowest possible wagering requirements and highest potential wagering contribution, as this will give you a realistic chance to turn your bonus into withdrawable cash.
You should also pay attention to other terms and conditions, including minimum deposit limit, maximum withdrawal limit, potential payment method restrictions and expiration date.
Earning comp points with video poker
Online casinos feature VIP programs with loyalty benefits. VIP rewards include cash back, free spins and higher banking limits. Most active casinos tie in their loyalty programs with their brick-and-mortar locations. For example, you can use PlaySugarHouse loyalty points at Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino.
Do you need a promo code?
Some online gambling sites will ask you for a promo code or bonus code to qualify for either bonus. Be sure to use our codes to get the best deals. You must enter a promo code during the registration process so that you qualify for the casino's welcome bonus.
Depending upon the site, you may need to enter a code whenever you deposit. This process qualifies you for reload deposit bonuses.
List of video poker games you can play for free
Game King currently holds the monopoly for online video poker. It supplies video poker variations to each active casino. You can see which variations are most likely to be available at video poker casinos below:
Free to play video poker games
Video poker casino apps
Video poker games have an ideal layout for mobile screens, which is why all the modern versions are compatible with the latest mobile devices.
You can play video poker on mobile in two ways — you can either log in to a casino account on your mobile browser or download the casino's official app. Apps are ultimately better than mobile sites, as they provide a better user experience. However, to download and install an app, you will need to be located in one of the states where online gambling is regulated or use an app from a sweepstakes casino.
To download an app, simply go to the casino site you want to use on your mobile device and follow the prompts to get the app from there. Once you have downloaded and installed the app, open it up and log in or create an account to start playing.
Note that not all US casinos have apps. In such cases, you will have to resort to their mobile websites.
Legal casinos with video poker
Legal online video poker is available in those states that have legalized online gambling, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and a few others.
If you live in one of the states that has not yet legalized online gambling, you likely can still play video poker online at a sweepstakes casino. In any case, here is a list of top online casinos that operate in the states where online video poker is legal and regulated.
NJ video poker sites
New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize almost every form of online gambling, so it's no wonder that some of the best US casinos offer their services to NJ residents.
One of the most popular options in the state is DraftKings, which is primarily a daily fantasy sports and sports betting site. Still, it does have its share of online casino games. DraftKings has several video poker games, the most notable being Jacks or Better, Double Double Bonus Poker and Game King Video Poker.
DraftKings' welcome offer consists of a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,500 and a $45 no deposit bonus, which is awarded instantly upon signing up. Other great options for NJ players include Betfair and BetMGM, both of which feature several quality video poker games and offer rewarding bonuses to their first-time customers.
PA video poker sites
Pennsylvania is another gambling-friendly state where you can join several reputable online casinos and try their range of video poker games. The residents of Pennsylvania also have DraftKings Casino at their disposal, along with FanDuel and BetMGM.
BetMGM offers a fantastic deal to new players, matching them up to $1,000 on first deposit and giving $25 as a join bonus.
WV video poker sites
Players from West Virginia can enjoy many of the same online casinos with the same range of video poker games as their fellow players from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The two most popular options are BetMGM and DraftKings, where you can pick up a 100% deposit bonus and a no deposit bonus.
Michigan video poker sites
Michigan is one of the more recent states to legalize online gambling. Up until late 2020, Michigan players didn't have that many options when it came to playing online video poker games. Now, though, they can enjoy top-shelf games on sites like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Hollywood Casino and Golden Nugget.
Sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos, meanwhile, are an option for people who want to play quality video poker games but are located in a state where online gambling remains illegal. The best sweepstakes casinos we can recommend are LuckyLand, Chumba and Funzpoints.
How to play video poker online
You can play video poker within a few steps, even if you've never played online before. The following steps will help you get started as quickly as possible.
Step 1: Choose a quality video poker casino
First, you want to research the online casinos to help you choose a quality gaming site. Legal and safe US casinos are licensed and regulated by the state. This includes the New Jersey Division and Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
You can use our review to figure out which casinos you prefer.
When looking through our review or doing your research, you should keep the following factors in mind:
- Reputation: You should consider the brand's reputation before depositing your money.
