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.
If you play with optimal strategy, certain Video Poker variants offer a house edge of almost zero.
The beauty of the game is that, unlike slots, you can calculate the exact mathematical return of the machine.
Let's break down the mechanics of the game and explain how to identify the most profitable machines.
The Mechanics: How Video Poker Works
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 machine then replaces your discarded cards with new ones drawn randomly from the remaining deck.
Payouts scale dramatically up to the Royal Flush, which is the ultimate jackpot of Video Poker.
If you constantly throw away winning cards by mistake, the house edge will skyrocket against you.
The Secret to Winning: Analyzing Paytables
Not all machines are created equal; casinos subtly alter the payouts to increase their house edge.
In the popular game "Jacks or Better," you must always look for a "9/6" machine.
Playing an 8/5 machine instead of a 9/6 machine will cost you hundreds of dollars over the long term.
In online casinos, you can usually check the exact RTP (Return to Player) in the game's help files.
You must always play "Max Bet" because the payout for a Royal Flush jumps disproportionately on the 5th coin.
Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and More
Once you master the basics, you might want to explore the different flavors of Video Poker available.
Deuces Wild is a massive favorite where all four '2' cards act as wild cards, substituting for any other card.
A "Full Pay" Deuces Wild machine (often called 100.76%) actually gives the player a mathematical advantage over the house.
Another popular variant is Bonus Poker, which offers boosted payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands.
Always match your tactical approach to the specific rules and paytable of the machine you are sitting at.
Key Tips for Video Poker Players
Never play a short-pay machine. Demand the highest possible return. 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.
Identifying Full Pay Machines
Winning HandFull Pay (9/6)Short Pay (8/5) Four of a Kind2525 Straight44 Player ReturnExcellentPoor
If you want the best possible chance to beat the casino, Video Poker should be your absolute go-to game.
By finding the right machines and playing perfectly, you can stretch your bankroll further than in any other game.
Keep a strategy card open on your phone or printed out next to your keyboard when playing online.
Always remember to play max coins and stay away from the terrible 7/5 or 6/5 machines hidden in the lobby.
Play smart, follow the chart, and enjoy the strategic depth of this incredible casino classic.