To the untrained eye, a video poker cabinet looks exactly like a standard, luck-based slot machine.
If played with absolutely perfect strategy, certain video poker variations offer some of the highest payout percentages in the entire casino.
How to Identify a Winning Video Poker Machine
The casino adjusts its house edge entirely by changing the payouts for specific hands, usually the Full House and the Flush.
If the machine only pays 8 for a Full House and 5 for a Flush (an 8/5 machine), the RTP drops significantly, and you should find another game.
- Always play ‘Max Coins’ (usually 5 coins); the payout for a Royal Flush jumps exponentially when playing the maximum bet
- If you cannot afford to play 5 coins at the $1 level, drop down to the $0.25 level so you can afford the maximum bet
- Never sit down at a ‘6/5’ Jacks or Better machine; the casino has increased its edge dramatically to steal your money
Using a Basic Strategy Card
You must memorize the hierarchy of holds, or better yet, simply use a printed strategy card while you play.
Casinos legally allow you to hold a printed strategy chart in your hand while playing video poker; they do not consider it cheating.
| Variation Type | Optimal Paytable to Find | Difficulty of Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 9 / 6 | Easy (Best for Beginners) |
| Deuces Wild | 15 / 9 | Extremely Difficult (Complex Holds) |
Leave the flashy, high-variance slot machines to the tourists, and grind out the video poker machines like a professional.