- GameSelection: Game variety, especially in the video poker department, is vital to your entertainment.
- Bonuses: You want opportunities to make extra money through bonuses and VIP rewards.
- WebsiteNavigation: Any quality US casino will offer simple website navigation.
- CustomerSupport: You want to interact with a friendly support staff whenever a problem arises.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: More banking methods will give you an easier path toward depositing and cashing out.
Step 2: Register for an account
After you choose a reliable casino, you must sign up. To do this, you'll need to fill out the online casino's registration form.
Gambling sites will require basic information, such as your name, email, phonenumber, username and password. You'll also need to provide your SocialSecuritynumber.
Casinos require the latter for identificationpurposes. Also, regulated casinos must ensure that you're not on the excluded gamblers list.
Step 3: Play free online video poker
Now that you're registered for an online casino, you can play free video poker. Free online video poker provides both entertainment and the opportunity to improve your skills. Furthermore, you can test out video poker variations and determine if you like them. This option is perfect for exploring the video poker world without simultaneously risking your money.
Step 4: Make a deposit (optional)
If you like a particular online casino, you should consider depositing and playing for real money. All online gaming sites offer plenty of deposit methods.
Here are some of the available deposit options in Pennsylvania and NJ:
- Visa and Mastercard: Fund your account with one of the two biggest credit card brands.
- ACH: Send an e-check directly from your bank to an internet casino.
- E-Wallet: PA casinos accept e-wallet payments from Neteller, PayPal or Skrill.
- PayNearMe: You can visit a 7-Eleven convenience store and deposit with cash.
What should I look for in an online casino?
Players from every state where online gambling is legal will have multiple options for where they want to play video poker. But how do you choose the one that suits you? Of course, some casinos may be better than others, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are the best option for you personally. In other words, it all has to do with your own preferences.
In order to make the best choice, you should pay attention to the following things:
- Video poker variations — Almost every casino site has video poker games, but the number of variations is what separates the best from the rest. If you want to play common games like Jacks or Better, you are sure to find them on every site, but if you are interested in trying some of the rarer variations, you will have to dig a little deeper.
- Bonuses and promotions — Bonuses are one of the most important things to look for when choosing a casino site. When comparing bonuses, make sure to not only look at their surface values but also check minimum deposit limits, wagering requirements and video poker wagering contributions.
- Mobile compatibility — If you like using your mobile device for playing video poker, you should look for sites that feature mobile-friendly video poker games. Better yet, try to find a casino that has a designated app.
- Full-pay tables — If you're an experienced video poker player who uses the optimal strategy, you should search for casino sites that offer full-pay games with the highest theoretical return-to-player rate.
- Legal and regulated — It's very important that you select a website that's legal and regulated in your state. For safety, avoid offshore sites.
- Customer support — Beginner players should look for a casino with responsive and friendly customer support, as you may need it to provide the right answers if you get stuck unlocking the bonuses or finding the games you want to play.
Casinos with full-pay video poker games
Full-pay video poker games are those games that offer the highest possible odds and theoretical returns, with short-pay games being the opposite.
Full-pay games pay proportionally more for the highest possible hand (royal flush), but only when you bet the maximum number of coins. The return to player on full-pay games is often close to or exceeds 100% when playing with the optimal strategy. Also, full-pay video poker games offer a 9/6 pay table for a full house or flush, compared to 8/6 or 8/5 pay tables in other games.
While some casinos hide their RTP numbers, leaving the players clueless as to how much they pay in the long run, some casinos are generous enough to provide a full-pay table. Some of the most popular full-pay video poker games you can find in US online casinos include Double Double Bonus Poker and Game King.
Standard video poker payouts
Online casinos offer a variety of pay tables throughout the online market. Each of these vary, depending on the specific game.
You should choose games that meet your expectations as far as risk and volatility. For example, Jacks or Better is the least-volatile video poker variation.
It offers a standard pay table that's void of bonus tables. You can see the Jacks or Better pay table below:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Four-of-a-Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
You may seek a more-volatile video poker variation that offers extra payouts. In this case, Bonus Poker should prove satisfactory.
