_770.jpg "Video Poker Jacks or better")
If you’ve ever played pokies and felt like the machine was just eating your money, you’re not alone. But what if I told you there’s a casino game where skill actually matters? A game where you can make smart decisions, reduce the house edge, and even—dare I say it—beat the casino in the long run?
Welcome to the world of video poker! Unlike pokies, where you just spin and hope for the best, video poker lets you control the outcome (at least to some extent). By learning the right strategy and picking the right machines, you can turn the odds in your favor and maximize your chances of winning.
In this Casinoz guide, we’ll explain everything a beginner needs to know about video poker, from choosing the best game to using simple strategies that actually work.
Understanding Video Poker Basics
Before we dive into strategies and tips, let’s get familiar with how video poker works. If you’ve played five-card draw poker before, you’re already halfway there!
How Video Poker Works
Video poker is a mix of pokie machines and traditional poker. You place a bet, get dealt five cards, and choose which ones to keep or discard. The machine then replaces the discarded cards, and your final hand determines your payout. The stronger your hand, the bigger your winnings!
Winning Hands in Video Poker
Unlike regular poker, you’re not playing against other players—just the machine. Most video poker games use standard poker hand rankings, with a pair of Jacks or better being the minimum winning hand. Here’s a quick look at the usual rankings:
- Royal Flush (A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠) – Jackpot!
- Straight Flush (Five consecutive suited cards, like 5♥ 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ 9♥)
- Four of a Kind (Four of the same rank, like 9♠ 9♣ 9♦ 9♥)
- Full House (Three of a kind + a pair, like Q♦ Q♣ Q♠ 4♥ 4♠)
- Flush (Five cards of the same suit, like A♣ J♣ 8♣ 4♣ 2♣)
- Straight (Five consecutive cards of any suit, like 5♠ 6♦ 7♣ 8♥ 9♦)
- Three of a Kind (Three of the same rank, like 7♥ 7♣ 7♦)
- Two Pair (Two sets of pairs, like K♠ K♣ 6♦ 6♠)
- Jacks or Better (A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces)
The key to winning in video poker is understanding which cards to hold and which to discard—but we’ll get to that soon.
Different Types of Video Poker Games
Not all video poker games are the same! Some variations offer better odds, while others have exciting twists. Here are the most popular ones:
- Jacks or Better – The classic version with simple strategy and low volatility.
- Deuces Wild – All 2s act as wild cards, creating more winning hands.
- Double Bonus – Higher payouts for Four of a Kind hands, but lower payouts for other hands.
- Joker Poker – A wild Joker is added to the deck, giving you more chances to win.
Each game has its own strategy, so choosing the right one is key.
Choosing the Right Video Poker Machine
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to talk about one of the most important decisions you’ll make—choosing the right video poker machine. Not all machines are created equal, and picking the wrong one can cost you money in the long run.
Why Paytables Matter (And How to Read Them)
Every video poker machine has a paytable that shows how much each hand pays. The key to maximizing your winnings is finding a machine with the best payouts—specifically for Full House and Flush hands. Let’s compare two common Jacks or Better paytables.
Hand
|
9/6 Jacks or Better
|
8/5 Jacks or Better
|
Royal Flush
|
800x
|
800x
|
Straight Flush
|
50x
|
50x
|
Four of a Kind
|
25x
|
25x
|
Full House
|
9x
|
8x
|
Flush
|
6x
|
5x
|
Straight
|
4x
|
4x
|
Three of a Kind
|
3x
|
3x
|
Two Pair
|
2x
|
2x
|
Jacks or Better
|
1x
|
1x
|
👉 Rule of Thumb:
The higher the Full House (9x) and Flush (6x) payouts, the better the game! A 9/6 Jacks or Better machine has a 99.54% return-to-player (RTP), meaning the house edge is less than 0.5%. On the other hand, an 8/5 Jacks or Better machine only pays 97.3% RTP—giving the casino a much bigger advantage.
💡 Pro Tip:
Always check the paytable before playing. If the Full House pays less than 9x or the Flush pays less than 6x, find a better machine!
Where to Find the Best Video Poker Machines
- Land-Based Casinos: Look for machines with full pay tables (9/6 Jacks or Better, Full-Pay Deuces Wild). Casinos in Las Vegas tend to have the best ones.
