Video Poker Games
Pick 'em Poker and Joker Pick 'em

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Two poker games in the video poker family are Pick ‘em Poker and Joker Pick ‘em.( AKA: Pick a Pair Poker). Both are unique versions of 52 card video poker that are simple to learn and play. The additional version has a 53rd card, The Joker.

These two poker games are not found everywhere but when found you may have to wait for a seat. One of the reasons you may have to hunt for a game is because it can yield over a 99% return if played properly. You may have to ask a slot attendant if they're available. 

How Pick ‘em Poker Games are Played

A single 52 card deck is used. (53 with the Joker version)

Player makes a bet from 1 to 5 coins (credits).

2 up cards are dealt to the left of the screen.

2 additional sets of 3 cards each are dealt, one face up, two face down on each set.

Player must then select one of the 2 sets which s/he thinks will make the best poker hand when combined with the 2 up cards.

Once selected the five-card hand will be revealed.

 The winning payout amounts between regular Pick ‘em and the enhanced version with the Joker do differ in that the player can use the Joker as a wild card to complete any hand. Payouts may vary between jurisdictions. The lists include winning payout amounts for the minimum one coin and maximum five coin wagers:

Pick ‘em Poker

Royal Flush                          1,000        6,000

Straight Flush.                         200        1,195

4 of a Kind                               100.          600

Full House                                 18             90     

Flush                                          15            75

Straight                                       11           55

3 of a Kind                                   5            25

2 Pair                                           3            15

Pair Jack's/Better                         2            10

Pair 9's or 10's                              1              5                                

Joker Pick ‘em

Royal Flush .                              1,000     10,000

5 of a Kind                                     400.       2,000

Wild Royal                                      200       1,000

Straight Flush                                 100          500

4 of a Kind                                        20          100

Full House                                        12           60

Flush                                                 10           50

Straight                                                8          40

3 of a Kind                                           4          20

2 Pair                                                   2          10

Pair of Jack's/Better                             2           10

Pair of 9's/10's.                                     LOSS

Note that there are two more payout combinations for the Joker version on the higher value hands but the more frequent lower value hands have smaller payouts than the version without the Joker. You also lose an even money payout for pair of 9’s or 10’s when you select the Joker game, but also keep in mind that the Joker is wild. Pick ‘em Poker games have a house edge of less than 1% if played properly.

The following strategy is recommended when you’re ready to “Pick’em”:

In regard to either choice, is there:

A pair?

Three parts of a straight?

Three parts of a flush?

Three of a kind?

Three parts of a straight flush?

Three parts of a royal?

If you see a Joker in either set, Pick ‘em.

If none of the above, call on Lady Luck!

Additional publications about video poker, casino gaming, and other products can be found on Amazon. Direct link from this page to purchase. 

Linda Boyd, author of The Video Poker Edge, explains how to find the best paying VP machines in my Video Poker article. Direct link below to purchase.

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