How To Win At Casino Video Poker

To the untrained eye, a video poker cabinet looks exactly like a standard, luck-based slot machine.


If played with absolutely perfect strategy, certain video poker variations offer some of the highest payout percentages in the entire casino.

Finding the Best Paytables (9/6 Jacks or Better)

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
Never Rely on 'Gut Instinct'

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.

The Hand DealtThe 'Gut' DecisionThe Perfect Math DecisionHigh Pair + 4 to a FlushKeep the guaranteed PairDiscard the pair, draw for the Flush3 to a Royal FlushKeep the high cardsKeep the 3 Royal cards, discard the rest

Leave the flashy, high-variance slot machines to the tourists, and grind out the video poker machines like a professional.