Video Poker Strategy Calculator
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Strategy Calculator
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Strategy Recommendation
What is Video Poker Strategy?
Video poker strategy is a mathematically optimal approach to deciding which cards to hold and which to discard. Unlike slot machines, video poker is a skill-based game where your decisions directly impact your expected return. With perfect strategy, some video poker variants offer over 99.5% RTP - among the best odds in any casino.
Expected Value Formula
EV = Sum of (Probability × Payout) for all outcomes
For each possible hold combination:
- Calculate all possible draw outcomes
- Multiply each outcome probability by its payout
- Sum to get the Expected Value for that hold
- Choose the hold with highest EV
Example: Holding a low pair in Jacks or Better has EV of 0.82 - you'll average 82 cents back per dollar bet, better than holding a single high card (EV ~0.51).
Video Poker Game Comparison
Jacks or Better (9/6)
RTP: 99.54% with perfect play
Best For: Beginners - simplest strategy
Key Feature: Pair of Jacks+ pays even money
Most common variant. Look for 9/6 paytable (Full House 9, Flush 6)
Deuces Wild (Full Pay)
RTP: 100.76% with perfect play
Best For: Advanced players seeking edge
Key Feature: All 2s are wild cards
Player advantage game! Complex strategy with 2s changing everything
Double Bonus (10/7)
RTP: 100.17% with perfect play
Best For: Four-of-a-kind hunters
Key Feature: Enhanced 4-of-a-kind payouts
Higher variance but potential for big wins on quads
Common Video Poker Mistakes
Breaking Made Hands
Never break a straight or flush to draw to a Royal unless you have 4 to the Royal. The EV of a made flush far exceeds 3 to a Royal.
Holding Kickers
Never hold a "kicker" with a pair. Holding K-8-8 instead of just 8-8 reduces your chances of improving and costs you money long-term.
Not Playing Max Coins
The Royal Flush bonus at max bet adds ~2% to RTP. Playing fewer coins is one of the costliest mistakes in video poker.
Ignoring the Paytable
An 8/5 Jacks or Better machine has 97.3% RTP vs 99.5% for 9/6. Always check payouts before playing - the difference is huge.
Winning Strategy vs Losing Habits
Winning Habits
- Always play maximum coins (5 coins)
- Use a strategy card at the machine
- Find full-pay machines (9/6 JoB, Full-pay Deuces)
- Practice for free online first
- Set session loss limits and stick to them
- Take your time - no rush on decisions
Costly Mistakes
- Playing short-pay machines (8/5 or worse)
- Holding kickers with pairs
- Chasing Royals by breaking good hands
- Playing hunches instead of math
- Betting more after losses (chasing)
- Playing without knowing optimal strategy
Strategy Decision Examples
Example 1: Low Pair vs High Cards
Hand: 7-7-K-Q-J (different suits)
Options: Hold pair of 7s OR hold K-Q-J
Correct Play: Hold the pair of 7s (EV: 0.82 vs 0.51)
Example 2: Four to Flush vs Low Pair
Hand: 5-5-8-9-K all hearts except one 5
Options: Hold pair of 5s OR hold four hearts
Correct Play: Hold four to flush (EV: 1.18 vs 0.82)
Example 3: Flush vs Four to Royal
Hand: 10-J-Q-K-A all spades (Royal Flush!)
Wait: This IS a Royal Flush - hold all five!
But if: 10-J-Q-K-9 spades, hold all (made flush beats 4 to Royal)
Jacks or Better Strategy Hierarchy
Always hold the highest-ranking combination from this list:
- Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind - Always hold all five
- Four to a Royal Flush - Break everything except made Royal
- Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind - Always hold
- Four to a Straight Flush - Hold over low pairs
- Two Pair - Hold both pairs
- High Pair (Jacks or Better) - Always hold
- Three to a Royal Flush - Hold over low pairs
- Four to a Flush - Hold for draw
- Low Pair (10s or lower) - Hold pair only
- Four to an Outside Straight - With high cards
- Two Suited High Cards - Hold for Royal draw potential
- Three to a Straight Flush - One gap or less
- Two Unsuited High Cards - Hold both
- One High Card - Hold single J, Q, K, or A
- Discard Everything - Draw five new cards
Professional Video Poker Tips
Check the Paytable First
Before inserting money, check Full House and Flush payouts. Only play 9/6 or better for Jacks or Better.
Use a Strategy Card
Casinos allow strategy cards. Print one or buy a laminated card. It eliminates memory errors completely.
Always Max Bet
The Royal Flush bonus at 5 coins adds 2% to RTP. Play lower denominations if needed, but always max coins.
Slow Down
There's no timer. Take your time on every decision. One mistake per hour costs more than slowing down.
Practice Online Free
Master strategy with play money before risking real cash. Many sites offer free video poker trainers.
Join Players Club
Casino rewards add 0.1-0.5% back in comps. Combined with good games, this can push you to break-even or profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video poker game to play?
Full-pay Deuces Wild offers 100.76% RTP with perfect strategy, making it one of the few casino games with a player edge. Jacks or Better 9/6 at 99.54% RTP is also excellent and easier to learn. Always check the paytable before playing - lower payouts significantly reduce your expected return.
Should I always play max coins in video poker?
Yes, always bet 5 coins (max bet) in video poker. The Royal Flush bonus only applies at max bet - typically paying 4000 coins vs 1250 for 5 coins at lower bets. This bonus adds about 2% to your expected return. If max bet is too expensive, play a lower denomination machine instead.
What is the most common video poker mistake?
The most costly mistake is breaking a made paying hand to chase a Royal Flush. Never break a straight or flush for 3 to a Royal - only break them for 4 to a Royal. Another common error is holding a "kicker" with a pair instead of just the pair alone.
How do I read a video poker paytable?
Look at the Full House and Flush payouts for Jacks or Better - a "9/6" machine pays 9 coins for Full House and 6 for Flush per coin bet. Avoid 8/5 or worse machines. For Deuces Wild, check the Four of a Kind payout - full pay offers 5 coins, short pay offers 4 or less.
Can I use a strategy card at a video poker machine?
Yes! Casinos allow strategy cards at video poker machines. You can purchase laminated strategy cards or print them from reputable sources. Using a strategy card eliminates memory errors and ensures optimal play on every hand.
What is Expected Value (EV) in video poker?
Expected Value is the average return you can expect from a particular play over the long run. For example, holding a low pair might have an EV of 0.82, meaning you'll average 82 cents back for every dollar bet. Always choose the play with the highest EV.