Video Poker Mastery

The Ultimate Guide to Playing and Winning Like a Professiona

Table of Contents

• What is Video Poker?
•  Why Choose Video Poker?
•  Basic Rules of Video Poker
•  Popular Video Poker Variations
•  Understanding Pay Tables
•  Video Poker Odds and RTP
•  Basic Video Poker Strategy
•  Advanced Strategies for Different Games
•  Common Mistakes to Avoid
•  Bankroll Management
•  Pro Tips for Winning
•  Conclusion

What is Video Poker?

Video poker is a casino game based on five-card draw poker, played on a computerized console similar in size and shape to a slot machine. It combines elements of both slots and traditional poker, offering a unique gaming experience that appeals to both strategic players and those seeking the excitement of chance-based games.

Unlike slot machines, where outcomes are purely random with no player input beyond the initial bet, video poker allows players to make decisions that directly affect the outcome of each hand. This element of skill means that with proper strategy, players can significantly reduce the house edge and sometimes even gain a mathematical advantage.

Video poker machines use a standard 52-card deck (sometimes with jokers added in certain variations). The computerized random number generator ensures fair play by simulating a randomly shuffled deck for each hand dealt.

Why Choose Video Poker?

Superior Return Rates

Video poker offers some of the highest RTP (Return to Player) percentages in the casino, often between 99% and over 100% with optimal play on certain machines. Compared to slot machines, which typically return between 85% and 95%, video poker provides significantly better value.

Element of Skill

Unlike purely chance-based games, your decisions in video poker directly influence the outcome. This appeals to players who enjoy the mental challenge of strategic gameplay rather than just pulling a lever and hoping for luck.

Transparency

Video poker uses a standard deck of cards, allowing players to calculate the odds of drawing specific cards. Additionally, the pay tables are clearly displayed, making it possible to determine the exact expected return before playing.

Solo Play

Many players appreciate the solitary nature of video poker. There’s no pressure from other players or dealers, allowing you to take your time making decisions without feeling rushed or judged.

Basic Rules of Video Poker

Playing video poker follows a simple process:

1. Place your bet – Choose how many coins to wager (generally 1-5 coins). Always bet the maximum number of coins to qualify for the full royal flush payout.
2. Deal – Press the “Deal” button to receive five random cards from the deck.
3. Hold or Discard – Decide which cards to keep (hold) and which to discard. Tap or click on the cards you want to keep.
4. Draw – Press the “Draw” button to replace the discarded cards with new ones from the remaining deck.
5. Evaluate – The machine evaluates your final hand and pays out according to the pay table if you’ve made a qualifying hand.

Pro Tip:

Always play with the maximum number of coins (usually 5). This ensures you receive the full payout ratio for a Royal Flush, which is typically 800:1 instead of the standard 250:1 for fewer coins.

Popular Video Poker Variations

Jacks or Better

The classic and most common video poker variant. A pair of jacks or higher is required to win. It’s the perfect game for beginners due to its straightforward rules and strategy.

RTP: Up to 99.54% with optimal play on full-pay machines (9/6)

Deuces Wild

All four 2’s (deuces) in the deck act as wild cards that can substitute for any card to form winning combinations. With four wild cards, the minimum winning hand is typically three of a kind.

RTP: Up to 100.76% on full-pay machines with perfect strategy

Double Bonus Poker

Similar to Jacks or Better but offers bonus payouts for four of a kind, especially for four aces. The trade-off is usually lower payouts for two pair and full houses.

RTP: Up to 100.17% with optimal play on 10/7 machines

Double Double Bonus Poker

An extension of Double Bonus that pays even higher premiums for four of a kind with specific kickers. For example, four aces with a kicker of 2, 3, or 4 pays more than four aces with any other kicker.

RTP: Up to 98.98% with optimal play on 9/6 machines

Joker Poker

Played with a 53-card deck that includes a joker, which acts as a wild card. The minimum winning hand is typically a pair of kings or better.

RTP: Up to 100.64% with optimal play on Kings or Better pay tables

Understanding Pay Tables

One of the most important aspects of successful video poker play is understanding pay tables. The pay table tells you how much each winning hand is worth and significantly affects the overall return to player (RTP) percentage.

Full Pay Jacks or Better (9/6)

This table shows the standard “full pay” version of Jacks or Better, often called a “9/6 machine” because it pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush (based on a 1-coin bet):

Hand	1 Coin	2 Coins	3 Coins	4 Coins	5 Coins
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Straight Flush	50	100	150	200	250
Four of a Kind	25	50	75	100	125
Full House	9	18	27	36	45
Flush	6	12	18	24	30
Straight	4	8	12	16	20
Three of a Kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pair	2	4	6	8	10
Jacks or Better	1	2	3	4	5

Important Note:

Always look for “full pay” machines. In Jacks or Better, this means a 9/6 pay table. Many casinos offer reduced pay tables like 8/5 or 7/5, which significantly lower the RTP from 99.54% to as low as 97.29%.

