Pick’em Poker is a popular variant of traditional video poker that offers a unique and exciting twist to the game. Known for its simple yet engaging gameplay, Pick’em Poker is perfect for both new and experienced casino players. If you’re looking to dive into this fun and rewarding poker variation, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the rules and strategies to payout structures and tips for maximizing your winnings.
What is Pick’em Poker?
Pick’em Poker is a video poker game that stands out due to its simplified and unique gameplay mechanics. Unlike traditional video poker games, where players are dealt five cards, Pick’em Poker works by giving players a choice between two sets of cards. This adds a layer of strategy and decision-making to the game that appeals to both casual and seasoned players alike.
The game follows the same basic principles of poker, with players aiming to create the best possible poker hand. However, the main difference lies in the process of selecting the cards to hold. In Pick’em Poker, players are given a choice between two separate hands, and they must pick the one they believe will yield the best payout. This adds an element of strategy and skill that distinguishes Pick’em Poker from other video poker games.
How to Play Pick’em Poker
Pick’em Poker is easy to learn, and once you get the hang of it, it can be a lot of fun. Here’s a breakdown of how to play:
1. Choose Your Bet Size
Before starting any game of Pick’em Poker, you will need to select your bet size. You can typically choose how many coins to bet, with options usually ranging from 1 to 5 coins per hand. As with other video poker games, it is recommended to bet the maximum number of coins (usually 5) to unlock the highest payouts, especially when aiming for premium hands like a royal flush or four-of-a-kind.
2. Get Your Cards
Once your bet is placed, the game will deal two sets of five cards, each forming a possible hand. These sets of cards are displayed face up on the screen. The goal is to choose the hand that has the best potential for forming a winning poker hand.
3. Make Your Selection
After both sets of cards are dealt, you need to choose which set to play. This decision is based on the strength of the hands you see in each set. The key is to make a choice that maximizes your chances of winning. While it may seem tempting to choose the hand with more high cards, the best option is usually the one that has a higher probability of forming a strong hand, such as a pair, three-of-a-kind, or even a flush.
4. Draw New Cards
Once you’ve selected a hand, the game will automatically replace the discarded cards with new ones, completing your hand. The final hand is then evaluated according to the standard poker hand rankings. You will be paid based on the strength of your completed hand, with higher payouts for stronger hands such as a royal flush, straight flush, or four-of-a-kind.
5. Collect Your Winnings
If your final hand is a winning hand, the game will credit your account with the appropriate payout. Pick’em Poker typically uses a paytable to determine how much you win for each hand. For example, a royal flush might pay a significantly higher amount compared to a pair of Jacks. The payouts can vary depending on the casino, but the key is to always aim for the highest-ranking hand possible.
Pick’em Poker Paytable
The paytable in Pick’em Poker plays a crucial role in determining your potential winnings. The payouts can vary depending on the specific game version and casino, but here’s an example of a typical paytable:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
As shown in this paytable, the highest payout is for a royal flush, which pays 4,000 coins when betting the maximum of 5 coins. Other valuable hands include straight flushes, four-of-a-kinds, and full houses. The strategy in Pick’em Poker revolves around choosing the hand that gives you the best shot at one of these higher-value hands.
Pick’em Poker Strategy
Although Pick’em Poker involves a significant amount of luck, using the right strategy can help you maximize your chances of winning. Here are some tips and strategies to improve your gameplay:
1. Always Bet the Maximum
Just like in traditional video poker, always betting the maximum (5 coins) will unlock the highest payouts, especially for premium hands like a royal flush or four-of-a-kind. Betting fewer coins will reduce your chances of hitting the maximum payout and can negatively affect your long-term expected return.
2. Focus on Higher-Value Hands
When faced with a choice between two hands, always opt for the one with higher-value cards or more potential for creating a premium hand. For instance, if one set of cards includes a pair of Jacks and the other set includes a straight draw, it’s usually better to choose the pair of Jacks, as it guarantees a payout, while the straight draw is less certain.
3. Prioritize Full House or Four-of-a-Kind
Whenever you have the opportunity to form a full house or four-of-a-kind, always prioritize these hands over smaller combinations like two pair or a single pair. Four-of-a-kind, especially Aces, offers substantial payouts, and a full house can be a game-changer as well.
4. Hold on to Pairs of Jacks or Higher
Pairs of Jacks or better are usually worth holding, as they are guaranteed to give you a payout. If your options include a pair of Jacks or better, it’s generally not worth discarding them in hopes of drawing a better hand.
Fun Facts About Pick’em Poker
- Pick’em Poker is a great game for beginners because it simplifies the decision-making process by offering two options, making it easier to learn the ropes of poker.
- The name "Pick’em Poker" comes from the fact that players must "pick" between two sets of cards, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.
- Pick’em Poker often offers a higher payout for four-of-a-kind hands compared to regular video poker games, making it a favorite among high-risk players.
Conclusion
Pick’em Poker is an exciting and unique variation of video poker that offers players the opportunity to make strategic decisions while enjoying the thrill of traditional poker. With its simple rules, engaging gameplay, and attractive payouts, it’s easy to see why it has become a favorite among casino enthusiasts. By following the strategies outlined in this guide and choosing the right hands, you can maximize your chances of winning and enjoy the full excitement of Pick’em Poker.
