Video poker is a popular casino game that combines the thrill of slot machines with the strategy of poker. The game is played on a machine, and one of the key terms used in video poker is “kicker”. In this tutorial, we will discuss what a kicker is in video poker and how it affects gameplay.
A kicker is an additional card that can be used to break ties in certain hands. In video poker, kickers are typically used in hands that have pairs or three-of-a-kind. For example, if a player has two pairs (e.g., two 8s and two Jacks) and their opponent also has two pairs (e., two 8s and two Queens), the winner of the hand will be determined by who has the highest kicker.
The kicker can also come into play in hands where there are three-of-a-kind. For instance, if a player has three Kings and their opponent has three Queens, the player with the King kicker will win.
It’s important to note that not all video poker games use kickers. Some games, such as Jacks or Better, do not use them at all. However, many other variations of video poker do incorporate kickers into gameplay.
Now that we understand what a kicker is, let’s talk about how it affects strategy. When playing video poker with kickers, it’s important to keep them in mind when deciding which cards to hold and which ones to discard. For example, if you have a pair of Aces and a low kicker (e., a 2), you may want to consider discarding the kicker and trying for a higher one.
On the other hand, if you have a pair of Aces with a high kicker (e., a King), you’ll want to hold onto both cards as this gives you an advantage over your opponents.
When playing video poker with kickers, it’s also essential to pay attention to the paytable. Some games will offer higher payouts if a player has a certain kicker or combination of kickers. For example, in Deuces Wild, if a player has four Deuces with an Ace kicker, they’ll receive a much higher payout than if they had four Deuces with no kicker.
In conclusion, kickers are an essential element of video poker that can greatly impact gameplay and strategy. Additionally, paying attention to the paytable can help you determine which kickers are most valuable in each game variation.
So next time you’re playing video poker, remember the importance of kickers and use them to your advantage!
