How To Win At Casino Video Poker

Video poker perfectly bridges the gap between the isolated, fast pace of slot machines and the complex strategy of table games.


If played with absolutely perfect strategy, certain video poker variations offer some of the highest payout percentages in the entire casino.

Why the Paytable is Everything in Video Poker

The casino adjusts its house edge entirely by changing the payouts for specific hands, usually the Full House and the Flush.


The gold standard for beginners is the classic 'Jacks or Better' variation, specifically the '9/6' paytable.

Always play 'Max Coins' (usually 5 coins); the payout for a Royal Flush jumps exponentially when playing the maximum betIf you cannot afford to play 5 coins at the $1 level, drop down to the $0.25 level so you can afford the maximum betNever sit down at a '6/5' Jacks or Better machine; the casino has increased its edge dramatically to steal your money
Never Rely on 'Gut Instinct'

Once you find a 9/6 machine, you must play every single hand with mathematical perfection to actually achieve that 99.54% return.


Casinos legally allow you to hold a printed strategy chart in your hand while playing video poker; they do not consider it cheating.

Video Poker RuleReasoningImpact on BankrollAlways Play Max CreditsUnlocks the massive 4000-coin Royal Flush payoutCritical for long-term mathematical successNever keep a 'Kicker'Keeping an unsuited high card with a pair hurts your oddsPrevents you from drawing three-of-a-kind

If you are willing to study the charts and hunt for the right machines, it is undeniably the smartest bet on the digital floor.