Four Card Video Poker

This version of classic poker is another relatively new one and has attracted quite a big following in a short space of time. It is of course, nowhere near as popular as the classics like Texas Hold'em (the live game) and Deuces Wild (video poker), but it is still a huge game across the US and in Vegas.

Because this is a four card game, the best hand you can get is four of a kind, rather than a straight flush. There are various different versions of this game, so it is important to try and play the one with the lowest house edge (1.98%), rather than the eye watering 6.15% you get if you pick the worst one to play.

Four card poker rules

Similar to Three Card version, Four Card is another game of poker played against the dealer, or in this case, the machine. The session starts as soon as the player submits the Ante bet and presses the Deal button. The machine will then deal a hand of 5 cards for the player and 6 cards for the dealer, one facing up.

All of the player's cards will be revealed and the machine will automatically highlight the highest ranking combination available from the player's hand, presenting you with an option to continue playing by submitting a new bet up to x3 higher than your Ante, or to fold, in which case the Ante bet is lost. The Tie result between the player's and the Dealer's hand will always qualify player as the winner.

There is also an optional side bet Aces up, independent from the Dealer's hand. Opting for this bet, the player wagers on being dealt with a pair of Aces or better. Automatic Bonuses in Four Card Poker do not require any specific actions from the player's side. The payouts for Three of a Kind, Straight Flush and Four of a Kind hand will be received by default, as soon as the relevant hand is dealt.

Four card progressive jackpot

Progressive Jackpot is a feature that you may often find included in a lot of Video Poker machines or Live table versions of poker, not just the Four Card variant. The player can add one dollar to the progressive Jackpot Pot when placing the bets and the payout will depend on the hand rank, highest of which will win the entire Jackpot Pot.

Four card poker strategy

The simplest and most popular strategy for Four Card Video Poker is to raise the bets to the maximum allowed by the Poker Machine anytime you manage to land a hand of with a pair of 10s or better.

Placing a more moderate (x1) bet is recommended on a hand with pairs that are lower than 10 – 2s through 9s. Since you are playing against a machine, bluffing is not a skill you will need to employ in your gameplay, so if your hand is anything lower in value than the pairs, the best thing to do would be to fold and wait for a more favourable round.

Where to play four card video poker

Casinos with the finest selection of Video Poker machines in Las Vegas are located Downtown and iconic venues such as The D (Vue Bar and Longbar), The Furnace, El Cortez, Bond and Chandelier will likely have everything you are looking for, and more.

If however, you don't feel like walking, plenty of online casinos include Four Card Video Poker in their offer and most of them can be easily launched on your phone and tablet without any downloads or system adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RTP of Four Card Video Poker?

The RTP of Four Card Video Poker varies depending on the version played. The best version has a house edge of just 1.98%, which equates to an RTP of approximately 98.02%. However, some versions carry a house edge as high as 6.15%, so it is important to choose the right variant. Always check the pay table before playing to ensure you are getting the best return.

Can I play Four Card Video Poker for real money?

Yes, Four Card Video Poker is available for real money play at land-based casinos across Las Vegas including The D, El Cortez, and other Downtown venues, as well as at many online casinos. The game is playable on desktop, mobile, and tablet without any downloads required at most online casino platforms.

What is the best hand in Four Card Video Poker?

Since Four Card Poker uses only four cards, a Straight Flush is not possible. The best hand in the game is Four of a Kind, followed by Straight Flush (which in four-card terms is four suited sequential cards), Three of a Kind, Flush, Straight, Two Pair, and Pair. The Automatic Bonus payouts for Three of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Four of a Kind are awarded as soon as those hands are dealt.

What is the Aces Up side bet in Four Card Video Poker?

The Aces Up is an optional side bet in Four Card Video Poker that pays out independently of the dealer's hand. To win the Aces Up bet, the player needs to be dealt a pair of Aces or better in their four-card hand. It is a separate wager from the main Ante bet and adds an extra dimension to each round regardless of the outcome against the dealer.

How does the Progressive Jackpot work in Four Card Video Poker?

The Progressive Jackpot in Four Card Video Poker is an optional $1 side bet placed when submitting the main wagers. The jackpot pot grows with each bet placed across all machines linked to the progressive network. Payouts are based on hand rank, and the highest qualifying hand wins the entire accumulated Jackpot Pot.

What is the basic strategy for Four Card Video Poker?

The core strategy for Four Card Video Poker is straightforward: raise to the maximum (x3 your Ante) whenever you hold a pair of 10s or better. Place a minimum (x1) bet on lower pairs from 2s through 9s. If your hand contains no pairs or better, the correct move is to fold and forfeit the Ante rather than risk a larger bet on a weak holding.