Video Poker is one of the most popular casino games, both offline and on the Web. With a low Casinos Edge and the opportunity to win big, video poker has developed a large following of skill-minded players, not to mention fans of poker and those who like to go it alone. When played online, it's just you and the computer anyways, which is just the way many gamblers like it.

There are several variations of video poker, the most of which you will find in Atlantic City or Las Vegas casinos. Online casinos generally have a standard selection of video poker games, and depending on the casino and software, will normally include Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, Aces and Faces, Joker Poker and Bonus Poker.

As mentioned, video poker returns a low Casinos Edge, and can actually return a Players Advantage. However, in order to consistently "make it" at video poker, players need to make the most accurate choices based on precise, computer-derived mathematical strategy. Even then, there is no guarantee of winning. Video poker is characterized by many highs and lows, which demands a well padded bankroll and plenty of discipline. Overall, the return is very good. Just take a look at the payout percentages of audited online casinos and you will see consistently high returns in the high nineties for video poker.

If you are new to video poker, the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the standard poker hand ranking, if you haven't already done so. Better yet, familiarize yourself with the payout table for each video poker game you play. There are slight variations in the payouts, and it pays to know them well. Oftentimes, the same video poker game will payout differently depending on the casino. On the internet, video poker payouts will vary between software providers. Therefore, know your software developers.

All video poker machines offer from one to five coins and some even allow you to play 100+ hands at once. After deciding on a coin stake ($.01 to $5, depending on the game), select the number of coins and hands to play and click the DEAL button. Select which cards you would like to place a hold on any cards you want to keep by clicking on the card. In some games, the software will automatically place a hold on cards it thinks you should keep according to strategy. If you don't agree with the choices, click on the card to remove the hold. When you are finished, click on the DRAW button to play the hand through.

Generally, it is best to cease from risking your winnings on the bonus round. Depending on how much risk you want to take, the bonus round should not necessarily be out of the question. However, if you are playing with 100% accurate strategy, your should abstain from risking your winnings on the bonus round. It is also advised to bet the maximum number of coins, for there is practically always a bonus award for playing the maximum number of coins.

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