Poker – a game we all know and many love, with a firm place among the stars of the casino universe. Some would go as far as to say this is the most popular game; others would say it’s not the top but it’s close. Either way, poker has an untouchable reputation… but what about a branch of it that appeared in the 1970s? Video poker.
Video poker – this will surprise exactly nobody – has a lot in common with poker, but there are also a few major differences. Some people who love normal poker wouldn’t touch video poker with a ten-foot pole; others are die-hard fans who prefer this game to the original!
So, let’s figure out what the differences are between these two games, where their similarities lie, and basically all you could want to know about video poker! In a world of ferociously enthusiastic gamers, where people are constantly waiting for the next big releases, preordering consoles, and generally diving headfirst into gaming with unprecedented excitement, video poker games are still immensely popular and holding their own despite the competition.
What Is Video Poker?
Let’s start in the logical place: what are we actually talking about here? We all know regular poker involves going up against other players and the dealer, with scoring hands including things like a flush, a straight, a royal flush, and more. There are a ton of variants, but the basics are the same across the board, and this game is enormously well-known and loved.
And with video poker? First of all, you’re not playing against other people – no dealer, no other players (though we’re going to acknowledge here that there is a multiplayer video poker now available at some casinos – but we’ll be sticking with the basic version to stop this from getting excessively complex). You’re instead up against a machine that looks something like a slot machine (or possibly playing online against the computer). The software deals with your cards and you choose the ones you want. You can also draw cards to replace those you don’t want. In terms of the deck? It’s still 52 cards, and yes, your goal is still to make your hand as good as it can be.
So, if you want to play video poker, you’re much better off if you already know how to play poker… but which of these games is more challenging and which might you like to play?
What Are The Differences?
Before you decide to leap into video poker, it’s important to consider the fact that you’re working with quite a different game in many ways. Don’t throw yourself at it on the assumption that you’ll win because you’re a poker pro – slow down and learn what’s different here. Yes, we’ve got similarities, but not everything is the same.
The biggest difference really is that if you’re someone who depends on tells and observations you can get from the other players… well, the machine isn’t going to display shaky hands, shifty looks, or hesitation in the betting. You’re not working with any “poker face” here, and that makes a huge difference to how the game feels and operates.
Some people prefer this because it means they can focus on the math elements and take a logic-based strategy to increase their chances of winning. Others prefer the people-reading aspect of live poker. If you’re not sure, it’s well worth trying both games and seeing which feels better to you! If you’re swapping from video poker to live poker, be aware that the ability to read the other players is going to be absolutely critical to winning in many cases – so if you don’t like this, you may not enjoy the switch. Even an expert at video poker can struggle in a live game!
Next, it’s important to be aware that in live poker, the pot size varies between games and the amount you win will depend on the game. In video poker, each hand will pay a specific amount. That means you can calculate what your winnings are likely to be far more effective, which some people really prefer – and others dislike.
Some people say that live poker is harder than video poker because you’ve got to bring in the people-watching element, and the skill of those you are up against is going to vary from game to game. Others prefer live poker precisely because you have additional information from watching the other players!
Which Should You Play?
Ultimately, which is “your game” is very dependent on you. If you enjoy playing with others, you like the social aspects, and you’re a fan of reading poker faces, a live game might have a lot more appeal – but if you’re more of a math-based person and you prefer predictability, you can certainly give video poker a spin. Some people opt for both games and enjoy the variation depending on their mood and the situation! It’s well-established now that playing poker can hone your mental abilities, so if you think one or both of these games could be for you… well, sit down and wait for the cards to shuffle!