How to Play Video Poker

Video poker is a combination of five-card draw poker and a slot machine. You can play it in casinos across the nation, or in your pajamas at your PC through sites such as Casino-on-Net.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Card Tables
• Video Poker Cue Cards
• Playing Cards
• Poker Chips

Preparation

1. Learn the rules of basic five-card draw table poker.

2. Acquire cue cards for the variations of video poker you want to play.

In the Casino

1. Go to the promotions booth.

2. Fill out and turn in an application for a player's card.

3. Pick up the card.

Playing

1. Insert your player's card in the slot on the machine you are playing.

2. Insert money in the machine.

3. Press the Deal/Draw button.

4. Press the Hold button beneath each card that you want to keep.

5. Press the Deal/Draw button.

6. Repeat if desired.

7. Press the Cash Out or Credit button when you are finished playing.

Tips & Warnings

• Cue cards are cheap - $4 each or $3 if you buy 10 or more. They can be purchased at gambling specialty stores.

• Video poker can be beaten over the long term, but the long term is very long. It could take up to one year of playing 8 hours a day to see a profit.

• Use a player's card every time you play. This will allow you to get many meals, and even hotel rooms, free.

• Insert a lump sum of money into the machine. That way, you don't have to reinsert money every time you want to be dealt a hand.

• Set aside many of the concepts of live poker. You can't bluff or play hunches with a machine.

• Use the cue card. Play as slowly as is required to perfect accuracy; mistakes will cost a great deal over the long term.

• Gambling can be addictive. If you think you have a problem, get help immediately.