Video poker blends skill, odds and timing in a way few casino games do. If you've ever stood in front of a terminal or tapped an app and wondered whether your choices actually matter, the short answer is yes. With the right knowledge—about paytables, variance, bankroll and strategy—you can turn transient luck into long-term, measurable results. This guide dives deep into how to play smarter and includes practical steps you can apply right away when playing video poker.
Why video poker rewards smart play
Unlike most slot machines, video poker presents a deterministic math problem: a known paytable, fixed deck composition, and player decisions that change expected value. This means experienced players who learn optimal strategy and choose favorable paytables can massively improve their return to player (RTP). I first noticed this while switching from slot play to Jacks or Better at a regional casino—my weekly variance dropped and my theoretical hourly loss became so predictable I could plan sessions confidently.
How video poker works: the basics
A standard video poker game deals five cards from a 52-card deck. You select which cards to keep and the rest are replaced. The resulting five-card hand is compared to a paytable that lists payouts for winning hands. The payout structure and a single decision on each hand determine expected value. The fewer unknowns in the game, the more you can convert practice into solid decision-making.
Common variants and what to expect
- Jacks or Better (most beginner-friendly; look for 9/6 paytables that return ~99.54% with perfect play)
- Deuces Wild (wild twos; some “full-pay” versions exceed 100% if bonus features apply, commonly quoted ~100.76% for certain paytables)
- Joker Poker (adds a joker; paytables vary, some approach 100% with perfect strategy)
- Bonus Poker and Double Bonus (adjusted payments for four-of-a-kind; paytables determine RTP)
- Progressive video poker (jackpot increases RTP as it grows, sometimes offering positive expectation at high levels)
Paytables: the single most important factor
Two machines with the same name can have dramatically different returns because of the paytable. A “9/6 Jacks or Better” (9 for Full House, 6 for Flush) is considered a full-pay machine with the highest standard RTP for that variant. If you play a lower-paying table—say 8/5—you can drop multiple percentage points in RTP, undoing any strategy advantage.
Basic strategy principles
Good strategy in video poker is a structured list of priorities: certain hands should always be kept, others always discarded, and many require context-dependent judgment. Core rules you’ll memorize early:
- Always hold a pat Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or Four of a Kind.
- Keep a made Full House or Flush in games where those pay substantially.
- Prefer four to a Royal over lower-paying made hands when the ratio is favorable (this depends on paytable and potential jackpots).
- In Jacks or Better, keep high pairs and three to a Royal when appropriate; break low pairs for potential straights or flushes only in targeted situations.
Train with strategy charts that list decision priorities. There are one-line lists and full-table strategies—learn the list first, then refine with the complete table as you practice.
Advanced concepts: variance, expected value, and bankroll
Variance measures how wild your results are. Games with high payouts for rare hands (progressives, royal flush-heavy paytables) increase variance, so while they offer higher long-term RTP, your short-term swings widen. Expected value (EV) tells you what you should expect over a large sample of hands. If you play perfectly on full-pay Jacks or Better, your EV approaches the published RTP; imperfections reduce it.
Bankroll management is essential. For low-variance full-pay Jacks or Better, a smaller bankroll can be appropriate. For progressive or high-bonus games, your session bankroll should cover larger standard deviations—typically several hundred to a few thousand times the max bet depending on your tolerance and stake.
How to learn perfect play
There are three complementary paths to mastery:
- Study strategy charts and memorize priority lists for your chosen variant.
- Use training software and phone apps that show correct plays and track your mistakes. Modern training tools include hand-by-hand feedback and built-in variance calculators.
- Simulate large samples (millions of hands) with reputable programs to see long-term EV and variance. This helps set realistic expectations.
When I switched to using a training app that corrected every misplay, my error rate dropped by over 80% in just two weeks, and my realized return climbed measurably.
Picking the right game and platform
Whether you play in a land-based casino or online, always inspect the paytable before betting. Online platforms can host many paytable variants, so identify "full pay" tables. If you prefer live social play, consider tournaments and leaderboards for added value; these require different strategies—often more aggressive and position-based.
For online and mobile play, look for reputable operators with transparent RTP reporting and responsible gaming tools. If you want to try a curated collection of video poker games and promotions, check the official site at video poker for regularly updated options and resources.
Promotions, comps and how they affect EV
Bonus offers, loyalty points, and cashback programs can materially change your overall expectation. When a machine's base RTP is marginally below break-even, a generous cashback or comp program can tilt the effective ROI in your favor. Always compute the net EV: base game EV + promo value - wagering requirements and taxes (where applicable).
Responsible play and legal considerations
Treat video poker as a long-term mathematical pursuit but also as entertainment. Set clear session limits—time and bankroll—and stick to them. Know the legal status of online gaming and any tax implications in your jurisdiction. Use account limits and self-exclusion features if you feel play is becoming problematic.
Real-world tips from experience
One practical habit I recommend is pre-session calibration: define your target hands-per-session, acceptable loss, and any promotional goals (e.g., hitting a cashback threshold). When I practiced this, I stopped chasing a heated losing streak and instead focused on reaching an objective number of quality hands, which improved both my discipline and long-term outcomes.
Another useful trick: always play maximum coins on progressive machines when the progressive jackpot pushes the machine's expected return above the cost of max-bet exposure. This is where knowledge of EV and variance pays off—literally.
Tools, resources and continued learning
Good resources include thorough strategy charts, respected training apps, and simulation software. Look for communities and forums where veteran players share paytable scans and progressive thresholds. If you want quick, reliable starting points, educational sites and apps often list the most favorable paytables and offer interactive drills.
Final checklist before you play
- Verify the paytable—are you on a full-pay variant?
- Confirm your strategy chart matches the variant.
- Decide your session bankroll and stop-loss/win-goal.
- Use training modes first if you’re trying a new variant.
- Factor in promotions and loyalty benefits into your EV.
Video poker sits at the intersection of chance and skill. With deliberate study, disciplined bankroll management, and the right choice of games and paytables, you can significantly improve your outcomes. Whether you’re a casual player or looking to push towards professional-level play, treating the game like a skill to be refined will reward you more than chasing jackpots with no plan.
About the author
I’ve been studying and playing casino table and machine games for over a decade, focusing on math-driven formats like video poker. My background includes statistical modeling and years of hands-on experience testing paytables and strategies in casinos and online platforms. I use simulations to validate strategies and emphasize bankroll protection and responsible play in all recommendations.
Further reading and tools
For practical paytable examples, downloadable strategy charts and training apps, visit the resources and game listings at video poker. Start with Jacks or Better full-pay machines to learn the ropes, then expand into Deuces Wild and progressive variants as your confidence grows.
