Video poker strategy means holding the cards that give the highest expected return for the pay table in front of you. It can't beat the house edge, but good holds keep the edge close to the game's published minimum, while common mistakes can multiply it. This guide gives a Jacks or Better hold order, shows the math behind each choice and prices the usual errors in dollars.
Strategy is a ranking of holds by expected value, and it's specific to each pay table.
On a 9/6 Jacks or Better schedule, a high pair beats a four-card flush draw and 4 to a royal beats a pat flush.
Holding a kicker, breaking a low pair for high cards and chasing inside straights are the costliest everyday errors.
Perfect strategy keeps the cost low, but the house edge still means losses are likely over time.
The casinos below are offshore and not licensed by any US state; check your state's law first.
What strategy changes
Which cards you hold
Basis
Expected value of each possible hold
Example game
9/6 Jacks or Better, five coins
RTG Jacks or Better RTP
99.54% (third-party, GamesHub)
Can strategy beat the house?
No; it reduces the edge
What video poker strategy is (and isn't)
Every deal gives you 32 ways to hold cards, from keeping all five to throwing them all away. Each hold has an expected value (EV): the average amount it returns per unit bet, counting every possible draw. Strategy is simply picking the hold with the highest EV every time.
That's why video poker strategy is pay-table specific. The best hold on a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine isn't always the best hold on Deuces Wild or Double Double Bonus Poker. It's also why no strategy changes the house edge built into the pay table; it only stops you adding to it. If you're new to the deal-hold-draw cycle, start with our how to play video poker guide, part of the casino guides hub.
All expected values on this page are worked out by checking every possible draw against the classic 9/6 Jacks or Better schedule at five coins (royal 800 per coin, straight flush 50, four of a kind 25, full house 9, flush 6, straight 4, three of a kind 3, two pair 2, jacks or better 1). Compare your game's pay table before relying on them.
Expected value: the math behind every hold
Take this deal: J♥ J♦ 2♦ 7♦ 9♦. You can keep the pair of jacks, or keep the four diamonds and draw for a flush. Here's how they compare per unit bet:
Pair of jacks vs four-card flush draw (9/6, five coins)
Hold
What can happen
Expected value per unit bet
J♥ J♦
Keep a paying pair; draw 3 for two pair, trips, a full house or quads
1.5365
J♦ 2♦ 7♦ 9♦
9 of 47 cards make a flush paying 6; otherwise little or nothing
1.1915
The pair wins clearly. In dollars at $1.25 per hand, holding the pair returns about $1.92 on average and the flush draw about $1.49, so choosing the draw costs about 43 cents every time this hand comes up. A flush draw feels exciting, but 9 outs in 47 means it misses about 81% of the time.
The same method sits behind every line of a strategy chart. Our casino math basics guide explains expected value from scratch, and the house edge explainer shows how it adds up over a session.
Jacks or Better strategy chart: a simplified hold order
Read the list from the top and hold the first option your hand contains. This is the widely used simplified order for 9/6 Jacks or Better. It's close to perfect play; full computer strategies add rare exceptions that make only a small difference.
Royal flush, straight flush or four of a kind: hold all.
Four to a royal flush.
Full house, flush or straight: hold all. Three of a kind: hold the three.
Four to a straight flush.
Two pair: hold both pairs.
High pair (jacks, queens, kings or aces).
Three to a royal flush.
Four to a flush.
Low pair (2s through 10s).
Four to an outside straight (open at both ends, like 8-9-10-J).
Two suited high cards.
Three to a straight flush.
Two unsuited high cards (if more than two, keep the lowest two).
A suited 10 with a jack, queen or king.
One high card.
Nothing: draw five new cards.
Video poker strategy examples with expected values
Each of these deals pits two tempting holds against each other. The EVs are per unit bet on the 9/6 schedule at five coins; higher is better.
Worked hold decisions, 9/6 Jacks or Better
Dealt hand
Hold A (EV)
Hold B (EV)
Better hold
A♥ K♥ Q♥ J♥ 4♥
Pat flush (6.00)
A♥ K♥ Q♥ J♥ (18.43)
Break the flush for the royal draw
K♠ K♦ Q♠ J♠ 4♣
K♠ K♦ (1.54)
K♠ Q♠ J♠ (1.49)
High pair, narrowly
A♥ K♥ Q♥ 7♥ 2♣
A♥ K♥ Q♥ (1.39)
A♥ K♥ Q♥ 7♥ (1.34)
Three to the royal
4♥ 4♣ 7♥ 9♥ K♥
4♥ 4♣ (0.82)
4♥ 7♥ 9♥ K♥ (1.21)
Four to the flush
5♣ 5♥ 6♦ 7♠ 8♣
5♣ 5♥ (0.82)
5♥ 6♦ 7♠ 8♣ (0.68)
The low pair
9♣ 10♦ J♠ Q♥ 3♣
9-10-J-Q (0.81)
J♠ Q♥ (0.49)
Four to the outside straight
K♣ Q♥ J♥ 6♠ 2♦
K♣ Q♥ J♥ (0.52)
Q♥ J♥ (0.61)
The two suited high cards
K♣ Q♦ 8♠ 5♥ 2♣
K♣ Q♦ (0.49)
K♣ alone (0.46)
Both high cards
The first row surprises many players. A pat flush pays 6 for sure, but 1 card in 47 completes the royal at 800 per coin, and other draws still pay, so the gamble is worth about three times as much on average. Even at one coin (royal 250), the draw's EV works out to about 6.72, still above 6.