Here's the pay table for Bonus Poker:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Four Aces | 80 | 160 | 240 | 320 | 400 |
| Four 2s-4s | 40 | 80 | 120 | 160 | 200 |
| Four 5s-Ks | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 8 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 40 |
| Flush | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 24 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Currently, there are no progressive video poker jackpots in either the PA or NJ markets. The most you can win is 4,000 coins through a royal flush on a five-credit bet.
Perhaps these internet casinos will eventually add progressive jackpots. However, the most significant current payouts revolve around a royal flush and bonus prizes.
How to win at video poker
Video poker is a strategic game that gives you a better chance to win if you use properstrategy. You should keep the following tips in mind when playing online.
Choose games with a high RTP
Video poker games with high RTP improve your long-term chances of winning. Variations with higher payout percentages will award you more winnings over time.
The highest paying online video poker variants include:
- Jacks or Better: 99.54% RTP
- Double Double Bonus Poker: 99.51%
- Bonus Poker: 99.17%
You aren't guaranteed to win more money with these games. After all, anything could happen in the short run. Nevertheless, high payout percentages boost your odds of winning profits.
Always bet five coins
You must wager all five coins per hand if you want to achieve the highest payback. By betting five coins, you unlock the full value of the royal flush payout.
Below, you can see how much a royal flush pays, depending on the number of coins you wager:
- One-credit bet = 250 coins
- Two-credit bet = 500 coins
- Three-credit bet = 750 coins
- Four-credit bet = 1,000 coins
- Five-credit bet = 4,000 coins
The royal flush payout increases proportionately up until you wager five coins. At this point, the royal flush value experiences a large boost.
Use a video poker trainer, strategy chart
Optimal payback requires expert strategy; however, the perfect approach varies, depending on which video poker game you're playing.
Jacks or Better, for example, requires a different strategy than bonus poker. That said, you need to find the relevant materials for whatever game you're playing.
Here are the two best resources for improving your video poker skills:
- Strategy Chart: This shows the order of importance for each hand.
- Trainer: This allows you to play video poker hands while correcting your mistakes.
You can significantly increase your video poker knowledge by using either of these tools. Again, you must use strategy materials that match the variation you're playing.
Practice with free video poker
After you register for an account at an internet casino, you gain access to free video poker. Free video poker makes for great practice when you're learning the game. You can implement the strategies you learn through charts and trainers in the free version. Once you feel comfortable, you can move on to real-money video poker with a better strategy.
Tips and strategies for playing video poker
Video poker can be a very rewarding game, as you won't have to rely only on your luck but also on your skills and tactics. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you start playing:
Be responsible
Always decide on your bankroll and make sure not to exceed it. This is easier said than done, as video poker, like any other casino game, can be very addictive and push you to spend more money than originally intended.
Look for progressive payouts
Many video poker games feature life-changing jackpots that players can win with the right strategy and a little bit of luck. Try to find the games with progressive jackpots, as they allow for massive payouts and reduce the overall house edge.
Always bet the maximum amount
To add on to our previous statement, you should always max bet if your bankroll allows it. While this can be a risky strategy, betting the maximum amount is the only way you can get the jackpot.
Jacks or Better is the best alternative
To add on to our previous statement, you should always max bet if your bankroll allows it. While this can be a risky strategy, betting the maximum amount is the only way you can get the jackpot.
Jacks or Better is the best alternative
If no full-pay games are available, try to find Jacks or Better, as it represents one of the highest-paying video poker games. What's more, Jacks or Better is one of the easiest video poker games to learn, making it ideal for beginning players.
Video poker – History and development
Video poker appeared on the gaming scene in the 1970s when the technology arose to combine primitive computer technology and a TV monitor.
For those who recall what TVs were like in the mid-1970s, the VP monitor was certainly no LED flatscreen. Players used a row of buttons below the monitor to hold the cards that appeared on the screen before drawing to a final poker hand.
By 1979 and into the 1980s, IGT made video poker one of the most popular new games in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They did so with their title Draw Poker. IGT then released Jacks or Better. This is still a popular version of video poker today, and IGT became a booming, publicly traded company.
