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.

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 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
The Importance of Perfect Strategy in Video Poker

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 TypeOptimal Paytable to FindDifficulty of StrategyJacks or Better9 / 6Easy (Best for Beginners)Deuces Wild15 / 9Extremely Difficult (Complex Holds)

Video poker is a game of patience, repetition, and strict adherence to a predetermined mathematical chart.