How to play First Person Video Poker: Rules, tips, and strategies

Poker is a popular card game that requires luck and strategy. It has different variations you can play, and one of the most well-known ones is First Person Video Poker. The game is called ‘first person’ because it feels like you're sitting at a virtual poker table. 

Key takeaways

• Video poker is a unique and exciting game that combines poker and slot elements to create an engaging gaming experience. 
• Some of the video poker strategies you should consider include learning the game’s rules, using a strategy chart, and knowing when to break a high pair.  

Before you play video poker online, learn its rules, gameplay mechanics, and the best tips and strategies to increase your chances of winning with this guide: 

How to play video poker

Video poker is a popular casino game that combines elements of poker and slots. It has the same rules as the classic poker game wherein the goal is to create the best possible hand to win.

Once the cards are dealt, you can assess your cards and choose which ones to keep and which to discard to create the best hand. Video poker is simple and fun to play, making it a go-to choice for new and experienced players. 

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What is First Person Video Poker by Evolution?

Evolution’s First Person Video Poker is a well-known video poker game that blends engaging gameplay using random number generator (RNG) tech for an enhanced gameplay experience.  In this game, you sit at a virtual video poker machine in the middle of a casino setting and play up to 100 hands at once.

Your goal is to create the best five-card poker hand using the original five cards dealt to you, and any extra cards available to improve your hand. The game starts after choosing the number of hands you want to play.

Gameplay mechanics

First Person Video Poker by Evolution comes with different paytables, with the Jacks or Better being the default paytable. Other ones include:

• Tens or Better
• Double Double Bonus
• Bonus Poker
• Deuces Wild

Once you have chosen your paytable and the number of hands you want to play with, here’s how the game progresses:

• The first card deal → When the betting phase is over, the first cards are dealt. If you bought extra cards, they will show up at the top of the screen, face down at first. The dealt cards make up the main hand. 
• Swap or keep your cards → After receiving the initial cards, choose which of the five to keep and which to trade. You can hold one to all five cards by clicking on them. A ‘Hold’ Symbol will then appear below the held cards. If you didn’t hold any cards, a default decision is made on your behalf.
• Card swap → The cards you chose not to hold will be swapped with virtual RNG cards You pick these cards at random from a virtual deck with the other 47 cards. The cards you first selected to hold will be held by all virtual hands. However, extra cards will be dealt from a virtual deck so that every card is unique.
• Winning → The frequency and payment of the winning poker combos are shown once all virtual hands have been filled with RNG cards. For an easy overview, each successful combo gets a unique colour code.

Strategies and tips for playing video poker

Video poker requires luck and a video poker betting strategy to win. To maximise your chances of winning, consider the following tips and strategies:

Know the rules

Take the time to learn the specific rules of the game you're playing, as different poker variations have unique features and payouts. Knowing how hands are ranked, the importance of the paytable, and when to hold or discard cards greatly enhance your chances of winning. Learning the rules also boosts your confidence, allowing you to enjoy the experience more fully. 

Learn poker hand rankings

Each hand you can make, from a high card to a royal flush, has a specific value that determines whether you win or lose. By knowing the poker rankings, you can easily identify the strength of your hand and make better decisions about which cards to keep or discard.

Here are the poker hand rankings from highest to lowest:

• Royal flush → The highest hand possible, consisting of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit.
• Straight flush → Five consecutive cards of the same suit. If two players have a straight flush, the one with the highest top card wins.
• Four of a kind → Four cards of the same rank. The fifth card, known as the kicker, breaks ties.
• Full house → These are three cards of one rank and two cards of another.  The three of a kind ranks higher in case of a tie.
• Flush → A flush consists of five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.  If two players have a flush, the one with the highest card wins.
• Straight → Five consecutive cards of different suits. The highest card in the straight determines the winner in case of a tie.
• Three of a kind → This is a hand with three cards of the same rank. The highest remaining cards (the kickers) are used to break ties.
• Two pair → Two cards of one rank and two cards of another. The highest pair ranks first, followed by the second pair, and then the kicker.
• One pair → A hand with two cards of the same rank. The highest remaining cards are used to break ties.
• High card → When none of the above hands are made, the highest card plays. If players have the same high card, the next highest card is considered, and so on.

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Maximise a video poker strategy chart

Using a video poker strategy chart is one of the best video poker tips as it allows you to improve your game. These charts outline the best moves to make based on the hand you’re dealt, helping you decide whether to hold, discard, or draw new cards. 

By following the chart, you can maximise your chances of winning and minimise losses. It’s like having a helpful guide right by your side as you play. Over time, you’ll become more familiar with the strategies, and this knowledge will make you more confident in your decision-making. 

Here’s a standard video poker strategy chart that shows you how many cards to replace and maintain for every initial hand:

Know when to break a high pair

Sometimes, you might be dealt a high pair, like two aces or two kings, which can be a strong hand. However, there are instances where it may be better to discard one of the cards to try for a stronger hand, like a three-of-a-kind or a straight.

Knowing when to take this risk helps you maximise your chances of winning. It’s about balancing the strength of your current hand with the potential for a better one.

Don’t rush

It’s easy to get excited and make quick decisions, but taking your time leads to better outcomes. Rushing causes you to overlook important details, like potential winning combos. On the other hand, when you pause to think about your hand and consider your options, you make smarter choices, like which cards to keep or discard. 

Common video poker mistakes to avoid

Avoid the following common video poker mistakes for a worthwhile video poker gaming experience:

• Holding low-value cards → Don't hold onto cards with no much value. Always aim to keep higher-value cards that lead to better payouts.
• Chasing losses → If you're losing, it can be tempting to keep playing to try to win back your money. However, this often leads to bigger losses. It's better to take a break from playing and try again another time.
• Playing too fast → Rushing through your game leads to mistakes. Take your time to think about each hand and make the best decision.
• Not taking advantage of bonuses and promos → Gamdom offers generous bonuses and prompts to give you a head start. Take advantage of these offers, as they not only extend your gameplay but also give you extra chances to win.
• Failing to account for the royal flush → The royal flush is the highest hand in video poker and offers the best payout. Make sure you understand how to play for it and recognise when you have a chance.
• Playing while distracted →  If you're not focused, you might miss important decisions. Only play video poker when you can give the game your full attention for better outcomes.

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