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Mastering-Video-Poker%3A-The-Strategy-for-Jacks-or-Better.md
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<br>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.<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>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.<br>
The Payout Table: Why You Must Hunt for the 9/6
<br>The casino secretly alters their House Edge by changing the payouts on only two specific hands: the Full House and the Flush.<br>
<br>If you play a 9/6 machine with perfect mathematical strategy, the overall Return to Player (RTP) is an incredibly high 99.54%.<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>You must rigorously hunt the [casino](https://plotsify.com/agents/mallorydehamel/) floor until you find a true 9/6 machine.<br>
Why You Must Always Play 5 Coins
<br>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).<br>
<br>However, the payout for the Royal Flush is severely distorted.<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>Instead, move to a cheaper machine (like a 25-cent machine) and play 5 coins there ($1.25 a hand).<br>
How to Play Perfect Jacks or Better Strategy
<br>You must memorize this hierarchy or bring a printed strategy card with you to the casino (which is completely legal).<br>
<br>Perfect mathematical strategy dictates you MUST throw away the guaranteed winning Jack to draw for the Royal Flush, because the massive 4,000-coin payout makes the gamble mathematically correct over the long run.<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>In Video Poker, you are not trying to beat a dealer; you are purely trying to make the absolute best poker hand possible, and throwing away useless kickers maximizes your drawing power.<br>
The Order of Operations (From Highest EV to Lowest)
1. Dealt Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind: Stop thinking. Hold all five cards and press draw to collect your massive payout.
The Holy Grail Draw: The 4,000-coin payout is so massive that the math demands you chase it every single time.
Solid Winners: Take the guaranteed money. The math says these payouts are too valuable to risk for a massive gamble.
Chasing the Mini-Monster: Always draw to the open-ended Straight Flush.
The Workhorse: Two Pair pays 10 coins. It keeps your bankroll afloat while you wait for the massive hands.
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.
Dumping the Trash: You are hoping to hit "Trips." The math demands you draw three new cards.
Never Chase the Gutshot: Drawing to an inside straight is one of the most expensive amateur mistakes in the game.
The Complete Redraw: Do not hold a random 10 because it "feels lucky." Let the machine give you five brand new cards.
Why the Payouts Matter
The Poker HandYour Reward (Max Bet)How Often It Happens
The JackpotPays the rent.Do not expect it, but always draw for it when mathematically correct.
The Mini-MonsterA massive boost to the bankroll.A rare, incredibly satisfying hit.
The Session SaverA solid, reliable winner.This is what you are truly hunting when you hold a Low Pair.
The BoatThis must pay 9 per coin, or the machine is a rip-off.A frequent, highly profitable hand.
The FlushThe second critical metric of the paytable.The math demands 6 to 1.
Jacks or Better (High Pair)5 Coins (Your money back)Roughly 1 in 5 hands.
<br>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.<br>
<br>Do not be intimidated by the speed of the professional players next to you.<br>