Poker tournaments are becoming more and more popular. Local bars and pubs offer poker tournaments, and Texas Hold 'Em tournaments are almost always on ESPN. Now, players can even play at home with free video poker games offered by leading casino software developers like Playtech. Their line of online video poker games offers poker fans the chance to play some of their favorite games without the worry of a dealer or other players.

Jacks or Better

One of Playtech's most popular video poker games is Jacks or Better. This game doesn't require a lot of foreknowledge of poker to play as it is a typical five card hand game. Players are able to discard once and then compare hands against the dealer. There are many strategies players can use, and Jacks or Better is a great training game for more complicated versions of the classic video poker games.

Aces and Faces

Another one of Playtech's online video poker games is called Aces and Faces. In this game there's a twist on the normal poker payout: aces and faces have the highest. Players aim to have aces or face cards in their hand for a higher payout than any other hand ranking. There is no real chance to discard the cards a player is dealt, so the game goes by fairly quickly.

Mega Jacks

Mega Jacks actually offers players a twist that is only available in online video poker games: a progressive jackpot. In this game, players essentially are playing Jacks or Better but with one additional Jack card that can lead to a full hand of jacks. This full hand triggers the progressive jackpot, which is a much larger payout than even a royal flush can bring. Players enjoy the chance at big money, and still appreciate the otherwise classic game.

Playtech's line of free video poker games offer a great opportunity for people new to poker to try their hand at the popular game without losing big, and their paid games offer fun twists to win big.