As technology progressed in the following years, the appearance of VP machines stayed about the same. However, touch-screen capability relieved players of having to hit physical buttons.
One of the most popular VP terminals in the world is IGT's Game King. The machine represented the pinnacle of digital casino technology for decades. It remains a favorite of regular video poker players. The Game King allowed casinos to offer multiple VP variants and denominations in a single terminal.
Ultimately, expect to find a variety of video poker iterations on one machine. Some of the most popular include Deuces Wild, Double Bonus, Double Double Bonus, and Ultimate X. Remember that not all video poker is created equal, so check the pay tables and freshen up on the optimal strategy for the variations.
Video Poker FAQ
What is the best video poker game to play for real money?
Jacks or Better is universally one of the best video poker variations available. It offers a nice combination of high 99.54% RTP and low volatility. Game King's Double Double Bonus Poker is another quality real money game. It features a high payback of 99.51% and bonus payouts. Bonus Poker also gives you a solid chance to win. This game offers 99.17% RTP and moderate volatility.
Can I play video poker online for real money?
Absolutely! You can find almost every existing variation of video poker online and play it day and night. Real money video poker can range from a couple of cents to over a hundred dollars, depending on the game.
Which casino has the best video poker games?
If you want to find a regulated real money casino site with a versatile collection of video poker games, your best bet is to try DraftKings. If, on the other hand, online video poker is not legal in your state and you are trying sweepstakes casinos, Chumba is probably the best alternative you can find.
Which video poker game has the lowest house edge?
There are several video poker games that have a negative house edge, which is one of the main reasons why they are so popular. The RTP of Deuces Wild, for example, is 100.71%, followed by Joker Poker (100.64%), Double Bonus Poker (100.17%) and Double Double Bonus Poker (100.07%). Of course, you can expect these returns only if you're using perfect strategy, but even if you're not, these games will be more rewarding than the rest.
Are video poker games the same thing as slots?
No, these two are completely different. Video poker games use the basic rules of poker, while online slot machines are played across spinning reels where the goal is to connect identical symbols in a payline. Also, video slots are entirely based on a random number generator, meaning that the players don't have any power in deciding their fate. On the other hand, video poker lets the players choose which cards to keep and which to discard, allowing for strategy.
What are the best odds on video poker?
The best odds on video poker are in the so-called full-pay games, where the payouts for full houses and flushes are 9 to 1 and 6 to 1, respectively. Also, keep an eye out for royal flush payouts, as the payout for this hand combination is usually proportionally higher when you bet the maximum number of coins. Still, keep in mind that it can differ from one game to another.
What is the best strategy for video poker?
Some general strategies for playing video poker suggest that you should max bet to become eligible for a higher royal flush payout, find games that offer the best house edge and look for progressive jackpot games. Of course, don't forget to always gamble responsibly.
The world of online poker is very different to that of online casinos. When playing blackjack or roulette on the internet your foe is the house. It's the player vs. the operator. Online poker is player vs. player, or PvP as it is known in gaming. This changes everything. Let's take a look at some of the finer points on poker online, the strategy involved and the best places to play in the UK today.
- Free Play & Real Money Games
- Cash Games, Tournaments and Satellites
The most popular form of online poker is Texas Hold'em. There are other variants, such as Omaha Hold'em, but for the moment lets focus on the market's bread and butter. The game enjoyed a boom in the early 00s during which the online player pool doubled in size year on year. In 2006, when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in the United States, the game's popularity plummeted across the pond. Over here though, poker has retained most of its player base.
Texas Hold'em tournaments are still held in Las Vegas and casinos all over Europe, but unlike land-based games where buy-ins remain expensive, play is often slow and players are bound by casino schedules, poker online is an accessible environment suitable for both beginners and professional players.
Best Online Video Poker Casinos
Train Your Poker Skills Online for Free
The learning curve for online poker is certainly longer than that of blackjack or other casino card games. Jumping straight into real money play is risky, as more experienced poker players will be able to pick off those who make rookie mistakes. The beautiful thing about playing poker online is that you can begin developing your skills for free. Before the internet, groups of friends would sit around playing poker for fun using matchsticks or plastic chips. It was a great way to learn the game, but it was slow.
