While everybody seems to be talking, playing, and watching Texas Hold'em poker these days, quietly in the background, video poker is gaining a lot of attention.
The Appeal of Video Poker
The truth is that not everybody likes the table versions of poker. They say that it's not spontaneous. Not everybody has the time or the patience to sit through a long knockout tournament and play in a heads-up game against players that you don’t know. for some, this can cause a lot of stress.
That’s one of the reasons why Video Poker is the latest online hit. You can play this fast-moving game whenever you want with various difficulty levels and prizes.
Variations of Video Poker
There are several online video poker versions. Starting from the traditional Jacks or Better to Twos Floating. As these names suggest every version of video poker is a bit of a roller coaster ride, especially when you get to the more complex versions where it is possible to even draw five aces!
Jokers Wild: A Popular Variation
The variation of Video Poker which offers a fair compromise in complexity is known as Jokers Wild.
Jokers Wild or Joker Poker as it is sometimes known bears a strong similarity to Jacks or Better, with the total difference being that Jokers Wild is played with a Joker. As any card player will tell you a joker in the deck can seriously affect the outcome of any hand.
How to Play Jokers Wild
To start the handoff, the player places five bets before the hand is dealt. These bets can range in value from half a unit to five units per bet, with the average total bet being five units.
As in all versions of video poker, Jokers Wild deals five cards. A player can choose to hold all five cards on the first deal but this is unusual as they will want to improve their hand. Players can choose to muck all of these cards and hope to improve their situation, although they will usually hang on to a single-face card or an ace and especially a joker. After the first deal, the player is dealt another set of cards which again they can choose to muck if they haven’t improved their hand.
On the third attempt, the player must hold their five cards. If they haven’t made a pair of jacks or better they lose. Any hand above a pair of jacks wins. In some versions of video poker, the payout will be considerably higher if the player has made a hand without the aid of a joker.
Conclusion
Video poker is emerging as a popular alternative to traditional poker games. Popularity is growing particularly among players who prefer a more fast-paced and less stressful experience. The ability to play at any time, coupled with the potential for significant payouts, makes video poker a favorite choice for many. As this game continues to gain traction online, it's clear that its unique blend of strategy and chance appeals to a wide range of players. This ensures its place as a prominent feature in the world of online gaming.