The notation used to describe video poker pay tables (like “9/6” for Jacks or Better) refers to the payouts for full house and flush respectively. This shorthand helps players quickly identify the most favorable machines.

Video Poker Odds and RTP

Video poker is known for offering some of the best odds in the casino, with RTPs often exceeding 99% with optimal play. Here’s a breakdown of the odds for common video poker hands in Jacks or Better:

Hand	Odds
Royal Flush (initially dealt)	1 in 650,000
Royal Flush (after draws)	1 in 40,000
Straight Flush	1 in 9,150
Four of a Kind	1 in 423
Full House	1 in 90
Flush	1 in 85
Straight	1 in 80
Three of a Kind	1 in 14
Two Pair	1 in 8
Jacks or Better	1 in 5

RTP for Popular Video Poker Variations

Here are the theoretical Return to Player (RTP) percentages for various video poker games with optimal play:

• Full-Pay Deuces Wild: 100.76% (one of the few casino games that can offer a positive expected value)
• 10/7 Double Bonus: 100.17%
• 9/6 Jacks or Better: 99.54%
• 9/6 Double Double Bonus: 98.98%
• 8/5 Jacks or Better: 97.29%
• 6/5 Jacks or Better: 95.00%

RTP Insight:

The RTP percentage represents the mathematical long-term expected payback. For example, a game with 99.54% RTP means that for every $100 wagered, the player can expect to get back $99.54 on average over a very long period of play.

Basic Video Poker Strategy

The essence of video poker strategy is knowing which cards to hold and which to discard to maximize your expected return. Here’s a simplified strategy for Jacks or Better that will get you close to optimal play:

Jacks or Better Basic Strategy (Hold in Order of Priority)

1. Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, or Flush
   Hold all five cards. These are already winning hands that cannot be improved.
2. Four cards to a Royal Flush
   Discard the fifth card and try to complete the Royal Flush.
3. Three of a Kind, Straight, or Two Pair
   Hold all winning cards and draw to improve (discard the remaining cards).
4. Four cards to a Straight Flush
   Discard the fifth card and try to complete the Straight Flush.
5. High Pair (Jacks or Better)
   Hold the pair and discard the other three cards.
6. Three cards to a Royal Flush
   Discard the other two cards and try to complete the Royal Flush.
7. Four cards to a Flush
   Discard the non-suited card and try to complete the Flush.
8. Low Pair (Tens or Lower)
   Hold the pair and discard the other three cards.
9. Four cards to an Outside Straight
   Discard the fifth card and try to complete the Straight. An outside straight can be completed from either end (e.g., 4-5-6-7).
10. Two Suited High Cards (Jack or higher)
    Hold the two high cards and discard the rest.
11. Three cards to a Straight Flush
    Discard the other two cards and try to build the Straight Flush.
12. Two Unsuited High Cards
    Hold the two high cards and discard the rest.
13. One High Card
    Hold just the high card and discard the rest.
14. Discard All Five Cards
    If you have none of the above, discard all five cards and draw a completely new hand.
    

Practice Makes Perfect:

Before playing with real money, practice your strategy using free video poker games online. Many websites and mobile apps offer free play that allows you to hone your skills without risking your bankroll.

Advanced Strategies for Different Games

Deuces Wild Strategy

Deuces Wild strategy differs significantly from Jacks or Better because of the presence of wild cards. Here are some key strategic points:

• Always hold any deuces you are dealt
• With four deuces, always hold just the four deuces (discard the fifth card)
• Never break a winning hand to draw for a royal flush
• With three deuces, hold any straight flush, four of a kind, or five of a kind
• With two deuces, hold any four of a kind, straight flush, or royal flush

Double Bonus & Double Double Bonus Strategy

These games place a higher premium on four of a kind hands, particularly aces. Key strategic differences include:

• In many situations, it’s correct to break up a low pair to go for four of a kind
• In Double Double Bonus, the kicker becomes important with four of a kind
• You’ll often hold a single ace when dealt no winning hand
• Breaking a flush draw to hold three aces can be correct

Advanced Jacks or Better Optimal Strategy

For players seeking the absolute maximum return, the Wizard of Odds optimal strategy for Jacks or Better offers perfect play:

1. Dealt royal flush
2. Dealt straight flush
3. Dealt four of a kind
4. 4 to a royal flush
5. Dealt full house
6. Dealt flush
7. 3 of a kind
8. Dealt straight
9. 4 to a straight flush
10. Two pair
11. High pair (Jacks or Better)
12. 3 to a royal flush
13. 4 to a flush
14. Unsuited TJQK
15. Low pair (10s or lower)
16. 4 to an outside straight with 0-2 high cards
17. 3 to a straight flush (type 1)
18. Suited QJ
19. 4 to an inside straight, 4 high cards
20. Suited KQ or KJ
21. Suited AK, AQ, or AJ
22. 4 to an inside straight, 3 high cards
23. 3 to a straight flush (type 2)
24. Unsuited JQK
25. Unsuited JQ
26. Suited TJ
27. 2 unsuited high cards, king highest
28. Suited TQ
29. 2 unsuited high cards, ace highest
30. Jack only
31. Suited TK
32. Queen only
33. King only
34. Ace only
35. 3 to a straight flush (type 3)
36. Discard everything

Memorization Tip:

Instead of memorizing the entire optimal strategy at once, learn it in stages. Master the top 10-15 holds first, which cover most common scenarios, then gradually incorporate more nuanced situations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Playing Maximum Coins

Always play the maximum number of coins (usually 5) to qualify for the full royal flush payout. The royal flush typically pays 800:1 with max coins versus only 250:1 with fewer coins.

