Video poker games at online poker

Types of Machines

The first video poker machines were the 3card draw poker machines, most with a “6-9” payout table. This shortened description has been adapted by authors and strategists as a means to both Identify the “straight” or “regular version of the game, and, at the same time distinguish between the two most common variations in payout on that type of machine.

The difference between the “6-9” and the “S8” types refers to the payout per coin played for flushes and full houses, respectively,, on these regular machines (6-9) and the progressive jack[ t versions (5.8) of the regular types. obviously be “6-9” machine is the one to look for among regular machines since It pays more for a flush house. Complete paytables of these and types are found in the chapter -on percentages poker - tricks to play.

The appeal of the game to the general public its rapid rise in popularity beyond that of the ‘one-armed bandits” can be attributed to-several actors:
First, it combines a modicum of skill with the of slot playing, made even faster and easier with buttons to push instead of handles to-pull.

That modicum of skill is an important facet of video poker’s acceptance as a ‘4game,” not just a “gamble.” it decreases the reliance on chance or luck to win, unlike regular slot machines which have players at the casino’s mercy.

Second, it is a “sit down” game with its own attached seat and screen (opponent) at eye level, but without the intimidation that a novice or less- skilled poker player would feel when faced with a live dealer and opponent players at the casino tables.
Third, it is now deemed more “respectable” to participate in a game of “video poker” than to pour money down the hungry gullet of a “plain” slot machine.

Watching the. number and face cards being dealt is more fascinating than watching fruits and bells and bars spinning around until they stop (usually on the wrong line.) Making choices on the draw gives a player a sensation of control and power over the outcome be is not entirely at the machine’s mercy.

Like the video arcade games explosion which produced a myriad of imitations and variations, video poker’s tremendous success has spurred a revolutionary group of variations that vie for players’ attention and purse. Some types were short-lived such as 7-card stud and Red Dog. Both Deuces Wild and Joker Wild types were fairly popular but not numerous until the IGT versions hit the casinos poker - progressive professional teams. Let’s briefly describe the types that have prevailed and are more popular in some areas than the straight-poker original.

Joker Poker

“Joker poker” or Joker Wild machines were almost an overnight t success. The addition of a second best “mini-jackpot” for five-of-a-kind and the increase in size of the royal flush bonus became palatable substitutes for diminished returns on the lesser winning hands. The payout for a “dirty” or “wild” royal with a joker replacing any of the other “royal” members of that group was comparable to that for 4-of-a-kind on a straight machine. Players soon began to lineup, so to speak, to play the machines, even to the neglect of the straight types. They were a favorite of locals in Las Vegas and other Nevada casinos and have carried their weight on the casino floor for years.

Deuces Wild

Like Joker online poker, these machines have a “mini” Jackpot for four deuces. which, on most machines, equals that for 5-of-a-kind on Joker Wild types. They have four wild cards instead of one. Consequently, the smaller winning bands again suffer with a comparable reduction in payout — a sort of “law of diminishing returns.”

Players are willing to trade these diminished returns for an “ostensible” increase in possibility of hitting the mini- pot. Think about the flaw in that rationale. It should be easier to get five- of-a-kind (four-of-a-kind of any card in the deck plus the joker) than four of only one card — the deuce.) However, video poker players are fickle. Before long, Deuces Wild machines received more play than Joker Poker and are (what else?) gradually outnumbering those “happy harlequins” in many casinos.

Deuces-Joker Wild

Manufacturers and casinos are always willing to oblige the customers with the games they prefer. Since they enjoyed both one and four wild card poker why not give them five wild cards? Combining the two types and adding yet another jackpot incentive, these machines now have a “maid-jackpot” for hitting the five wild cards that is 2½ times that of a straight royal flush.
Wow! Who could resist? What’s the trade-off? The “mini” jackpots for four deuces, wild royal, and five-of-a-kind diminish proportionately. The return for four-of-a-kind (so nice on 5-8 and 6-9 machines) has dropped from 125 coins to 20 coins, with the same payout for full houses and flushes. A straight flush dropped from 250 to 30 on quarter, half-dollar, and. dollar machines. Ugh! Guess what! These machines are becoming popular, but not quite as rapidly as the other two wild machines.