The strongest argument for doing your training online is the huge increase in speed. Every hand is experience gained, and with no shuffling or moving physical chips around you will see a lot more hands online over the same period of time as you would playing live. Pilots measure experience by hours spent on the equipment they are flying. Poker players measure experience by the number of hands they have played. It's a basic principle – increased exposure leads to increased skill. Playing poker online is the best way to get good quickly.
Taking Advantage of a No Deposit Poker Bonus
Free play is perfect for learning the game but it is a very different animal to online poker for real money. Poker is a game where you don't have to have the best hand to win the pot. Psychology, table position, bluffing and acting all play a key role in determining the winner of any given hand. Therefore, when real money is at stake the game flows differently to when it's just for fun. Opponents will play more carefully, and will be less willing to risk chips with weaker hands. Bluffing becomes a little easier – in free play mode bluffs are notoriously hard to get through as it's too easy for players to call – but cashing in on your strong hands is also more difficult.
The best way to experience online poker real money is with a no deposit bonus. This gives you the best of both worlds. Playing for real money ensures the play will be true to that of cash poker, but it removes the risk of damaging your bankroll in the event of a bust.
What's So Special About Online Poker for Real Money?
The biggest advantage of poker online over land-based casino poker is variety. Tournaments and cash games in casinos carry significant overheads for the operators. Dealers need to be paid, and there is limited space for a 200+ entrant poker tournament. Thus, buy-ins and entry fees are kept high to cover costs. The internet solves these practical problems and as a result, buy-ins for online real money poker tournaments can be as low as 10p with a 1p fee for the operator. It's also much easier to stage a tournament with 1,000 entrants, and it won't take three days to complete.
- Blend skill and experience in the ultimate battle of psychology and wit!
- Free play can be chaotic, real money play is more considered!
- Grow with your bankroll – plenty of table options for all levels of player!
- For maximum excitement and a true test of nerves, it has to be real money play!
Satellite tournaments provide another opportunity for players. A satellite tournament is an excellent way to access high-stakes games without stumping up a buy-in. In exchange for a cash prize, satellites offer winners entry to a more lucrative tournament instead. When stacked, players can soon find themselves in games with enormous prize pools from a relatively small, or free, initial buy-in. In 2003, Chris Moneymaker rode his luck all the way to the top when he won the World Series of Poker main event, taking home $2.5 million. He had gained entry to the biggest poker event at the time by winning a $39 satellite on PokerStars.
Online Poker Deposit Bonuses
All the best online poker sites the UK market today will kick-start your bankroll with a nice juicy bonus. This allow players to register for tournaments with higher buy-ins. However, that doesn't mean upon receiving a free £100 bonus it's a good idea to spend it all in one go. A good rule for managing your bankroll is to only risk a maximum of 10% of your total bankroll on any one game. A nice welcome bonus of 100-200% can open a lot of doors to a player managing their bankroll effectively.
How to Play Poker Online: The Basics
In Texas Hold'em, players receive two cards face down called ‘hole cards'. In both land-based casinos and online, a large dealer chip is used to indicate where the cards are to be dealt from. This is an important part of the game as it controls the order in which players act. The two players immediately to the left of the dealer are required to put in blinds – obligatory bets to get the action going.
After the initial round of betting comes three community cards – dealt in the middle of the table that can be used by any player – known as ‘the flop'. A second round of betting commences before a fourth card, the turn, is added to the board. More betting ensues before we see the river, a final card to complete a board of five community cards. A final round of betting completes the play before players reveal their hands in a showdown. If, during any round, there is only one player remains in the hand the pot will be awarded instantly and no further cards are dealt.
