Video Poker Strategies

Optimizied video poker strategies provide some of the highest payout percentages of all casino games. In fact, many of the video poker variations will pay out more than 100% making video poker one of the more attractive propositions for both online and offline gamblers.

Having a game in a casino where the player has the edge rather than the casino is a rarity but the popularity of video poker is evidence enough that the casinos are not losing on the deal. Now how can they offer a game with the potential to payout more than it takes in? The answer is pretty simple; the average player doesn’t know the facts.

First of all, not all payout tables are the same. Below are three different payout tables that you may come across when playing Jacks or Better video poker. There are two things you should note; the difference in the payout for the Full House and Flush lines and the difference in the payout percentages. Fortunately for those who play Jacks or Better online, the 9/6 payout is the most common option available with the highest payout percentage.

The second point a player has to be aware of is that the payout table should change with the number of coins played. For instance, when playing Jacks or Better and wagering maximum coins, a player should expect a return of 800/1 for a Royal Flush, not 250/1. If you compare the payout percentages shown on the table below with the one above you will see the improvement, which may seem small, but it can be enough to make the difference between making a profit and a loss.

The third point a player has to be aware of is that to achieve the payout percentages quoted, they do have to get a Royal Flush which is likely to happen only once every 40,000 hands when playing Jacks or Better. To play this many hands would take about 80 hours unless playing a multiple hand machine which could bring the time down to 8 hours for a 10 line machine or 4 hours for a twenty line machine.

Now this may seem like a lot of work for what appears to still be a losing payout percentage. And you are right; anything with less than a 100% payout is a losing proposition. That is unless you combine the strategy with proper money management. For example, if you get a 100% signup bonus, a 100% deposit bonus and a 0.1% loyalty bonus you could play Jacks or Better on a 1 cent, 20 hand machine for 4 hours and potentially make a good profit. In the four hours you would play approximately 40,000 hands, wagering $2000 for a loss of about $10. But if your signup bonus, deposit bonus and loyalty bonus is $500 you’ve actually made a profit of $490. Of course you may not see a Royal Flush in this time; then again you may see two. The point is to put as much in your favor a you can.

So, the first 4 rules of video poker are:

1. Know the payout tables and the payout percentages. We have listed below a number of payout tables for some of the different variations of video poker available.
2. Always play maximum coins. You need to take advantage of the maximum payouts offered.
3. Have realistic expectations. With a payout percentage over 100% you will make a profit over time, even if the payout is marginally less than 100% you can make a profit over time with proper money management. Just don’t expect it to happen quickly.
4. Learn optimum poker play for the variation of video poker you wish to play. This will take time and can be quite involved so each different variation should be addressed individually.

Below are the payout tables and payout percentages, assuming optimum play, for a variety of video poker variations. For payout percentages over 100% you will make money over the long term if you stick to optimum video poker strategies.

Jacks or Better

Bonus Poker

Double Bonus Poker

Double Double Bonus Poker With Kickers A, 2, 3, 4

Double Double Jackpot Poker With Kickers A, K,Q, J

Pick’em Poker

Deuces Wild

Deuces Deluxe

Bonus Deuces Wild

Jokers Wild – Kings or Better

Jokers Wild – Two Pair or Better

Double Jokers Wild

Kings or Better

Recommended Casinos for Video Poker

The following online casinos have a large range of video poker games. Many of the top payout tables have disappeared from the online casinos, however they can still be found in the physical casinos. The jacks of better top payout table is still used in the casinos below. Be sure to check each specific video poker game strategy for their recommended online casinos. They are can be found in the menu on the left. It is a good idea to practice a games strategy online even if it doesn't offer the top payout table. This way you can master it before using it in the physical casinos. All the casinos have been thoroughly checked out by the Zen Gambling team and are highly reputable. We recommend them for trying out our video poker strategies, whether you want to play for free/fun, or if you want to play for real money. Good luck!

We do not promote or condone illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to those who live in a jurisdiction where gambling is considered unlawful. The information within our website and newsletter is being presented solely for entertainment purposes. We will not be held responsible for any personal loss of wagers or damages you may incur. Use the information on this website at your own risk.