What is Video Poker?

Video poker combines the simplicity of slots with the strategy of poker. Unlike slots, your decisions directly affect results, and with perfect strategy, some games offer a house edge under 0.5%.

How Video Poker Works

  1. Place your bet (1-5 coins)
  2. Receive 5 cards
  3. Choose which cards to hold
  4. Discard and draw new cards
  5. Final hand determines payout

Popular Video Poker Variants

Jacks or Better

  • Most common variant
  • Minimum winning hand: Pair of Jacks
  • Full pay (9/6) RTP: 99.54%
  • Best for learning

Deuces Wild

  • All 2s are wild cards
  • Minimum winning hand: Three of a Kind
  • Full pay RTP: 100.76%
  • Different strategy than Jacks or Better

Bonus Poker

  • Higher payouts for four of a kind
  • Based on Jacks or Better
  • Full pay RTP: 99.17%

Double Bonus Poker

  • Even higher 4-of-a-kind payouts
  • Lower full house/flush payouts
  • Full pay RTP: 100.17%

Joker Poker

  • One Joker added (wild card)
  • Minimum hand usually Two Pair or better
  • Various paytables available

Understanding Paytables

What is 9/6 Jacks or Better?

The numbers refer to Full House/Flush payouts:

  • 9/6: 9 coins for Full House, 6 for Flush (99.54% RTP)
  • 8/5: 8 for Full House, 5 for Flush (97.30% RTP)
  • 7/5: 7 for Full House, 5 for Flush (96.15% RTP)
  • 6/5: 6 for Full House, 5 for Flush (95.00% RTP)

Always Check the Paytable

The same game name can have very different returns. Always verify payouts before playing.

Basic Jacks or Better Strategy

Hands to Always Keep

  • Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind
  • Full House, Flush, Straight
  • Three of a Kind, Two Pair
  • High Pair (Jacks or better)

Strategic Holds (Simplified)

  1. Keep any paying hand (pair of Jacks+)
  2. Keep 4 to a Royal Flush over anything except made hands
  3. Keep 4 to a Straight Flush
  4. Keep 3 to a Royal Flush
  5. Keep 4 to a Flush
  6. Keep low pair over 4 to a Straight
  7. Keep 4 to an Open-Ended Straight
  8. Keep 2 high cards (J, Q, K, A)
  9. Keep 1 high card
  10. Draw 5 new cards

Important Strategy Tips

Always Bet Max Coins

The Royal Flush pays a bonus at 5 coins (800:1 vs 250:1). If you can't afford 5 coins, play a lower denomination.

Don't Keep Kickers

With one pair, discard the other three cards. A "kicker" (high card alongside pair) doesn't help.

Break Up Winning Hands When Appropriate

Break a paying pair to draw to a Royal Flush, but usually keep a paying hand over a 4-flush.

Finding Good Video Poker Online

What to Look For

  • 9/6 Jacks or Better (rare online, but look for 9/5 or 8/6)
  • Full-pay Deuces Wild
  • Games with RTP above 99%

Online Considerations

  • Paytables are often reduced from land-based
  • Check bonus terms - video poker may be excluded or contribute less
  • Practice mode available at most casinos

Multi-Hand Video Poker

Play 3, 5, 10, 50, or 100 hands simultaneously:

  • More action and variance
  • Same strategy applies
  • Bankroll depletes faster
  • Great for practicing - see strategy results quickly

Bankroll for Video Poker

  • Lower variance than slots but still significant
  • Royal Flushes are rare (about 1 in 40,000 hands)
  • Need 1000+ betting units for serious play
  • Short sessions have high variance

Conclusion

Video poker offers the best odds in the casino when played correctly. Learn basic strategy, find good paytables, always bet max coins, and enjoy a game where skill actually matters.