- Online Casinos: Some top-rated sites offer high RTP video poker, but always check the paytable before playing.
- Casino Apps & Free Play Games: Great for practice before risking real money.
Here are numerous free video poker games on Casinoz.
Now that you know how to pick the right machine, let’s get to the fun part—learning the best strategy to actually beat the casino!
The Best Video Poker Strategy for Beginners
Picking the right machine is just the first step. Now, let’s talk about how to actually play video poker the smart way. Unlike pokie machines, where you rely on pure luck, video poker is a game of skill—meaning your decisions directly impact your chances of winning.
Why Strategy Matters
Every time you’re dealt five cards, you need to decide which ones to hold and which ones to discard to maximize your payout.
The goal is to make mathematically correct choices every time—even if it means passing on a tempting hand in the short term.
The best way to do this? Follow a strategy chart!
Basic Jacks or Better Strategy (For Beginners)
Jacks or Better is the most beginner-friendly video poker game, and its strategy is relatively simple. Here’s what to do when you’re dealt a hand:
- 1️⃣ Keep a Royal Flush or Straight Flush – If you’re lucky enough to get one, don’t touch it!
- 2️⃣ Keep Four of a Kind, Full House, or Flush – These are guaranteed wins, so hold all five cards.
- 3️⃣ Keep an Open-Ended Straight or Four to a Straight Flush – These hands have strong winning potential.
- 4️⃣ Keep Three of a Kind or Two Pair – These give you a great chance of getting a Full House.
- 5️⃣ Keep a High Pair (Jacks or Better) – This is the minimum winning hand, so hold onto it.
- 6️⃣ If You Have No Winning Hand, Keep the Highest Card (Preferably a Jack or Higher) – This increases your chances of hitting a pair.
💡 Example 1:
You’re dealt J♦ Q♦ K♦ 10♦ 3♠. What should you do?
✅ Hold J♦ Q♦ K♦ 10♦ and discard 3♠—you’re one card away from a Royal Flush!
💡 Example 2:
You’re dealt 4♠ 4♦ 4♣ K♠ 10♣. What should you do?
✅ Hold 4♠ 4♦ 4♣ and discard K♠ 10♣—keeping Three of a Kind gives you a shot at a Full House.
Using a Strategy Chart
If you’re serious about winning, consider printing a video poker strategy chart or using an online trainer. These tools tell you the mathematically best move for every hand, helping you make optimal decisions every time.
- 🚫 Holding a Low Pair Instead of a High Card Pair – Always prioritize Jacks or Better.
- 🚫 Breaking a Winning Hand to Chase a Better One – Never split a Flush or Full House to try for a Straight Flush.
- 🚫 Ignoring the Paytable – Playing on bad machines means even perfect strategy won’t help you win.
The video poker basic strategy will help you dramatically improve your chances and bring the house edge down to less than 0.5% on full-pay machines.
Bankroll Management – Playing Smart to Win More!
Even with the best strategy, video poker is still a game of ups and downs. Proper bankroll management ensures that you can handle the swings and play long enough to benefit from the game’s high return-to-player (RTP).
How Much Money Do You Need to Play Video Poker?
Your bankroll depends on:
- ✔ The game you’re playing – Some video poker variations have more volatility than others.
- ✔ Your bet size – The higher your bets, the more money you need.
- ✔ Your risk tolerance – Do you want to play conservatively or take more chances?
A general rule of thumb:
- For Jacks or Better (low volatility): Aim for 300–500 bets. If you’re betting $1 per hand, a $300–$500 bankroll is reasonable.
- For Deuces Wild or Bonus Poker (higher volatility): You may need 500–1000 bets to withstand losing streaks.
💡 Pro Tip:
Always play max coins (5 coins per hand) to qualify for the highest Royal Flush payout.
Smart Betting Strategies
To make your bankroll last longer, follow these tips:
- 🎯 Play within your budget – Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- 🎯 Lower your stakes if needed – If you’re losing too quickly, switch to a lower denomination machine.
- 🎯 Set a win goal and loss limit – Example: Quit when you double your bankroll or lose 20%.
When to Cash Out
A common mistake beginners make is chasing losses or playing too long after a big win. Instead, follow this approach:
- 💰 If you hit a big win (like a Royal Flush), cash out at least 50% of your profit.
