Video poker is a one of casino games that was introduced back in the 1970s. Ever since its introduction, many variations have spawned that offer different graphics, wildcards and playing styles. However, the basic concept remains the same. Before you play video poker, you should remember a few things.

Know the Cards
It is vital that you know the cards that you are playing. Forgetting the winning card types is the easiest way to lose at video poker. In video poker, the winning card types are:

• A pair (usually jack or higher)

• Two pairs (matching card numbers)

• Three of a kind(matching card numbers)

• Straight

• Flush

• Full house

• Four of a kind

• Straight flush

• Royal flush

When you know your cards well, you will be able to make appropriate choices on which cards to keep and which cards to remove from your hand.

Cards to Keep and Discard
One of the biggest considerations you have to make when you play video poker is what cards to keep and what cards to discard. This is where knowing the winning hand types is important. If you are dealt a 3, 4, 5, 6 and an 8, you are better off keeping the cards as you can make a straight.
However, if you are dealt two 4s, a 6, 8 and 10, you are better off discarding the entire hand. This is because there is very little to no chance that a good hand will form. However, you can also make a ‘three of a kind’ using the two 4 cards. You can do this by discarding the 6, 8 and 10 cards. This gives you higher chance of getting a ‘three of a kind’.

Bets
When you start a new video poker game or are a beginner, it is not advisable to use more coins or bet too much. Always use the least amount of coins until you understand the game much better. Once you start understanding the game, progressively increase your bet.

Wildcards
Always be on the lookout for the wildcard. For many poker games, the wild card could be the joker. Considering that a wild card can become anything you want, always consider your hand with respect to a potential wildcard.
If you want to play video poker, it is essential that you keep a few considerations in mind. If you cannot remember the winning hands, stop playing and learn/revise the game – you stand to win more that way. When repeatedly losing, it is better to play it safe and stop playing the game. Go back, revise the game and come back stronger and smarter.