Four Steps for Developing Your Own Video Poker Strategy

March 31st, 2010  |  Published in Gambling Games

Video poker is quickly taking over the casinos. Many land-based and online casinos are clearing out some of their poker tables to make way for more of these popular machines. If you have never tried a video poker machine, or only played one a few times, you may want to consider developing a technique and playing these games more often. Video poker offers a variety of games; many not found at the poker tables, and can bring in big winnings if you play smart.

Develop Your Video Poker Strategy: Step by Step

Step One- Learn the Video Poker Games

There are a wide variety of games on video poker machines, such as Deuces Wild or Double Barrel Bonus. You should learn the basic rules of each of these games. If you are able to play all of the games, you can find the best paying machines by playing different games.

Step Two- Learn the Betting Structure

Unlike traditional poker games where a player must have the highest hand at the table to win, video poker players win every time they get a qualifying hand. The winnings are paid out according to a pay scale. These pay scales may vary by the casino but they all pay according to a ratio using the type of hand and the amount the player bet. You can find the pay out scale listed near the video poker machine or on the machine itself. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these scales.

Step Three- Find Your Favorite Games

You will have more enthusiasm, and a better chance of winning, if you play the games you enjoy. Find your favorite games by playing each video poker game offered in the casino. Play three to five hands on each game and move on when you get the ropes down.

Step Four- Practice

Like any game of poker, developing a strategy takes practice. Play video poker games as often as you can, focusing on developing your skills. You can brush up on your technique without leaving your house- most online casinos have video poker games, and some even let you join a practice area for free. These practice areas offer the same games. Players can test their skills on many of the popular video poker games without having to spend any money. This is a great benefit to someone looking to develop their skills before breaking in to their bankroll.

Tags: , , , ,

How to Play Double Barrel Bonus Video Poker

March 5th, 2010  |  Published in Inrodution

Double Barrel Bonus is a form of video poker. Video poker machines are becoming common place in both land based an online casino. Video poker is similar to traditional poker, except the player uses a gaming machine instead of a poker table. The video poker machine acts as the dealer and the player only plays against himself.

Double Barrel Bonus Video Poker is a traditional five-card poker card game with a twist. In Double Barrel Bonus, the player is dealt five cards. Those five cards must have a pair of jacks or better for the player to win the hand.

How Do I Play Double Barrel Bonus Video Poker?

To start a round of Double Barrel Bonus, the player will place an Ante bet by entering a monetary amount on the betting screen. An Ante bet is required for each round of Double Barrel Bonus, and several casinos place a minimum betting limit on the bet.

Once the Ante bet has been placed, the player will be dealt five cards by the poker machine. From here the player can decide whether to ride their hand or fold. If he or she folds, they will loose their Ante bet. If the player wants to ride their hand, they must raise their original Ante bet.

After raising their Ante bet, the player can discard the playing cards they do not feel are helping their hand. A player can discard up to four cards. The video poker machine will then deal out additional cards to replace the ones discarded by the player.

The player will only get one chance to change their hand. After the second round of dealing, the player will enter the final draw against the video poker machine. The player must have at least a pair of jacks to win the hand. Any less and the player will loose their bet.

How Does Betting Work in Double Barrel Bonus?

If the player is holding a pair of jacks or better they will be paid out according to the betting structure for the video poker machine. Typically, Double Barrel Bonus pays out on a ratio of 1:1 or 3:1. However, the pay out structure is determined by the casino and may vary. Players can view the pay out structure in the options menu of the video poker machine.

It is important to remember that Double Barrel Bonus is an all-or-nothing game of poker. If the player’s hand is equal to or more then a pair of jacks, then the player will be paid. If the hand is any less, the player will loose their bet. For this reason, it is important to play each hand carefully and know when to fold. It is better to fold a poor hand on an Ante bet then to loose both an Ante and a raise. Players can minimize this risk by keeping their bet raises small on the hands they are not certain of and saving the larger raises for guaranteed hands.

Tags: , , , , , ,