Why Video Poker is Beatable
Unlike slot machines, video poker is a skill-based game. Your decisions directly impact the return to player (RTP). With perfect strategy on a full-pay machine, you can achieve an RTP of 99.5% or higher — making video poker one of the best games for players who learn optimal strategy.
Understanding Video Poker Paytables
The paytable determines the game's RTP. Always check before playing:
| Game | Paytable | RTP (Perfect Play) | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 9/6 | 99.54% | ✅ Full Pay |
| Jacks or Better | 8/5 | 97.30% | ⚠️ Acceptable |
| Jacks or Better | 7/5 | 96.15% | ❌ Avoid |
| Deuces Wild | 25/15/9/4/4/3 | 100.76% | ✅ Full Pay |
| Deuces Wild | 20/12/10/4/4/3 | 99.45% | ⚠️ Acceptable |
| Bonus Poker | 8/5 | 99.17% | ✅ Good |
| Double Bonus | 9/7/5 | 99.11% | ✅ Good |
Jacks or Better Strategy — The Foundation
Jacks or Better is the most common video poker game. Memorize this hold hierarchy:
🎯 Optimal Hold Order (Highest to Lowest)
- 1. Royal Flush — Always hold
- 2. Straight Flush — Always hold
- 3. Four of a Kind — Always hold
- 4. Full House — Always hold
- 5. Flush — Always hold
- 6. Straight — Always hold
- 7. Three of a Kind — Always hold
- 8. Four to a Royal Flush — Hold
- 9. Two Pair — Hold
- 10. High Pair (Jacks or Better) — Hold
- 11. Four to a Straight Flush — Hold
- 12. Three to a Royal Flush — Hold
- 13. Four to a Flush — Hold
- 14. Low Pair (2s-10s) — Hold
- 15. Four to an Outside Straight — Hold
- 16. Three to a Straight Flush — Hold
- 17. Two High Cards (J,Q,K,A) Suited — Hold
- 18. Two High Cards Unsuited — Hold if both J+
- 19. One High Card — Hold if J, Q, K, or A
- 20. Discard All — Only if no above holds
⚠️ Common Jacks or Better Mistakes
Breaking a winning hand: Never discard a pair to draw for a flush or straight. A high pair pays even if you don't improve.
Holding unsuited 10-J-Q-K: This is often correct, but check if a flush draw exists.
Not playing max coins: Always bet 5 coins for the royal flush bonus (4,000 vs 250 coins).
Deuces Wild Strategy — Advanced Play
Deuces Wild adds four wild cards (2s), creating more winning combinations. The strategy differs significantly from Jacks or Better:
🎯 Deuces Wild Optimal Hold Order
- 1. Natural Royal Flush — Hold
- 2. Four Deuces — Hold
- 3. Royal Flush with Deuce — Hold
- 4. Five of a Kind — Hold
- 5. Straight Flush — Hold
- 6. Four of a Kind — Hold
- 7. Full House — Hold
- 8. Three Deuces — Hold
- 9. Four to a Royal Flush (Natural) — Hold
- 10. Four to a Royal Flush with Deuce — Hold
- 11. Two Deuces — Hold
- 12. Four to a Straight Flush — Hold
- 13. Three to a Royal Flush (Natural) — Hold
- 14. One Deuce — Hold
- 15. Four to a Flush — Hold
- 16. Four to an Outside Straight — Hold
Video Poker Strategy Charts — Quick Reference
Print these charts or keep them handy while practicing:
| Hand | Jacks or Better | Deuces Wild |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Hold all | Hold all |
| Straight Flush | Hold all | Hold all |
| Four of a Kind | Hold all | Hold all |
| Full House | Hold all | Hold all |
| Flush | Hold all | Hold all |
| Straight | Hold all | Hold all |
| Three of a Kind | Hold all | Hold all |
| Two Pair | Hold both pairs | Hold both pairs |
| High Pair (J+ or Better) | Hold the pair | Hold the pair + deuces |
| Four to Royal Flush | Hold | Hold |
| Four to Straight Flush | Hold | Hold |
| Three to Royal Flush | Hold if no higher | Hold if no higher |
Video Poker Variations — Best Games Ranked
Not all video poker games offer the same RTP. Here are the best options with perfect play:
| Game | Best Paytable | Max RTP | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deuces Wild | 25/15/9/4/4/3 | 100.76% | Hard |
| Double Bonus | 9/7/5 | 99.11% | Medium |
| Bonus Poker | 8/5 | 99.17% | Easy |
| Jacks or Better | 9/6 | 99.54% | Easy |
| Double Double Bonus | 9/6 | 98.98% | Hard |
| Joker Poker (Kings or Better) | 7/5 | 98.65% | Medium |
Bankroll Management for Video Poker
Even with perfect strategy, variance affects short-term results. Manage your bankroll wisely:
- Minimum bankroll: 100-200 max bets for single-session play
- Session limits: Set loss limits before playing (e.g., stop after losing 50 bets)
- Denomination: Play the highest denomination you can afford with max coins
- Time limits: Take breaks to maintain optimal decision-making
Learn more about bankroll management strategies →
Practice Video Poker for Free
The best way to master video poker strategy is to practice without risking real money. Use free practice games to memorize optimal holds.
Free Video Poker Practice →
