Playing Poker Online: A Beginner’s Guide to Stake Video Poker
Playing poker online might sound a little complicated for your tastes, but stick with it because you’re about to be introduced to one of the simplest forms of this classic casino favorite in this Stake.com Video Poker guide. Stake Video Poker is a neat, pared-back version of the classic online poker game you may be used to, making it excellent for beginner players. This essential game guide can help you get started, including expert gameplay tips and strategy advice.
What Makes Stake Video Poker Unique?
Exclusive to the Stake platform, Originals are well-known for offering simplified and accessible variants of classic casino games. Video Poker is no exception, with an easy-to-understand play system that’ll convert even the most poker-skeptic of casino players. The streamlined design and user-friendly interface make it an attractive option for those who may feel overwhelmed by traditional poker games.
Understanding the Goal of Stake Video Poker
First off, know that this is very different from the poker you may be used to. Video Poker is more akin to slots, with no skill or powers of deduction required to gain an upper hand – it’s really a game of chance. The aim of the game is to score winning hands. This particular variant is based on the “Jacks or Better” rule, wherein the first winning combo starts with a pair of jacks.
There are nine winning hands in total, including:
Hand
Multiplier
Royal Flush
800x
Straight Flush
60x
4 of a Kind
22x
Full House
9.00x
Flush
6.00x
Straight
4.00x
3 of a Kind
3.00x
2 Pair
2.00x
Pair of Jacks
1.00x
How to Play Video Poker at Stake
Now that you know the winning hands you’re looking for, let’s take a closer look at how to play Video Poker on the Stake online casino.
Access the Game: Load up Video Poker from the Stake Originals game menu.
Set Your Stake: Enter the amount you want to wager and hit the green play button.
Dealing Cards: You’ll be dealt five cards and can choose to keep or replace as many as you want. For instance, you may wish to hang on to Jacks, since winning starts with gaining one pair of these.
Check Your Wins: If you score a win, your winning hand will be indicated in the complementary pay table. Then, the virtual dealer will draw a fresh hand.
Best Strategies for Stake Video Poker
Video Poker is more luck-based than the traditional version you may be used to, so there are no real opportunities to resort to tactics, skills, and bluffing to increase your chances of winning. However, there are a couple of strategy tips recommended to mix things up and add a little pizazz to those poker round playthroughs.
Hold Winning Combos: It’s recommended to always keep hold of winning combos, even if you plan to trade cards in pursuit of a better hand. That way, you know you’re going to score at least one win, even if it’s only a Pair of Jacks. Plus, that hand could easily become a 3-of-a-Kind or Flush if your luck holds.
Keep High Cards: If you don’t have any combos, consider keeping cards Jack or higher. That way, you stand the best chance of hitting at least One Pair.
Playing Video Poker for Free
If you’re hesitant to dive in with real money, you might be wondering if you can play Video Poker for free at Stake. While Stake Originals like Video Poker are exclusive to the Stake platform and have gained a devoted fanbase, many online casinos offer demo versions of their games. This allows players to practice without financial risk, making it an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics before wagering real money.
Bonuses and Promotions
One of the exciting aspects of playing at Stake is the potential for bonuses and promotions. New players can often take advantage of exclusive offers, such as a 200% deposit match bonus up to $1,000, along with other perks like rakeback on losses. These bonuses can significantly enhance your gaming experience, giving you more opportunities to play and win.
Conclusion
Stake Video Poker has to be among the most intuitive and accessible versions of this classic online casino game on the market, making it absolutely perfect for beginners. Even more experienced players will enjoy the game, though, with a respectable pay table to sweeten the deal. With its straightforward gameplay and engaging mechanics, Stake Video Poker is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the world of online poker without the complexity often associated with traditional poker games.