Common video poker strategy mistakes and what they cost
These errors each cost a few cents a time, but they come up often. The dollar figures are the average loss each time the hand appears, at $1.25 per hand (five $0.25 coins).
Cost of common holding mistakes at $1.25 per hand
Mistake
Example
EV given up
Cost per occurrence
Holding a kicker with a high pair
J♥ J♦ + A♣ instead of J♥ J♦
0.120
≈ $0.15
Breaking a low pair for two high cards
K♥ Q♠ instead of 3♣ 3♦
0.329
≈ $0.41
Drawing to a flush instead of a high pair
Four diamonds instead of J♥ J♦
0.345
≈ $0.43
Holding an inside straight over a high card
5-6-8-9 instead of K♣
0.131
≈ $0.16
Keeping unsuited K-Q-J over suited Q-J
K♣ Q♥ J♥ instead of Q♥ J♥
0.095
≈ $0.12
Keeping a pat flush over 4 to a royal
Flush instead of A♥ K♥ Q♥ J♥
12.43
≈ $15.53
Two more mistakes don't show up in a hold chart. Playing fewer than the maximum coins gives up the royal bonus on most schedules, and using the double-or-nothing feature adds risk to wins you've already made. Our guide on bankroll management covers why extra swings matter.
Strategy for Deuces Wild, bonus poker and other variants
The method is the same in every variant, but the hold order changes with the pay table. A few principles carry over:
Deuces Wild: never throw away a 2, since every deuce is wild. A pair of jacks doesn't pay on typical Deuces Wild schedules, so high cards lose much of their value. Third-party sites list RTG's Deuces Wild at 97%–99% and Bonus Deuces Wild at 99.15%.
Bonus Poker family: games like Bonus Poker and Double Double Bonus Poker pay extra for certain four of a kinds, and some, like Double Double Bonus Poker, pay less for two pair, which shifts value toward pairs and quads. Use a chart built for the exact schedule.
Sevens Wild and Joker Poker: wild cards change hand frequencies completely, so Jacks or Better habits don't transfer. SlotCatalog lists RTG's Sevens Wild at 93.15%, which perfect play can't lift above its pay table's limit.
Progressives: RTG's Double Jackpot Poker and Double Double Jackpot Poker are listed with progressive jackpots. A bigger top prize makes royal draws worth more, so a chart for the base game may hold too few royal draws when the jackpot is high.
Pick one game and one pay table, ideally Jacks or Better, and stick with it while you learn.
Check the pay table matches the schedule your chart was built for. If the full house or flush pays less, the chart is approximate.
Print or save the hold order above and keep it next to you while you play.
Practice in demo mode first. Our demo mode guide explains what free play can and can't show you.
Slow down on hands with two tempting holds, such as a low pair with four to a flush, and check the chart before pressing Draw.
Review the mistakes table now and then; most errors are the same few habits repeated.
Set a budget and a time limit before real-money play, and stop when you reach either.
Understanding why each hold wins makes the chart easier to remember than rote learning. Our game weighting guide and RTP explainer cover related concepts.
Video poker variance: why good strategy still loses sessions
A 99.54% return sounds close to break-even, but a large share of it comes from hands you'll rarely see. A royal flush is dealt in about 1 of every 649,740 deals before the draw, and even holding four to a royal fills it only 1 time in 47. Most sessions end below the average because the royal hasn't arrived yet, and a few end far above it.
That's why a strategy page has to say this plainly: perfect play lowers the cost per hand, but it doesn't make winning likely over time. At $1.25 per hand and 500 hands an hour, $625 goes through the machine each hour. At a 0.46% edge that's about $2.88 an hour on average, but real sessions swing by far more than that in both directions. Our pages on chasing losses and the gambler's fallacy explain why a machine is never "due".
Strategy errors hurt more under wagering. Say you must wager $12,000 at 60x on a $100 deposit plus $100 bonus. With perfect play at a 0.46% edge, that's about $55 in expected losses. Each habitual mistake adds to that, and a max bet rule can limit your coin size too. Read our pages on wagering requirements and the video poker bonus before opting in.
