If you walk through any casino, past the flashing modern video slots, you will inevitably find rows of old, blocky Video Poker machines.
Playing Video Poker strictly on gut feeling or intuition is a guaranteed way to destroy this massive mathematical advantage and lose your bankroll.
Reading the Video Poker Paytable
The most common and foundational variation is "Jacks or Better," where the lowest paying winning hand is exactly a pair of Jacks.
If played perfectly, a 9/6 machine returns a staggering 99.54%, meaning the casino's mathematical edge is a microscopic, nearly invisible 0.46%.
- Casinos often hide 8/5 machines right next to the generous 9/6 machines
- The paytable is the only information you need to calculate the exact RTP of the game
- Jacks or Better provides the foundational strategy for almost all other game variations
Why You Must Always Bet Max Coins
The single most catastrophic mistake a Video Poker player can make is failing to bet the maximum number of coins per hand.
Because the mathematical RTP calculation assumes you will eventually hit a Royal Flush, failing to bet max coins completely destroys your long-term advantage.
Using Math to Make the Right Hold
Once you find a 9/6 machine and bet max coins, the final step is flawlessly executing the mathematical basic strategy for every single hand.
For example, if you are dealt a Low Pair and a Four-Card Flush, the math dictates you must always hold the Pair.
| Video Poker Variant | Optimal Paytable | Theoretical RTP (Perfect Play) |
|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 9 / 6 | 99.54% |
| Deuces Wild | 15 / 9 / 5 | 100.76% (Player Advantage!) |
By finding the correct paytable, betting the absolute maximum, and playing flawlessly like a robot, you can nearly eliminate the house edge.