Traditional video poker is modified by paying the player a first winning amount if a predesignated arrangement of cards are achieved by the player on the deal. After the first winning amount is paid if won by the player, the game continues with the player holding or discarding as desired from the initial deal and replacement cards are provided to the player to establish the player's final hand. The player is paid a second amount if the player achieves a winning combination on his final hand. Traditional video poker is alternatively modified by the addition of Four to a Royal Flush as a winning hand. A player receives a higher payout if he achieves Four to a Royal Flush on the initial deal of five cards. A player receives a lower payout if he achieves Four to a Royal Flush after he has drawn replacement cards. Another variation comprises first displaying to the player all fifty-two cards of a conventional deck of cards. The player then selects five of the fifty-two cards and these cards are considered the player's matching cards. The player is then dealt his five card draw poker hand. If some or all of the initial five card draw poker cards match the cards selected by the player by card rank and/or card position, then the player is awarded one of a series of payouts.