Video poker perfectly bridges the gap between the isolated, fast pace of slot machines and the complex strategy of table games.
If played with absolutely perfect strategy, certain video poker variations offer some of the highest payout percentages in the entire casino.
The casino adjusts its house edge entirely by changing the payouts for specific hands, usually the Full House and the Flush.
The gold standard for beginners is the classic ‚Jacks or Better‘ variation, specifically the ‚9/6‘ paytable.
Once you find a 9/6 machine, you must play every single hand with mathematical perfection to actually achieve that 99.54% return.
Casinos legally allow you to hold a printed strategy chart in your hand while playing video poker; they do not consider it cheating.
| Variation Type | Optimal Paytable to Find | Difficulty of Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 9 / 6 | Easy (Best for Beginners) |
| Deuces Wild | 15 / 9 | Extremely Difficult (Complex Holds) |
If you are willing to study the charts and hunt for the right machines, it is undeniably the smartest bet on the digital floor.