When most players think of casino machines, they immediately picture the bright lights of traditional slots.
Unlike slots, which are purely games of chance, Video Poker requires skill and mathematical strategy.
It is widely considered the best game in the casino for players who are willing to learn proper tactics.
The beauty of the game is that, unlike slots, you can calculate the exact mathematical return of the machine.
Let's break down the mechanics of the game and explain how to identify the most profitable machines.
Understanding the Basics of Video Poker
The gameplay is incredibly straightforward, utilizing the standard hand rankings of classic poker.
You can hold all five cards if you are dealt a winning hand, or discard all five if the hand is terrible.
Once you hit 'Draw', the cards you threw away are replaced, finalizing your final five-card hand.
The lowest winning hand in the most popular variant, Jacks or Better, is a pair of Jacks.
If you constantly throw away winning cards by mistake, the house edge will skyrocket against you.
Reading the Paytable: Identifying Good Machines
Before you insert a single coin, you must look closely at the payout schedule displayed on the screen.
A 9/6 machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush on a one-coin bet.
Casinos often stealthily reduce these payouts to 8/5 or even 7/5 on machines that look exactly the same.
Never settle for a short-pay machine; always seek out the best possible paytables available in the casino.
Betting less than the maximum coins drastically lowers the overall RTP, making it a severe strategic error.
Popular Variants of Video Poker
Each variant alters the rules slightly and requires a completely different optimal strategy chart.
Because hands are easier to make, the lowest winning hand in Deuces Wild is usually Three of a Kind.
If you can find a good Deuces Wild paytable and play perfectly, you will theoretically make a profit over time.
These volatile games appeal to players who want larger jackpot hits without relying entirely on the rare Royal Flush.
Using a Jacks or Better strategy on a Deuces Wild machine is a guaranteed way to lose your money quickly.
Key Tips for Video Poker Players
- Never play a short-pay machine. Demand the highest possible return.
- If you cannot afford max bet, drop down to a lower denomination machine.
- Use a strategy card. Never guess which cards to hold.
- A guaranteed win is usually better than a low-probability draw.
- Take your time. There is no dealer rushing you to make a decision.
Identifying Full Pay Machines
| Winning Hand | Full Pay (9/6) | Short Pay (8/5) |
|---|
| Straight Flush | 50 | 50 |
| Flush | 6 | 5 |
| House Edge | 0.46% | 2.70% |
It completely removes the mindless repetition of slots and replaces it with rewarding, strategic gameplay.
By finding the right machines and playing perfectly, you can stretch your bankroll further than in any other game.
Keep a strategy card open on your phone or printed out next to your keyboard when playing online.
Protect your bankroll by refusing to play anything less than the optimal Full Pay games.
Good luck chasing that elusive Royal Flush, and enjoy the lowest house edge the casino has to offer.