If you want to start learning to play video then I suggest you start with Jacks or Better.  Why? Because Jacks or Better is a game that will allow you to practice using basic strategy that you can then learn to apply to other video poker games out there as you continue playing the game.  But also because Jacks or Better is a game with good odds and one of the most common games out there.  I know people often have other favorite games that they enjoy playing at casinos, and I’m not saying you won’t eventually find your own favorite games.

But when you start playing you need a consistent game that you can learn from. And one that you can be guaranteed to find at online or brick and mortar casinos that you want to play at. It won’t do much good to start with a favorite game that is only available in a few spots and find yourself out of a game if you visit or login to a different casino.

Jacks or Better is one of the most common video games on the market and for this reason, casinos generally have plenty of machines on the floor and online sites usually offer a Jacks or Better game.  So, for the next few posts, I want to focus the blog on the simple, basic game of Jacks or Better and the strategy you want to follow to play it. 

Though I may take a break now and then to review another version of video poker on the market. Though video poker hasn’t reached the stage of themed games and new looks that slots games have, casinos do try to find new and exciting offers for patrons to play.

I’m going to start with one of the most basic aspects of video poker. It’s one aspect that you’ll have to consider no matter which game you play.  How much do you bet when you play?  The question isn’t one of the amount of money but one of the number of coins and the way odds are calculated.

Video poker is one of a handful of games where skilful play can turn the odds in favor of the player. But keep in mind that the payout for a video poker game is based on the number of coins you bet and you have to bet the full number of coins for a full payout.  For a Royal Flush, there is a huge difference in payout for one coin and five coins. When the odds are calculated, they are calculated for a full payout playing at maximum coins. So, for the odds to be in your favor, you need to play for the full number of coins.

This doesn’t mean that you have to play for a lot of money. Video poker machines, either in real world casinos or online casinos.  Casinos offer a the chance to play for a large range of denominations, from a penny to dollars.  For most machines the maximum number of coins that you’ll need to play is five. So, multiply the amount you play by five.  Or to look at it another way, choose to play at a machine that’s about one fifth the denomination you want to play for. So, if you want to bet a dollar for each hand, then play at a quarter machine. Or if you’re more comfortable starting at just a quarter a hand, play a nickel machine.  Some casinos even offer penny machines.  As your skill increases, you’ll find that even a small amount of money can keep you playing a long time. I’ve played for hours on twenty dollars and walked away with twenty-five dollars. 

Just remember, bet the maximum number of coins for your machine. Always. Or else if you hit a royal flush or a jackpot, you could lose a fortune in potential winnings.

Friends often tell me that they won’t visit casinos or play online because you can’t win. It’s true, for most games the advantage lies with the house.  One exception is poker, where players compete with each other rather than against the house. Poker, table poker that is, is a true game of skill where your ability to win depends on how well you play not only the cards but the other players as well. But table poker can be intimidating and it can take years of practice to learn to play well.

So, what we need is a game that works for the more casual gambler or the expert. Something that we can play that lets us use or skill rather than depend on sheer luck.  A game as easy to play as slots but with the odds of blackjack.  That’s video poker.  More importantly, that’s why my game of choice at any casino, online or in person, is video poker.

Video poker machines may look a lot like slot machines with spinning reels and flashing lights, but the play is completely different. With slots, you spin the reel and depend on luck. With video poker, you have some control over your fate.  It’s a bit like playing regular poker, except you only play against the machine and the pay table, not against others.  There’s no room for bluffing, but there is room for skill. 

So, I’m telling you that you can play video poker and win. How? That’s what I’ll be discussing on the blog.  I’ll provide tips and strategies and even debate some of the strategies out there.  I’ll let you know who’s offering good bonuses and promotions for video poker players.  I’ll introduce you to a casino game that you can play and win.