Video Poker Tournaments

Testing Your Video Poker Skills against Other Players

We mentioned on several occasions throughout this guide that video poker is generally a solitary game as it pits players against a machine rather than against each other. The gameplay gets repetitive after a while in the absence of any human interaction and socialization. This aspect of the game appeals to some players but puts others off. This is where video poker tournaments come in as they enable you to compete against fellow players.

• Overview
• Types of Video Poker Tournaments
• How to Choose a Tournament
• How to Participate
• Strategy for Tournaments
• Conclusion

Joining one such tournament is a great way to spice up your video poker sessions. If you are clueless about how these competitions work, this article might prove useful as it covers everything on the subject, from entry fees to different tournament formats. We have thrown in a few tips on video poker tournament strategy for good measure.

Tournament Types

How to Choose

What it Takes to Enter

Tournament Strategy

Overview

Video poker tournaments are exciting events that some casinos host from time to time. They give you the opportunity to enjoy video poker in a completely different way as here you compete against fellow players, not against the casino. You can greatly diversify your gaming experience and potentially pocket additional profits by signing up for a video poker tournament. Some casinos organize these events for their regular customers and VIP players as a way of showing appreciation for their consistent action. In such cases, participants are usually offered additional comps like free meals, luxury rooms, and other material gifts.

Depending on your needs and personal preferences, you can choose the type of event you would like to participate in. Some video poker tournaments require paying a fixed entry fee, whereas others are held for free. Keep in mind these events usually comprise several stages that last for no more than 15 minutes.

Types of Video Poker Tournaments

When it comes to video poker, several types of tournaments can be distinguished, depending on factors like duration, prize pools, and number of participants. The maximum number of players who can join these events is usually 50, while the minimum is set at 10. The number of participants is worth considering as it directly influences the size of the prizes. The prize pool consists of all entry fees paid by participants, so its size depends on their number. The more players participate, the larger the prize pool.

There are two main types of video poker tournaments – those that are limited in terms of credits or number of hands played and those with a fixed duration. In the second case, your goal is to win as much money as possible over a specific period. Each player joins the tournament with the same amount of money to ensure a fair start for everyone. The person who accumulates the highest amount in winnings before the time runs out is crowned champion. If you have decided to participate in the first type of tournament, you should bear in mind the winning criteria are different as here you must win more hands than your fellow contestants.

When it comes to tournament rules, it is worth mentioning these are casino-specific. This is what makes such events unique. These tournaments can be a great source of entertainment, but before you enter, you must familiarize yourself with all subtleties and requirements. Your strategy depends on the type of tournament you sign up for, so we recommend you prepare yourself for both.

How to Choose a Suitable Video Poker Tournament

As we already explained, there are several types of tournaments you can choose from. These special events can be a great opportunity for you not only to socialize with fellow video poker fans but also to earn a little extra. To find the tournament that best suits your gaming style and bankroll, you should get familiar with all important aspects that make up the big picture.

You should take into account the exact size of the prize pool and the total number of participating players. If you consider these two factors, you can make a rough estimate and get a general idea whether this tournament is worthwhile. Of course, other external factors like the competitive atmosphere and the idea that you can win a big prize can further add to your enjoyment.

What It Takes to Enter a Video Poker Tournament

Even though signing up for a video poker tournament is a relatively straightforward process, there are several things you should still consider beforehand to fully enjoy your experience. In most cases, if you want to participate in these exclusive events, you must pay an entry fee that goes toward the prize pool. All video poker games eligible for a given tournament are set in accordance with its requirements and rules. Each machine has a win counter, a credit counter, and a session timer to help you keep track of the points or credits you have collected. Of course, this also shows you how much time is left till the end of the tournament.

Strategy for Video Poker Tournaments

Taking into account there are several types of video poker tournaments, each one having its own distinctive requirements, it is recommended to apply a different strategy for each. In general, video poker is a skill-based game and as such, the outcome of every hand can be influenced by your playing decisions. However, you should bear in mind that the duration of the tournaments and the credits you will have at your disposal are fixed. As a result, you will be constantly pressed for time and if you don’t have a reliable strategy to follow, you are unlike to win.

Most gambling experts share the opinion that when it comes to video poker tournaments, the best strategy is to strive to form a Royal Flush. While it is true that the odds of getting this winning combination are very long, if you manage to land the Royal Flush, you will have a huge advantage over your opponents and will most likely win the tournament. If you find yourself in a situation where you must decide whether to go for the Royal Flush or keep a low-paying winning combination like the Two Pair or Three of a Kind, it is best to take your chances with the former.

Conclusion

Video poker tournaments are undoubtedly a great way to diversify your gaming experience by competing against fellow players. In most cases, the entry fee is affordable and the prize pool is worth playing for. However, before you decide to enter one such event, make sure you get familiar with all requirements and rules to avoid any misunderstandings.