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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.
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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.
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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.
+The Payout Table: Why You Must Hunt for the 9/6 +
The casino secretly alters their House Edge by changing the payouts on only two specific hands: the Full House and the Flush.
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If you play a 9/6 machine with perfect mathematical strategy, the overall Return to Player (RTP) is an incredibly high 99.54%.
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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.
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You must rigorously hunt the [casino](https://plotsify.com/agents/mallorydehamel/) floor until you find a true 9/6 machine.
+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).
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However, the payout for the Royal Flush is severely distorted.
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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.
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Instead, move to a cheaper machine (like a 25-cent machine) and play 5 coins there ($1.25 a hand).
+How to Play Perfect Jacks or Better Strategy +
You must memorize this hierarchy or bring a printed strategy card with you to the casino (which is completely legal).
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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.
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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.
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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.
+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. + +
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.
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Do not be intimidated by the speed of the professional players next to you.
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