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.
The Mechanics: How Video Poker Works
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.

The lowest winning hand in the most popular variant, Jacks or Better, is a pair of Jacks.

Playing optimally requires memorizing a strategy chart that tells you exactly which cards to hold in every scenario.
How to Spot a "Full Pay" Video Poker Machine
Not all machines are created equal; casinos subtly alter the payouts to increase their house edge.

The gold standard for Jacks or Better is the 9/6 paytable, which offers a 99.54% return with perfect play.

Playing an 8/5 machine instead of a 9/6 machine will cost you hundreds of dollars over the long term.

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

Betting less than the maximum coins drastically lowers the overall RTP, making it a severe strategic error.
Popular Variants of Video Poker
Each variant alters the rules slightly and requires a completely different optimal strategy chart.

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

A "Full Pay" Deuces Wild machine (often called 100.76%) actually gives the player a mathematical advantage over the house.

These volatile games appeal to players who want larger jackpot hits without relying entirely on the rare Royal Flush.

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. Print a strategy chart and follow it perfectly without exception. Never discard a high pair to draw for a straight or a flush. The machine will wait forever; ensure your holds are mathematically correct.

Jacks or Better Paytable Comparison (1 Coin)

Poker HandGreat Machine (9/6)Bad Machine (8/5) Straight Flush5050 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.

Do not be intimidated by the strategy; with a little practice, the correct holds become second nature.

Always remember to play max coins and stay away from the terrible 7/5 or 6/5 machines hidden in the lobby.

May the cards fall perfectly for you, and we wish you a profitable Video Poker session.