Video Poker Strategy

Video poker is one of the few casino games where strategy can drastically influence the outcome. Players can lower the house edge and improve their odds of winning by correctly holding or discarding their initial five cards. In some versions, such as Deuces Wild, players can even gain a slight advantage over the casino.

In order to achieve the maximum return, players should bet the full number of credits each hand. Payout percentages are highest and the house edge is lowest when the maximum credits are wagered. Otherwise, the entire outcome relies on holding and discarding strategy, which must be followed exactly.

There several versions of video poker, each with their own strategy. We start with Deuces Wild, since this version is one of the easiest to gain an advantage over the casino. The appropriate strategy guide is listed, followed by advice on Jacks or Better, the most popular video poker game.

Deuces Wild

One of the highest paying is "Deuces Wild." This is played exactly as it sounds: all twos are wild. When the correct strategy is applied, Deuces Wild has a return as high as 100.8%.

The payout schedule for Deuces Wild video poker is very unique due to the frequency of high-ranking hands caused by the introduction of wild cards. In fact, about one-third of all payouts are rewarded for a four of a kind, which occurs approximately every fifteen hands. Below is a typical Deuces Wild payout table found at various casinos and online gambling sites.

Deuces Wild Payout

Deuces Wild video poker strategy is based on making the right choice of which cards to hold and which to discard. The difference from other forms of video poker is that the strategy is dependent on how many twos you are dealt.

The following recommendations should be followed from top to bottom. Move down the list until you locate your hand and follow the corresponding discard strategy.

Deuces Wild Discard Strategy

Deuces Wild strategy seems tricky at first glance, but the recommendations follow a basic pattern. Never discard a deuce, and never keep two pairs. If you look at the payout table above you will notice that these video poker machines only pay for hands ranked three of a kind or better. Discarding one of the pairs and drawing three cards is mathematically more profitable than keeping both pairs and only drawing one card.

Jacks or Better

The most popular version of video poker is Jacks or Better. This is played the same way as five card draw, but players are only awarded money for a pair or Jacks or higher. The typical version of this video poker variety is 9/6 Jacks or Better, which is named after the payouts for a Full House and a Flush.

The table below represents a standard payout schedule for 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker.

Jacks or Better Payout Ratio

Jacks or Better strategy can be found on our video poker page. There you will find a comprehensive list of which cards to hold and which to discard no matter what hand you are dealt.

Another way to ensure the lowest house edge is to pick the right games. Not all online gambling sites and land-based casinos offer the same payouts for Jacks or Better video poker. Refer to the next section for which games to avoid when gambling.

Avoid Low Pay Variations

There are many Jacks or Better variations with altered pay tables that reduce the amount players receive for a win. This raises the house edge and ultimately leads to more income for the casinos. Obviously, these variations are best avoided if you want to achieve the maximum return on your money. Stick with 9/6 Jacks or Better and stay away from the following video poker games.

9/5 Jacks or Better

Flush payout cut from 6 times your bet to 5 times your bet.

8/6 Jacks or Better

Full House payout cut from 9 times your bet to 8 times your bet.

8/5 Jacks or Better

Full House payout cut from 9 times your bet to 8 times your bet.
Flush payout cut from 6 times your bet to 5 times your bet.

7/5 Jacks or Better

Full House payout cut from 9 times your bet to 7 times your bet.
Flush payout cut from 6 times your bet to 5 times your bet.

6/5 Jacks or Better

Full House payout cut from 9 times your bet to 6 times your bet.
Flush payout cut from 6 times your bet to 5 times your bet.

The general concept behind video poker strategy is fairly simple. You want to find the highest paying machines and follow the recommendations for holding and discarding your cards. The goal is to get at least the minimum required poker hand to win your money back and score the occasional big win. Play at the right online casino sites and use the advice above, but always remember to gamble responsibly.

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