There is plenty of jargon to describe the game of poker that can cause confusion to new players. Let's have a look at some of the more essential language of the game.
| The Most Important Poker Terminology Explained | |
|---|---|
| Button | The button indicates the position of the dealer. Play continues immediately to the left of the button. |
| Blinds | Blinds are the compulsary bets placed at the start of each hand by the two players immediately to the left of the dealer. |
| Ante | A bet that every player must place at the start of a round. Not compulsary in every game. |
| Bet & Raise | A bet is the first stake placed in a round. A raise is a bet bigger than the previous stake. |
| All In | When a player bets everything they have, it is called going all in. If the bet is called cards are immediately turned on their backs. |
| Check & Call | A check is like a bet of zero. If there has been no bet so far in the round, the option to check is available. |
| Bluff | A bluff is a bet placed in order to trick an opponent into thinking a strong hand is held. |
| Fold | Folding is the act of surrendering your cards and any previously placed bets in the current round. |
| Hole Cards | The two initial cards received by each player are known as hole cards. |
| Pocket Rockets | A pair of aces in the hole is known as Pocket Rockets, the best possible starting hand. |
| Community Cards | The cards dealt to the middle of the table that can be used by any player are called community cards. |
| Hand | The best five cards available by combining hole cards and community cards is known as a hand. |
| Preflop | All action conducted before the community cards are dealt is called preflop action. |
| Flop, Turn & River | The flop is the first three community cards, the fourth is called the turn, and the fifth the river. |
| Fish & Shark | A beginner player is known as a fish. An experienced player is a shark. Sharks enjoy playing against fish! |
| Suited | Two or more cards that are the same suit (clubs, hearts, diamonds or spades) are suited. |
| Straight | A run of five cards in numerical order. The best possible straight is 10, J, Q, K and A. |
| Flush | A flush is any five cards of the same suit. They do not have be in a running order. |
| Straight Flush | A combination of a straight and a flush, a straight flush is a run of five cards that are also suited. |
| Limit | The maximum amount a player can bet in a single move, although most games are no limit. |
| Loose & Tight | A loose player takes a lot of risks and is very unpredictable. A tight player is more careful but easier to read. |
| Nuts | The best possible hand that can be created depending on the community cards out is called the nuts. |
| Outs | Any card that could give a player is a winning hand is called an out. Players calculate the number of outs to determine the future strength of a hand. |
| Blank | A community card that is not likely to improve a player's hands or affect the outcome of a pot is known as a blank. |
| Pot | All of the money bet so far in a round of poker is gathered into the middle of the table and labelled ‘the pot.' |
| Bad Beat | Players who lose from a very strong winning position are said to have suffered a bad beat. |
| Tilt | If a player suffers a bad beat and then begins to play irrationally as a result, they are said to be on tilt. |
A Guide to Playing Poker Online: Tips & Tricks
Online poker players require a mixture of skill and good fortune to be successful. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about your luck at the tables, but I can help you to improve your knowledge and make you a more skilful poker player.
Position, Position, Position
The number one mistake that amateur players make is ignoring their position on the table relative to the dealer chip. Watch professional poker stars on TV and notice how they play the exact same hand completely differently depending on position. There is no better or worse position to have at the table. Being first to act or last to act each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, but failing to adapt to the changes is suicide. For example, a big bluff in first position is risky as it must get through everyone at the table and you don't have any information – your opponents could have anything! The same bluff placed in last position – made after everyone else has played providing much more information about potential strength – is far less of a risk. Pay attention to position at all times. Best boxing betting sites.
Be Flexible, but Rational. Strategic, but Unpredictable.
It sounds a little oxymoronic, but the key to playing poker at higher levels is to be both rational and irrational at the same time. A mathematical poker player analysing the percentages and betting accordingly can maximise his chances of winning, but he would be predictable and therefore exploitable. Likewise, as chimpanzee placing bets at random would be impossible to read, but would ultimately be unable to maximise wins and limit loses. The very best players are flexible, sometimes making ‘poor' or irrational moves to mix things up. Don't be afraid to take a few knocks along the way to hitting that huge pot.
Stay Cool
Best Online Video Poker Payouts
Online poker can be frighteningly quick. Turbo tournaments have risen in popularity and can give players only seconds to make a decision. There are times in poker when you will feel cheated. You might trick an opponent into risking everything with a weaker hand, only to be beaten on the river by a lucky card. It happens to everyone. Avoiding what the pro's call being ‘on tilt' is especially vital online. Chasing pots or playing aggressively to avenge bad luck is the quickest way to go bust in this game. Take a minute, and keep your cool.
