As you may already know, Video Poker is one of the most popular casino games. No matter which casino you’re at, you’ll be sure to find this machine on the casino floor or online. They also come in many variations. While it may sound confusing to have so many different types, they all share the same goal. The objective is to try to get the best possible poker hand. Aside from being fun to play, it’s easy to get the hang of, and there’s also skill involved, which makes it more engaging.
Some of the most popular versions of Video Poker are Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Each one is similar, with only minor adjustments. The purpose of having such a large variety of Video Poker games is to enhance them so they remain engaging over time. In this article, we’ll be focusing on Joker Poker. We’ll go over the basic rules on how to play, as well as some strategies that can help improve your gameplay.
Joker Wild Poker
Joker Poker, also commonly known as Joker Wild Poker, is a popular variation of Video Poker. What makes this game different from other versions, such as Deuces Wild or Jacks or Better, is that it includes an additional card. In this version, the additional card is the Wild Joker. This extra card turns the standard 52-card deck into 53 cards. As a result, some of the rules are slightly different compared to other versions. One of the differences, for example, is that a pair of Kings is typically the lowest hand required to qualify for a payout.
What is the purpose of having the extra Wild Joker card? The advantage of this card is that it can replace any other card to create a stronger hand. In that case, this is the most flexible card in the deck. Just like other Video Poker games, the goal is to form the best hand possible with the five cards you’ve been dealt. By having the Wild Joker in play, you have more possibilities for forming stronger hands.
Joker Poker Rules
Joker Poker rules are very similar to other Video Poker games. Once you have placed your bet and selected the number of hands you would like to play, you press the Deal button. You will then be dealt five cards and must decide which ones (if any) you would like to discard. Once you have selected which cards to replace, you press Draw and receive new ones. If you don’t want to discard any cards, you can keep them by selecting Hold. Each hand is counted separately if multiple hands are played.
To better understand how the Joker works, imagine you are holding two Kings, a 6, a 9, and a Joker. In this case, the Joker will act as a King, improving your hand to three of a kind.
Keep in mind that many Joker Poker games require at least a pair of Kings to qualify for a payout, although this can vary depending on the game. It’s always a good idea to check the paytable beforehand.
Below are the typical hand rankings, from lowest to highest:
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Pair of Kings or Higher – for example, two Queens
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Two Pair – two sets of cards with the same rank
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Three of a Kind – three cards with the same rank
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Straight – five cards in sequence
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Flush – five cards of the same suit
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Full House – a pair and three of a kind
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Four of a Kind – four cards of the same rank
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Straight Flush – a straight with all cards of the same suit
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Royal Flush – five cards of the same suit from 10 to Ace
Joker Poker Strategy
Now that you are more familiar with this version, let’s go over some strategies that can help you become a better player. Keep in mind that payout percentages can vary by game and how it is played. This is why it’s important to use a structured approach to make informed decisions.
How to play your cards if you are dealt a Joker:
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Discard one card if it is not part of combinations such as four cards to a flush, four cards to a straight flush, four cards to a straight, four of a kind, or four cards to a royal flush.
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Discard two cards that do not form combinations such as a straight flush or three of a kind.
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For any other things not mentioned, keep the Joker and discard the remaining cards.
How to play your cards if you are NOT dealt a Joker:
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Discard the remaining two cards if you receive three cards to a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush.
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Discard the fifth card if you are dealt four cards to a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush.
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If you’re dealt three of a kind, discard the other two cards.
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If you are dealt four of a kind, discard the fifth card.
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Discard the fifth card if you receive two pairs to try for a full house.
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Discard the remaining three cards if you receive two cards to a royal flush, two cards to a straight flush, or a pair.
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Discard all cards for any other hands not mentioned.
If you enjoy this variation of Video Poker and would like to try others, you can explore additional versions within Fortune’s Ultimate Slots, including options such as Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better, available in a free-to-play format, anytime, any day, anywhere.