The term Video Poker is exactly the same as you would normally play, only it's in slot machine form. Players are dealt a hand after placing a bet and then Hold or Discard from five dealt cards and get a second deal (of course you cn hold all if you wish / lucky enough!).

There are some differences between Casino Video Poker (CVP)and the normal table version, namely:

• In CVP the House is actually the machine and it does not attempt to beat you.
• there are no other players so you can only lose to the dealer
• there's no need to bluff
• Don't try to transfer any strategy over for mtable to video, it rarely pays dividends

CVP is now one of any casino's most popular games. Based on classic Five Card Stud, CVP asks players to build the best possible five-card hand from the five cards you are dealt. You get the one discard and then new cards to replace.

Payoffs are based on a scale, paying players for hands as low as a pair of tens or Jacks all the way up to a Royal Flush. Many online casinos now offer progressive payoffs or bonuses for Royal Flushes or other special hands. Video Poker provides variety too, with versions ranging from 'Jacks or Better' to 'Deuces Wild' and 'Jokers Wild'.

What ranks?

The ranking of hands starting from the highest are as follows:

• Five of a Kind
• Royal Flush
• Straight Flush
• Four of a Kind
• Full House
• Flush
• Straight
• Three of a Kind
• Two Pair
• A Pair
• Five of a Kind is only possible when using a Joker or Wild Cards and is the highest possible hand.

Las Vegas regulations require that the outcome of any hand in Video Poker not be affected by the number of coins played - this is not always the case with online games so make sure the provider is bonefide and is regulated by a leading Audit company.