Video poker is without a rival when it comes to pulling together the key elements of instant play casino gaming and genuine skill and strategy options. Check out the unique video poker features that make it the coolest gaming option in existence……..

Fast fun

Poker is a classic game that's enjoyed by refined, patient gamers, but for many gamers it's too slow. Likewise, slots are fun and easy, but contain less refined gamescapes and options. Thankfully – the answer for both styles of gamers is to play video poker; the unique merging of draw poker and slot playability:

- Cool slot interface style and chunky play and hold/discard buttons
- Click to deal and get 5 cards to analyse
- Click to hold/discard and re-draw
- Win payouts with winning poker combos such as Jacks or Better and Full House

Skill power

Video poker is playable like a slot game, by randomly clicking to hold and discard, with the deal button and cards replacing the spinning action of slots. However, that defeats the magic of video poker, which is based on the responsiveness of the game to statistical strategies. It may sound complex, but learning a simple basic strategy (via a strategy card) is relatively simple and can reward you with high speed strategic gaming, with the chance of limiting the house edge to levels as low as 0.5% (or reversing the edge with precise pro level video poker strategy).

Jackpots with skill?

Few genuine skill and strategy casino games also have the chance to win mega jackpots – but in theory video poker has just that! Just check out the pay out tables in the big web casinos and you'll find thousand coin pay outs on the Royal Flush – which can equal hundreds of thousand or millions on the big progressive video poker games. While skill can't be used to guarantee Royal Flush hands, strategic intent does have the potential to ensure the chance of winning big isn't sacrificed by poor decision making. For example, if your video poker hand has the potential to create a jackpot combo – using a strategy will help you ensure the chance isn't lost by poor video poker decisions.

All-round class

When the video poker experience is considered as a whole – it delivers one of the coolest, fun and intrinsically rewarding casino gaming options (especially in the latest online video poker casinos). Playable from 0.10 to 100.00 plus – there's also scope for novices and genuine pro level gamblers to beat the casino with skill and dare. Video poker strategy sheets are freely available on the web, so any gamer can print one off and experiment using free-play credits or minimal stakes. If you love the refined nature of table games but want more action, or alternatively want more influence than slots offer – video poker is the slickest choice possible.

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Video poker's instant playability makes it a real winner with everyone from novices to pro gamers – but what's the best method to adopt to maximise fun and reward levels?

Playing video poker like slots

Although video poker can be played with skill, the style of the game means it can also be played with pure luck, just like a slot game. Equally, while in the long run this strategy will probably play into the casino's hands – you do have a chance of Royal Flush jackpots which can pay 3000 coins! If you're totally new to the game or just want to chance your arm – simply click to select a wager level and click to hold/discards after the initial 5 card deal; if you know your poker hands it would be useful!

Playing video poker with basic strategy

OK – so you think playing video poker like a slot gamer is stupid! You're probably right if you want a chance of lowering the machine's edge to a couple of percent. Video poker is a genuine skill game, so it will respond favourably when you play statistical moves. It might sound a bit off-putting, but the hard work is all done for you and in essence, you simply need to get your hands on a video poker strategy chart (just surf Google). Once you have a strategy sheet in front of you, simply cross reference your cards with the sheet to find the right cards to hold for an enhanced chance of winning. Many deluxe online VP games also offer auto-skill options, which are a cool way to learn the concepts of strategic gaming.

Vegas pro style video poker

While 'basic' video poker strategy may be the way to easily lower the house edge and make your gaming budget last for longer – it can't beat the casino in the long run without good fortune. So – what can? Well, there are professional grade video poker strategies, and the more info you glean from the web and books, the closer you'll come to being able to flip the casino edge and possibly beat the games for sustained long-term profits. Hardcore video poker gamers need large bankroll, cool heads to power through volatile sessions and the ability to concentrate to apply the strategies with real precision.

Key video poker 'gambling musts'

Level stakes
Playing strategic video poker with level stakes is imperative; otherwise the advantage you pull from the machine will usually count for nothing, and you're bound to strike it unlucky when you boost your stakes. Slow and steady wins the day with video poker (unless you win hundreds of thousand with a Royal Flush!).

Gaming frequency
Playing video poker strategy won't always be plain sailing, and even the pro's invariably hit hot and cold VP sessions. The key is to play regularly to elicit the volume of gaming needed to see a strategy working. Analyse your results on different games and using different strategies – and find the winning route to video poker glory.

Compound stakes
Getting success with your video poker with level stakes? Then try compounding your stakes to boost your wins without excessive risk (for example, wager with 1% of your bankroll, and re-calculate your level stake when you bank doubles).

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