When most players think of casino machines, they immediately picture the bright lights of traditional slots.

Video Poker bridges the gap between the solitary play of a machine and the strategic depth of card games.

Some specific Video Poker machines, when played perfectly, actually return more than 100% to the player in the long run.

Because the game uses a standard 52-card deck, the probabilities of hitting specific hands are completely transparent.

We will guide you through the basics of Video Poker strategy and show you how to beat the house edge.

The Mechanics: How Video Poker Works

Every round begins with the machine dealing you five cards from a virtual 52-card deck.

After reviewing your initial hand, you must decide which cards to hold and which to discard.

Once you hit 'Draw', the cards you threw away are replaced, finalizing your final five-card hand.

Payouts scale dramatically up to the Royal Flush, which is the ultimate jackpot of Video Poker.

Because your decisions directly impact the final hand, your skill level dictates the overall payout percentage.

The Secret to Winning: Analyzing Paytables

The most critical skill in Video Poker is the ability to read and evaluate the machine's paytable.

In the popular game "Jacks or Better," you must always look for a "9/6" machine.

Playing an 8/5 machine instead of a 9/6 machine will cost you hundreds of dollars over the long term.

Never settle for a short-pay machine; always seek out the best possible paytables available in the casino.

Another unbreakable rule of Video Poker is to always bet the maximum number of coins (usually 5).

Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and More

Each variant alters the rules slightly and requires a completely different optimal strategy chart.

Deuces Wild is a massive favorite where all four '2' cards act as wild cards, substituting for any other card.

These advantageous machines are rare in physical casinos today but can still sometimes be found online.

These volatile games appeal to players who want larger jackpot hits without relying entirely on the rare Royal Flush.

Using a Jacks or Better strategy on a Deuces Wild machine is a guaranteed way to lose your money quickly.

Video Poker Strategy Fundamentals

• Look for the Full House and Flush payouts to determine the machine's value.


• Always bet the maximum 5 coins. It maximizes the Royal Flush payout.


• Memorize the optimal hold decisions to eliminate the house edge.


• A guaranteed win is usually better than a low-probability draw.


• Analyze every hand carefully; a single mistake costs you money.

Identifying Full Pay Machines

Video Poker is the hidden gem of the casino world, rewarding players who are willing to apply logic and study.

The combination of a 99.5%+ return and the possibility of hitting a massive Royal Flush is mathematically unbeatable.

Take the time to learn the strategy charts; it is the most profitable homework you will ever do.

Protect your bankroll by refusing to play anything less than the optimal Full Pay games.

May the cards fall perfectly for you, and we wish you a profitable Video Poker session.