Holding “Kickers”

In Jacks or Better, never hold a “kicker” (an unpaired high card) along with a pair. For example, if you have K-K-A-7-4, discard the A-7-4, not just the 7-4.

Breaking a Winning Hand

Don’t break a paying hand (like a high pair) to draw for a long shot at a straight or flush, unless the strategy specifically calls for it.

Ignoring the Pay Table

Always check the pay table before playing. The difference between a 9/6, 8/5, and 6/5 Jacks or Better machine is substantial in terms of your expected return.

Playing Too Fast

Take your time with each decision. Playing slower reduces your hourly theoretical loss and gives you time to make the correct strategic choice.

Chasing Three Cards to a Straight/Flush

In Jacks or Better, never hold just three cards hoping for a straight or flush. The odds are too unfavorable compared to other possible holds.

Critical Mistake:

Using slot machine strategy for video poker. Video poker requires specific, mathematically-proven strategies for each game variant. Don’t treat it like a slot machine where you simply press a button and hope for the best.

Bankroll Management

Proper bankroll management is crucial for sustained video poker play. Even with optimal strategy, the variance in video poker can lead to significant swings in your bankroll.

Bankroll Guidelines

• Session Bankroll: For a casual session, bring at least 200-300 times your maximum bet. For example, if playing a quarter machine ($1.25 max bet with 5 coins), bring $250-$375.
• Full Bankroll: For serious play, a full bankroll should be approximately 800-1000 times your maximum bet to withstand variance.
• Denomination Selection: Choose a denomination that suits your bankroll. Don’t play dollar machines if your bankroll is more suited to quarter or nickel machines.
• Set Loss Limits: Decide in advance how much you’re willing to lose in a session and stick to that limit.
• Take Profits: When you’re ahead, consider setting aside some of your winnings to ensure you walk away with something.

Bankroll Tip:

Video poker, even with optimal strategy, can have significant variance. The quest for a royal flush (which occurs only once in approximately 40,000 hands) can lead to long dry spells. Ensure your bankroll can withstand these swings.

Pro Tips for Winning

Slow Down Your Play

The key is not to rush and not to play for volume. Video poker is a gambling game where a greater number of hands played means a higher chance of losing money. Playing slower reduces your hourly losses and gives you time to make correct decisions.

Join Players Clubs

Take advantage of casino loyalty programs and players clubs. The cashback and comps can add a significant boost to your expected return, sometimes pushing games with slightly negative expectation into positive territory.

Look for Progressive Jackpots

Some video poker machines offer progressive jackpots for royal flushes. When these jackpots get large enough, they can push the overall expected return above 100%, creating a positive expectation game.

Use Strategy Cards

Most casinos allow the use of strategy cards while playing. Don’t hesitate to use them until you’ve memorized the optimal strategy for your game of choice.

Practice with Free Games

Before risking real money, practice extensively with free online video poker games. This will help you internalize the correct strategy without the pressure of losing money.

Watch for Casino Promotions

Special promotions like double or triple points on video poker, cashback offers, or free play can significantly boost your overall return. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.

Expert RTP Maximization Tips

To truly maximize your chances of winning at video poker:

1. Always play machines with the best pay tables. For example, in Jacks or Better, look for 9/6 machines rather than 8/5 or 6/5 variants.
2. Use optimal strategy for the specific game you’re playing. Each variant has its own optimal approach.
3. Look for machines with progressive jackpots that have grown large enough to create positive expectation.
4. Take advantage of casino comps, cashback, and promotions, which can add 0.1% to 1.0% to your expected return.
5. Play at a comfortable pace to reduce hourly theoretical losses and minimize mistakes.

Conclusion

Video poker stands as one of the most player-friendly casino games available, offering a unique blend of skill and luck with exceptionally high return-to-player percentages. By understanding the rules, mastering the optimal strategies for different game variants, and practicing disciplined bankroll management, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

Remember that even with perfect play, video poker still carries an element of chance, and short-term results can vary widely from the theoretical return percentages. Approach the game with a long-term perspective and enjoy the strategic challenge it offers.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic simplicity of Jacks or Better, the wild card excitement of Deuces Wild, or the bonus-heavy payouts of Double Bonus Poker, video poker offers something for every type of player. By applying the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to play like a professional and maximize your chances of walking away a winner.