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.

We will guide you through the basics of Video Poker strategy and show you how to beat the house edge.
How to Play Video Poker: The Rules
The basic premise of all Video Poker games is based on traditional five-card draw poker.

After reviewing your initial hand, you must decide which cards to hold and which to discard.

The final outcome is evaluated against the machine's paytable, and you are paid out accordingly.

To win your bet back in standard games, you usually need at least a pair of Face Cards.

Playing optimally requires memorizing a strategy chart that tells you exactly which cards to hold in every scenario.
The Secret to Winning: Analyzing Paytables
Before you insert a single coin, you must look closely at the payout schedule displayed on the screen.

In the popular game "Jacks or Better," you must always look for a "9/6" machine.

Casinos often stealthily reduce these payouts to 8/5 or even 7/5 on machines that look exactly the same.

Therefore, your first task is always to hunt down the "Full Pay" versions of your chosen variant.

Another unbreakable rule of Video Poker is to always bet the maximum number of coins (usually 5).
Popular Variants of Video Poker
Once you master the basics, you might want to explore the different flavors of Video Poker available.

In Deuces Wild, the two-cards are wild, making huge hands like Four of a Kind much more common.

If you can find a good Deuces Wild paytable and play perfectly, you will theoretically make a profit over time.

Double Bonus Poker offers massive rewards for hitting four Aces, but reduces the payout for two pair to compensate.

Using a Jacks or Better strategy on a Deuces Wild machine is a guaranteed way to lose your money quickly.
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. The machine will wait forever; ensure your holds are mathematically correct.

Identifying Full Pay Machines

Winning HandFull Pay (9/6)Short Pay (8/5) Straight Flush5050 Full House98 Total RTP (Max Bet)99.54%97.30%

It completely removes the mindless repetition of slots and replaces it with rewarding, strategic gameplay.

By finding the right machines and playing perfectly, you can stretch your bankroll further than in any other game.

Take the time to learn the strategy charts; it is the most profitable homework you will ever do.

Protect your bankroll by refusing to play anything less than the optimal Full Pay games.

Good luck chasing that elusive Royal Flush, and enjoy the lowest house edge the casino has to offer.