If you walk through any casino, past the flashing modern video slots, you will inevitably find rows of old, blocky Video Poker machines.
Unlike regular slots, where the outcome is purely dictated by blind luck, Video Poker is a game of profound, complex skill.
Finding the Full Pay Machines
The most common and foundational variation is "Jacks or Better," where the lowest paying winning hand is exactly a pair of Jacks.
This specific machine pays exactly 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush on a single coin bet.
Casinos often hide 8/5 machines right next to the generous 9/6 machinesThe paytable is the only information you need to calculate the exact RTP of the gameJacks or Better provides the foundational strategy for almost all other game variations
The Importance of the "Max Bet" Rule
However, the payout for the absolute rarest hand, the Royal Flush, is heavily, disproportionately weighted toward the massive 5-coin maximum bet.
But if you bet the maximum 5 coins, the Royal Flush payout jumps exponentially to an incredible 4,000 coins (800 to 1).
Playing Like a Video Poker Robot
Once you find a 9/6 machine and bet max coins, the final step is flawlessly executing the mathematical basic strategy for every single hand.
For example, if you are dealt a Low Pair and a Four-Card Flush, the math dictates you must always hold the Pair.
Video Poker VariantOptimal PaytableTheoretical RTP (Perfect Play)Jacks or Better9 / 699.54%Deuces Wild15 / 9 / 5100.76% (Player Advantage!)
Study the strategy charts relentlessly, and you will transform from a casual gambler into a formidable, highly profitable casino advantage player.
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Winning at Casino Video Poker
Chas Meston edited this page 2026-08-06 20:26:46 +00:00