Video poker combines the excitement of poker with the simplicity of slot machines, making it a popular choice among seasoned gamblers. If you’re looking to enhance your strategy and maximize your potential returns, understanding the essential elements such as Return to Player (RTP), bonus terms, and wagering requirements is crucial. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions on platforms like the YetiWin Casino platform.
What is Video Poker?
Video poker is a game that uses a standard 52-card deck and offers various versions, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. The objective is to create the best possible hand to win payouts based on the game’s paytable.
How to Play Video Poker?
1. Choose Your Game
Select a video poker variant that suits your style. Each version has different rules and paytables. For example, Jacks or Better typically offers an RTP of around 99.54%, while Deuces Wild can go up to 100.76% depending on the paytable.
2. Understand the Paytable
Each game will have a paytable showing the payouts for different hands. Familiarize yourself with this before playing. The higher the pay for certain hands, the better the RTP.
3. Make Your Bet
Decide on your bet amount. Most games allow you to choose the number of coins to wager per hand, typically ranging from 1 to 5 coins.
4. Deal the Cards
Press the “Deal” button to receive five cards. After reviewing your hand, you can choose which cards to keep and which to discard.
5. Draw New Cards
After selecting cards to keep, press the “Draw” button to replace the discarded cards. The goal is to create the highest-ranking hand possible.
What are RTP and Its Importance?
RTP stands for Return to Player, which indicates the percentage of total bets that a game will pay back to players over time. For instance, if a video poker game has an RTP of 99%, it means that, on average, players can expect to receive $99 for every $100 wagered. Understanding RTP helps you identify which games offer better value.
What Are Bonus Terms and Wagering Requirements?
Online casinos often offer bonuses to attract players. However, these bonuses come with terms that must be understood before accepting them. The most common terms include:
- Wagering Requirements: This is the number of times you must wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. A common requirement is 35x.
- Game Contribution: Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Video poker may contribute 10% towards the requirement, meaning you need to wager significantly more in video poker than in slots to clear the bonus.
- Time Limits: Bonuses often have expiration dates, typically 30-90 days from the date of issuance.
Common Myths about Video Poker
Myth 1: Video Poker is Just Like Slots
While both are electronic games, video poker requires skill and strategy, unlike slots, which are purely luck-based.
Myth 2: You Can’t Influence the Outcome
Your choice of which cards to keep and which to discard directly affects your chances of winning. This strategic element is what sets video poker apart.
Myth 3: All Video Poker Games Have the Same RTP
Different variants have different RTP rates. Always check the paytable before playing to ensure you’re choosing games with favorable odds.
Comparative RTP of Popular Video Poker Variants
| Video Poker Variant | RTP |
|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 99.54% |
| Deuces Wild | 100.76% |
| Joker Poker | 99.53% |
Understanding these elements will empower you to make informed choices at online casinos. By focusing on RTP, bonus terms, and wagering requirements, you can maximize your potential returns while enjoying the thrilling experience of video poker.
