When most players think of casino machines, they immediately picture the bright lights of traditional slots.

However, Video Poker is a fundamentally different game that offers vastly superior odds to the player.

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.

In this article, we will explore why Video Poker is so lucrative and how you can maximize your chances.

Understanding the Basics of Video Poker

The basic premise of all Video Poker games is based on traditional five-card draw poker.

Your only decision in the game is selecting which of the five cards you want to keep for the final draw.

The machine then replaces your discarded cards with new ones drawn randomly from the remaining deck.

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.

Reading the Paytable: Identifying Good Machines

Before you insert a single coin, you must look closely at the payout schedule displayed on the screen.

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

If the machine only pays 8 for a Full House and 5 for a Flush, the house edge increases significantly.

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).

Exploring Different Video Poker Games

Each variant alters the rules slightly and requires a completely different optimal strategy chart.

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.

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

Regardless of which variant you choose, you must download and study the specific strategy chart for that exact game.

Video Poker Strategy Fundamentals

• Never play a short-pay machine. Demand the highest possible return.


• Always bet the maximum 5 coins. It maximizes the Royal Flush payout.


• Memorize the optimal hold decisions to eliminate the house edge.


• Do not break up a winning hand to chase a bigger payout.


• Analyze every hand carefully; a single mistake costs you money.

How Paytables Affect Your Odds

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.

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.