In real life, poker is very popular. And if you're good at the game, you can make plenty of money playing it. But it's enjoyable to play whether cash is on the line or not. Therefore, it's no surprise that it has made its way into the virtual world.

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There are plenty of titles that are designed around the card game. Yet, many other titles have proven that all you need to deliver a solid poker experience is a well-crafted mini-game. Of course, not every developer has managed this feat, as several poker mini-games aren't that enjoyable. But by this point, there have been some great ones, and here is a collection of the best.

7 Picture Poker - Super Mario 64 DS And New Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. Screenshot Of Luigi Minigame

Both Super Mario 64 DS and New Super Mario Bros. have the same poker mini-game. It is called Picture Poker, which is very similar to five-card draw. Instead of the typical suits, though, all your cards have Super Mario characters or symbols on them.

You also play against the same Super Mario character each time, who happens to be gaming's best-ever player two, Luigi. The green Italian plumber serves as the dealer, too. Each time you beat him, you earn stars, which determines the minimum bet. So, the more stars you have, the higher the stakes.

6 Texas Hold'Em - Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3 Screenshot Of Poker

As you'd expect for an open-world game like Far Cry 3, there are plenty of optional mini-games and activities you can play. Poker is simply one of the said activities, and you can find people playing it in various settlements.

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When you choose to join, you must pick the difficulty. Not only does this dictate the ability of your opponents, but it also alters how much money you wager. For instance, on the expert difficulty, you have to put in $250, and your potential winnings are higher. Beyond that, this mini-game is just standard Texas Hold'em.

5 Video Poker - Tales Of Vesperia

Tales Of Vesperia Screenshot Of Poker Mini-Game

You can do some gambling in Tales Of Vesperia, and their version of poker is five-card draw. Unlike in most card games - that aren't solitaire - you don't play against anyone. Instead, what hand you end up with determines what pay-out you get. For example, if you were to achieve a five of a kind, your initial bet would be timed by 100. So, it's basically video poker without the machine.

When you do earn some decent money, the game asks if you want to try doubling it. If you opt for it, you play a short game of hi-lo in an attempt to double your money. Therefore, it's like two card games in one.

4 Three Card Poker - GTA Online

A view of a Three Card Poker table in GTA Online

GTA online is filled with fancy cars and weapons to own. But if you want to afford any of that without going broke in real life, you can try your luck at the casino. There are plenty of different games to play there, including three card poker.

Not many mini-games opt for the three card version of the game, so it serves as a nice change of pace. As it's a casino, you play directly against the dealer, and it's very reminiscent of playing poker in real life, except the game continues even when there are explosions and gunfire nearby.

3 Video Poker - Dragon Quest 11

Dragon Quest 11 Screenshot Of Poker Mini-Game

The Dragon Quest series has included casinos for many years. In Dragon Quest 11, there's the Peurto Valor's casino, which offers poker. Immediately upon starting, you will realize you aren't playing with a regulation deck. Instead, the cards have cute pictures that replace the standard suits.

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Other than that, the game is the video poker version of five-card draw - with a few hidden treasure chests to spice things up. Your goal is to get one of the hands at the top of the screen. When you do, you get the chance to play double or nothing by trying to find a higher card than the one shown.

2 Pineapple, Omaha, And Texas Hold'Em - Yakuza Kiwami

Yakuza Kiwami Screenshot Of Poker

The Yakuza series is known for its litany of mini-games. Some are outrageous activities, while others are based on real-world things like poker. Yakuza Kiwami offers three different variations of the game: Texas Hold'em, Pineapple Hold'em, and Omaha Hold'em.

If you're not aware of the latter two, they're not too different from regular Texas Hold'em. And the game offers separate tutorials for each one. Where Yakuza's version of poker differs from the real thing is the inclusion of the Royal Joker Card. When using this item, your next set of cards is automatically great.

1 Texas Hold'Em - Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 Screenshot Of Poker

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a slow adventure where you're encouraged to take in the sights and sounds while interacting with the world around you. A good way to interact with the many NPCs in the game is by playing poker with you. Whether it's a few of RDR2's best characters or random folk you meet in town, you have a wide range of possible opponents.

The game is Texas Hold'em, and there are no particular gimmicks with this one. It's just a wholesome poker experience that's very reminiscent of the real thing. And if you're playing with major characters, they sometimes engage in interesting conversations, which adds to the experience.

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