Online Video Poker Versus Live Table Poker

In online video poker, as in table poker, a player is dealt five cards from a well-shuffled deck of fifty-two cards. The player then chooses which of the five cards to hold onto and which to 'throw away' or discard. The discarded cards are replaced with new cards from the deck and the player's objective is simple - to gain or improve a winning hand and enjoy the pay-out.

However it is at this point that the two games begin to differ. With online video poker a player is in effect playing against himself as their are no other players at the table to 'beat' their hand. As the casino or 'house' acts as the bank, all the player has to do is strive to get the hands that win according to the house's list of pay-outs. No bluffing whatsoever is required here.

It is important to note that certain key principles of live table poker do not apply in online video poker and visa versa. It is crucial that a player learns the differences between these two games in order to minimise losses and maximise profits.

Very often it is this 'ignorance' that casinos rely on to keep the odds in their favor so to keep the casinos on their toes, you need to be an informed and skilled online video poker player.

It is primarily these characteristics that lure most players into making bad plays, thus making video poker a big winner for the casino, even on games that offer over 100% potential payback. In this section, however, you will learn just how easy it is to keep the house edge to a minimum, and in some cases to even enjoy the prospects of being a long-term winner.