Video poker has been around for over 30 years. It started out
when casinos noticed that many people liked to play cards but
were too scared to actually sit down at a poker table. Video
poker allowed these players to play poker without having to
look their opponents in the eye. With the explosion of online
casinos Video Poker’s popularity grew exponentially. This
growth in turn led to the development of new versions of video
poker. Here we'll take a look at some of the more important
developments in the video poker world.

1. Multi Hand Video Poker

Multi Hand Video Poker is like "normal" video poker on
steroids. As its name implies, you're playing more then one
hand at a time. Common variations include Jacks or Better (of
course), 10's Or Better, Deuces Wild and more. The Games come
in 4, 10, 50, and even 100 hand versions. Multi hand video
poker is an exciting twist on standard single hand video poker.
Today, most online casinos have at least one multi-hand version.

2. Power Poker

Power Poker is Microgaming's version of Multi-Hand Video Poker
and is probably the most popular multi-hand version on the web.
Currently there are 11 different Power Poker Games in 4, 10 and
50 hand versions. Playing Power Poker is like playing the
single hand version of the game. You start with the same 5
cards in each hand. You then select the card(s) you wish to
hold. The remaining cards are discarded and new cards replace
the discarded ones. Winning hands are determined by a redefined
payout schedule.

3. Progressive Video Poker

Progressive Video Poker is yet another exciting variation of
good old video poker. Progressive Video poker follows the same
rules as a non-progressive version of the same game. The
difference is in the payout of the royal flush. Often times,
progressive jackpots build through multiple casinos, so
potentially the pot can be huge. When playing a Progressive
machine, it's crucial to play the max coins on every play,
that's the only way to win the jackpot.

4. Online Poker Rooms

Online Poker is not technically a video poker; however, since
there are obvious similarities between the two, I felt a brief
overview should be included here. In video poker you are
playing against a machine, winning and losing hands are
determined by a static payout schedule. However, when you're
playing online poker, you are playing against real people.
There is no predetermined payout schedule, you can win as much
as your opponents are willing to wager on each hand. Also, and
more importantly, Online poker allows you to bluff, meaning in
theory, if you're a good enough bluffer, you can have the worst
hand at the table but still win, if you've been able to convince
your opponents to fold. This is the main reason for the huge
popularity in online poker.

Lastly, as you can see, video poker continues to evolve. What
started out as a game for would-be poker players who were too
intimidated to sit down at a real table, has, with the advent
of Online Poker, come full circle. Today a poker player can sit
down at a virtual table with players from around the world.
Amazing.

About The Author: David Olsen has been writing about online
casinos and casino strategy for over five years and is
considered an authority in the online gambling world. His
latest website is all about the poker and video poker. Visit it
at: http://www.playvideopoker.us

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