When most players think of casino machines, they immediately picture the bright lights of traditional slots.
Video Poker bridges the gap between the solitary play of a machine and the strategic depth of card games.
Some specific Video Poker machines, when played perfectly, actually return more than 100% to the player in the long run.
Because the game uses a standard 52-card deck, the probabilities of hitting specific hands are completely transparent.
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 basic premise of all Video Poker games is based on traditional five-card draw poker.
You can hold all five cards if you are dealt a winning hand, or discard all five if the hand is terrible.
The final outcome is evaluated against the machine's paytable, and you are paid out accordingly.
The lowest winning hand in the most popular variant, Jacks or Better, is a pair of Jacks.
Because your decisions directly impact the final hand, your skill level dictates the overall payout percentage.
How to Spot a "Full Pay" Video Poker Machine
The most critical skill in Video Poker is the ability to read and evaluate the machine's paytable.
A 9/6 machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush on a one-coin bet.
If the machine only pays 8 for a Full House and 5 for a Flush, the house edge increases significantly.
Therefore, your first task is always to hunt down the "Full Pay" versions of your chosen variant.
Another unbreakable rule of Video Poker is to always bet the maximum number of coins (usually 5).
Popular Variants of Video Poker
While Jacks or Better is the most common game, there are several other highly popular variants.
In Deuces Wild, the two-cards are wild, making huge hands like Four of a Kind much more common.
If you can find a good Deuces Wild paytable and play perfectly, you will theoretically make a profit over time.
Another popular variant is Bonus Poker, which offers boosted payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands.
Regardless of which variant you choose, you must download and study the specific strategy chart for that exact game.
Key Tips for Video Poker Players
- Look for the Full House and Flush payouts to determine the machine's value.
- If you cannot afford max bet, drop down to a lower denomination machine.
- Use a strategy card. Never guess which cards to hold.
- Never discard a high pair to draw for a straight or a flush.
- Analyze every hand carefully; a single mistake costs you money.
How Paytables Affect Your Odds
| Hand Rank | Optimal Payouts | Reduced Payouts |
|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 (800 on Max Bet) | 250 |
| Full House | 9 | 8 |
| Total RTP (Max Bet) | 99.54% | 97.30% |
If you want the best possible chance to beat the casino, Video Poker should be your absolute go-to game.
The combination of a 99.5%+ return and the possibility of hitting a massive Royal Flush is mathematically unbeatable.
Take the time to learn the strategy charts; it is the most profitable homework you will ever do.
Be vigilant about checking the paytables, as casinos frequently try to sneak inferior machines onto the floor.
Good luck chasing that elusive Royal Flush, and enjoy the lowest house edge the casino has to offer.