- 💰 If you lose more than 20–30% of your session bankroll, take a break and reassess.
By managing your bankroll wisely, you’ll enjoy video poker for longer and give yourself the best chance to win over time.
Maximizing Casino Comps & Bonuses for Extra Value!
One of the biggest advantages of playing video poker—especially in casinos—is that you can earn rewards while you play. Whether you’re gambling online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, taking advantage of comps, promotions, and bonuses can help stretch your bankroll and increase your overall winnings.
How Casino Comps Work (And How to Get More)
Most casinos have a players club or loyalty program that rewards you with comps (free perks) based on how much you play. These can include:
- ✅ Free play credits – Extra money to use on video poker machines.
- ✅ Cashback on losses – A percentage of your money returned.
- ✅ Comped meals, hotel stays, and show tickets – The more you play, the more you get!
- ✅ VIP perks & exclusive promotions – High rollers get even bigger rewards.
💡 Pro Tip:
Always sign up for the casino’s rewards program before you start playing.
Even if you’re only betting small amounts, you can still rack up valuable points over time.
Online Casino Bonuses: Free Money for Video Poker
If you’re playing video poker online, take advantage of deposit bonuses and promotions to boost your bankroll. Look for:
- 🔥 Deposit match bonuses – The casino matches a percentage of your deposit (e.g., 100% up to $500).
- 🔥 No-deposit bonuses – Free money just for signing up.
- 🔥 Cashback offers – Some sites refund a percentage of your losses.
👉 Important:
Always check the wagering requirements on bonuses. Some casinos exclude video poker from bonus play or require higher wagering before you can withdraw.
Earning Extra Value with Bankroll-Friendly Tactics
- 🎯 Stick to full-pay machines – If you’re going to earn comps, make sure you’re playing the best version of the game.
- 🎯 Bet max coins – Not just for better payouts, but some casinos reward higher bets with more points.
- 🎯 Use a rewards credit card – If you’re playing online, use a card that earns cashback or travel rewards for extra value.
Combine a solid video poker strategy with casino comps and bonuses to maximize your profits and get extra perks for playing smart!
You can play numerous video poker games and enjoy cool promotions in the following online casinos.
| Casino | Bonuses | Editors rating | |||
| 100% to 1000 $ x35 | Play | |||
| — | Play | |||
| — | Play | |||
| 125% to 80 $ x35 | Play | |||
| 100% to 400 $ x50 | Play |
Final Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
By now, you have all the tools to play video poker like a pro—choosing the right machine, using the best strategy, managing your bankroll, and maximizing comps. But before you hit the machines, here are some final expert tips and common mistakes to avoid to give yourself the best shot at winning.
Expert Tips for Consistent Wins
- ✅ Always Play Max Coins – The Royal Flush payout jumps significantly when you bet five coins, so always go for the max to get the best returns.
- ✅ Practice for Free – Use online video poker trainers to perfect your strategy before playing with real money.
- ✅ Stick to One Game Type – Don’t jump between different versions of video poker unless you’ve learned each strategy separately.
- ✅ Keep Emotions in Check – Losing streaks happen, but smart players don’t chase losses or make reckless decisions.
Biggest Mistakes That Cost You Money
- 🚫 Ignoring the Paytable – Even small differences in payout percentages can turn a great game into a bad one.
- 🚫 Breaking Winning Hands to Chase Something Better – Never ruin a Flush or Full House just to try for a Straight Flush or Royal Flush.
- 🚫 Not Using a Strategy Chart – Guessing what to hold or discard reduces your edge and increases the house’s advantage.
- 🚫 Betting Too High for Your Bankroll – Running out of money too quickly means you don’t get enough playtime to hit big hands.
- 🚫 Skipping the Players Club – If you’re playing without earning comps, you’re leaving money on the table!
Final Thoughts: Can You Actually Beat Video Poker?
Yes! While video poker doesn’t guarantee wins every session, playing full-pay machines with perfect strategy can get you close to a 99%–100% RTP (return-to-player)—making it one of the best casino games for skilled players. If you take the time to learn proper strategy, manage your bankroll, and capitalize on casino rewards, you’ll be playing video poker like a seasoned pro in no time.
So, are you ready to put your skills to the test? Pick a good machine, play smart, and may the Royal Flush be with you!
