If you walk through a casino and observe the video poker machines, you will likely see dozens of players mindlessly slapping the "Draw" button as fast as they can.
If you learn the optimal strategy, Video Poker transforms from a predatory casino trap into one of the most mathematically fair games on the entire casino floor.
In this article, we are going to break down the absolute perfect mathematical strategy for the most popular and foundational version of the game: Jacks or Better.
Step 1: Finding the "Full Pay" 9/6 Machine
Before you even touch a button or insert a dollar, your absolute first task is to read the payout table printed directly on the glass of the machine.
This means the machine pays exactly 9 coins for a Full House (per 1 coin bet) and 6 coins for a Flush.
However, casinos are greedy. They will frequently place "Short Pay" machines (like an 8/5 or a 7/5 machine) right next to the good ones.
If the casino does not offer 9/6 Jacks or Better, the correct strategy is to turn around and walk out the door.
Why You Must Always Play 5 Coins
Once you find a 9/6 machine, you must adhere to the second unbreakable rule of Video Poker: you must ALWAYS play the maximum number of coins allowed (usually 5 coins).
If you look at the paytable, the payouts for all hands scale perfectly linearly for coins 1 through 4 (e.g., a Flush pays 6 coins for a 1-coin bet, and 24 coins for a 4-coin bet).
If you hit a Royal Flush while only betting 1 coin, you have essentially robbed yourself of thousands of dollars purely because you were trying to save 4 quarters.
You must always activate that massive 4,000-coin bonus, regardless of the denomination you are playing.
Step 3: Executing Basic Strategy (The Hierarchy of Hands)
You must memorize this hierarchy or bring a printed strategy card with you to the casino (which is completely legal).
For example, if you are dealt a High Pair (e.g., two Jacks, a guaranteed 5-coin payout) BUT you also have 4 cards to a Royal Flush (e.g., J, Q, K, A of Hearts), what do you do?
Conversely, if you hold a High Pair and 4 cards to a regular Flush (e.g., J, J, 4, 7, 9 of Hearts), the math flips entirely.
One of the most common amateur mistakes is holding a "Kicker" (an extra high card) alongside a pair. If you are dealt a pair of 2s and an Ace, NEVER hold the Ace.
What to Hold (Read from Top to Bottom)
Guaranteed Massive Wins: Take your hands off the buttons and make sure you don't accidentally discard a card. 2. 4 Cards to a Royal Flush: The only hand powerful enough to make you break a guaranteed winner. If you have a High Pair and 4 to a Royal, dump the pair. The Mid-Tier Winners: Three of a Kind is especially valuable because you get to draw two cards for a chance at Four of a Kind. Chasing the Mini-Monster: Always draw to the open-ended Straight Flush. 5. Two Pair: Hold both pairs and draw ONE card for a Full House. Never break Two Pair to hold a high card. Survival: High pairs ensure your bankroll survives the brutal variance of the machine. The Standard Flush Draw: You have 9 "outs" in the remaining deck to hit your suit. The math is highly favorable. 8. Low Pair (2s through 10s): Hold the pair. Throw away everything else (including a single High Card). Do NOT hold a kicker. The Open-Ender: You have 8 "outs" to hit the straight. Inside straights only have 4 "outs" and are mathematically terrible draws. The Complete Redraw: Do not hold a random 10 because it "feels lucky." Let the machine give you five brand new cards.
The Economics of Jacks or Better
Winning HandThe Payout (5 Coins Bet)The Mathematical Frequency The JackpotPays the rent.Do not expect it, but always draw for it when mathematically correct. Straight Flush250 CoinsRoughly 1 in 9,000 hands. QuadsThe primary engine of your profit.You should see a few of these during a solid 4-hour session. The BoatThis must pay 9 per coin, or the machine is a rip-off.A frequent, highly profitable hand. The ColorThis must pay 6 per coin. If it pays 5, walk away.A solid, frequent winner. The PushYou don't win any money, but you don't lose any either.This is the absolute lifeblood of your bankroll. It keeps you in the seat.
By hunting down a 9/6 machine, playing maximum coins, and flawlessly executing the strategy hierarchy, you are engaging in one of the smartest gambles the casino has to offer.
Take your time, check your strategy card, and ensure every single decision you make is backed by Expected Value.