How Video Poker Works
Video poker combines slot machine ease with poker strategy. Players try to create the best 5-card hand from an initial deal, with payments depending on hand strength. Some popular versions are:
Jacks or Better (Minimum pair of jacks to win)
Deuces Wild (All 2s are wild cards)
Double Bonus Poker (Increased payouts for four-of-a-kind hands)
Step-by-Step Gameplay
Place Your Bet
Select coin value (usually 0.25 to 5 per credit)
Select 1-5 credits per hand (max bet opens highest royal flush awards)
Initial Deal
Deal 5 face-up cards from a simulated 52-card deck
Hold/Discard
Employ “Hold” buttons to retain good cards (e.g., high pairs, possible flushes)
Discard bad cards (unmatched low cards, broken straights)
Final Hand
Click “Draw” to redraw discarded cards
Payouts according to the paytable (e.g., Royal Flush = 800x bet at maximum coins)
Hand Rankings & Payouts
(Strongest to weakest)
Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit)
Straight Flush (5 consecutive cards, same suit)
Four of a Kind
Full House (Pair + Three of a Kind)
Flush (5 same suit, non-consecutive)
Straight (5 consecutive cards, different suits)
Three of a Kind
Two Pair
Jacks or Better (Minimum winning hand in most games)
5 Pro Tips for Improved Odds
Always Bet Max Coins – Guarantees full royal flush payout (250x → 800x)
Study Pay Tables – Play games with 9/6 paybacks (9x full house, 6x flush)
Prioritize High Cards – Hold one high card (Jack+) over low pairs
Avoid Chasing Straights/Flushes – Chase only if you have 4 cards already
Practice Free Games First – Master strategies without losing real money
Video Poker vs. Traditional Poker
Solo Play: No one to bluff or read
Fixed Odds: Payback only based on your hand strength
Faster Pace: No delay waiting for other players’ actions
Lower Variance: Lower bankroll needs compared to table poker
Key Advantage: Video poker provides some of the best casino odds (as much as 99.5% RTP in best strategy games such as Jacks or Better). Unlike slots, your choices have a direct influence on results.
Beginners should begin with Jacks or Better—its simple strategy makes it a great choice for learning fundamental hold/discard concepts. Always review pay tables prior to playing since payouts differ from casino to casino and game variation.