Video poker occupies a unique space in the casino world, blending the mechanical simplicity of slots with the strategic depth of a skill-based card game. Unlike most games on the casino floor, video poker rewards knowledge and correct play with a measurable, mathematical edge that can sometimes tip in the player's favor. This guide breaks down which variants offer the best odds and how to play them correctly.

Why Video Poker Odds Are Different

Every video poker machine runs on a fixed paytable that determines payouts for specific hands, from a simple pair of jacks up to a royal flush. Because these paytables are published and fixed, players can calculate the exact theoretical return to player (RTP) for any given machine. This transparency is rare in gambling and is the primary reason video poker attracts strategy-focused players rather than casual spinners.

The catch is that the advertised RTP only applies when the player uses perfect strategy. Deviating from optimal decisions on which cards to hold and discard can shave several percentage points off your return, turning a favorable game into a losing one.

The Best Video Poker Variants by RTP

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is the foundation of video poker strategy and remains one of the most widely available games. In its "full pay" 9/6 configuration, meaning a flush pays 6x and a full house pays 9x the bet, the theoretical RTP reaches approximately 99.54% with perfect play. Always check the paytable before sitting down, since many casinos offer reduced versions like 8/5 or 6/5 that drop the return significantly.

Deuces Wild

In Deuces Wild, all four twos act as wild cards, dramatically increasing the frequency of strong hands. The full-pay version can return over 100.76% to players who execute strategy flawlessly, making it one of the few games where mathematics genuinely favor the player. However, the strategy charts for Deuces Wild are considerably more complex than Jacks or Better, and the variance is higher.

Double Bonus Poker

Double Bonus Poker increases payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, particularly aces, at the cost of lower returns on two pair. Full-pay versions can hit around 100.17% RTP, but the increased volatility means bankroll management becomes critical. This game suits players comfortable with bigger swings in exchange for bigger potential payouts.

Double Double Bonus Poker

This variant adds even steeper bonuses for four-of-a-kind hands paired with specific kicker cards. RTP on full-pay machines typically sits around 98.98% to 100.07% depending on the exact paytable. The strategy adjustments needed for Double Double Bonus are subtle but meaningful, especially around kicker card decisions.

All American Poker

All American Poker flattens the paytable so that straights, flushes, and full houses all pay the same amount, simplifying some decisions while boosting the value of certain hand types. Full-pay versions return close to 100.72%, making it a strong contender for players who want high returns without memorizing the most complex strategy charts.

How to Identify a Good Paytable

Before inserting a single credit, locate the paytable displayed on the machine and compare the payouts for a full house and flush on a one-coin bet. This quick check, often called the "9/6" or "8/5" shorthand, tells you immediately whether you're looking at a strong or weak version of the game.

  • 9/6 Jacks or Better: Considered full pay and the gold standard for beginners.
  • 8/5 or 6/5 versions: Common in many casinos but carry a noticeably lower RTP.
  • Full-pay Deuces Wild: Look for 15-9-4-4-3-2-2-1 payouts for the best possible return.
  • Progressive jackpots: Royal flush jackpots can temporarily boost RTP above 100% when the meter climbs high enough.

Basic Strategy Principles

While each variant has its own detailed strategy chart, several universal principles apply across almost all video poker games:

  • Always keep a made winning hand unless a clearly better draw is available, such as holding four cards to a royal flush over a guaranteed small win.
  • Break low pairs for four-card royal flush draws when the potential payout justifies the risk.
  • Avoid drawing to gutshot straights unless no better option exists, since the odds of completion are lower than many players assume.
  • Never discard a guaranteed four-of-a-kind hand in search of a bigger hand; the math rarely supports it.

Memorizing a full strategy chart for your chosen variant, or using a reputable strategy app during practice sessions, is the single most effective way to close the gap between theoretical and actual returns.

Bankroll Management for Video Poker

Even with favorable odds, video poker carries variance that can produce losing sessions despite correct play. Setting a session bankroll, betting max coins to qualify for jackpot payouts, and avoiding progressive side bets with poor odds all contribute to sustainable long-term play. Because many of the best-paying variants require max-coin bets to unlock full royal flush payouts, players should size their bankroll around five-coin denominations rather than betting fewer coins at a higher denomination.

Final Thoughts

Video poker remains one of the few casino games where informed decision-making directly influences your expected return. By prioritizing full-pay versions of Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and similar high-RTP variants, and by committing to correct strategic play, bettors can significantly narrow the house edge compared to slots or many table games. Understanding paytables, memorizing strategy charts, and managing bankroll carefully are the three pillars that separate casual players from those who consistently get the most value from every hand dealt.