Video poker online in the USA: the legal position
Seven states license real-money online casinos, including video poker: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Maine legalized tribal-run online casinos in January 2026, but nothing had launched by October 2026 and a lawsuit is pending. Elsewhere, no state licenses online casinos.
Where to practice video poker strategy with an offer via our links
These three casinos fit a video poker strategy page. A third-party review counts 14 video poker variants at Planet 7, including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild; Silver Oak's terms set wagering rates for video poker; and SlotoCash's own homepage names Double Double Bonus Poker. Check the casino's lobby before depositing. All three are offshore casinos, not licensed by any US state, so check your state's law first. We earn a commission through these links, and the order is commercial.
Planet 7 Casino: $2,750 Welcome Bonus + 45 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party listings report a 200% match with 30x (bonus plus deposit) on slots, a $1,000 max cashout and $30 card or $5 Bitcoin Lightning minimums. The Michigan Gaming Control Board named Planet 7 and Silver Oak in its April 9, 2025 release (opens in a new tab). Read our Planet 7 review.
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). The casino's offer page advertises a different package, 100% on each of the first ten deposits, 30x playthrough (60x on video poker) and no max withdrawal, while its terms say 40x on slots; deposits start at $30. Check current terms before depositing. See the Silver Oak video poker page.
SlotoCash Casino: $6,000 Welcome Bonus + 60 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Its own site advertises $7,777 plus 300 spins over five deposits, with a $20 minimum per bonus, 25x (deposit plus bonus) and no max cashout, but video poker isn't eligible for that bonus. Michigan named SlotoCash on October 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab). Read the SlotoCash review or our best video poker casinos list.
The terms shown at sign-up apply. Silver Oak's terms set weekly withdrawals from $2,500 and SlotoCash's banking page states $5,000 a week. If gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
These casinos are offshore and not licensed by any US state; check your state's law first. 21+ (18+ where allowed), terms apply, and video poker often carries higher wagering or is excluded.
Planet 7 Casino#5 on our listRealTime Gaming slots
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 200% match with code WELCOME200; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: $1,000 (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
SlotoCash Casino#1 on our listBiggest bonus on our list
Published terms (casino terms): SlotoCash advertises up to $7,777 + 300 spins over five deposits on its own site. Eligible games: Slots, keno and scratch cards (progressive jackpots excluded).
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; reported as a Deckmedia N.V. brand (Curaçao). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, October 8, 2026.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $20 per bonus. Wagering 25x deposit + bonus. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap $5,000 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best video poker strategy?
The best video poker strategy is to hold the cards with the highest expected value for the exact pay table you're playing. For 9/6 Jacks or Better, that means a simplified order: made hands first, then four to a royal, two pair, high pairs, three to a royal, four to a flush and so on down. No strategy beats the house edge, but it keeps the cost low. Our Jacks or Better page covers that game in detail.
Should you hold a kicker in video poker?
No, you shouldn't hold a kicker next to a pair in Jacks or Better. Keeping J♥ J♦ plus an ace returns about 1.42 per unit bet against about 1.54 for the pair alone, because drawing three cards gives more chances at trips, full houses and quads. At $1.25 a hand, the kicker costs about 15 cents each time. Our kicker glossary entry explains the term.
Do you break a flush to go for a royal flush?
Yes, in Jacks or Better you should break a pat flush when it contains four to a royal. On a 9/6 schedule at five coins, holding the four royal cards is worth about 18.43 per unit bet against 6 for keeping the flush. Even at one coin, the draw is worth about 6.72. Our royal flush glossary entry has more on the hand.
Is a low pair better than two high cards?
Yes, in 9/6 Jacks or Better a low pair is better than two unsuited high cards. Holding 3♣ 3♦ returns about 0.82 per unit bet against about 0.49 for K♥ Q♠, because the pair can improve to two pair, trips, a full house or quads. Breaking it costs about 41 cents a time at $1.25 per hand. Our casino math basics guide explains the EV method.
Can video poker strategy overcome the house edge?
No. Strategy chooses the best hold, but the pay table fixes the maximum return, and on the games listed here that's below 100%. Third-party sites list RTG's Jacks or Better at 99.54% with perfect play, so even flawless strategy leaves a small house edge, and losses are likely over time. Treat video poker as paid entertainment. Our house edge glossary entry explains why.
Does Deuces Wild use a different strategy?
Yes, Deuces Wild needs its own strategy because every 2 is wild and the pay table is built differently. The first rule is never to discard a deuce. High cards matter much less, since a single pair of jacks usually doesn't pay. Third-party sites list RTG's Deuces Wild at 97% to 99% RTP, depending on the source. Our Deuces Wild page has more on the game.
Does strategy change for progressive video poker?
It can, because a bigger royal flush payout raises the value of drawing to a royal. As a progressive jackpot grows, holds such as three to a royal become relatively more valuable than in the base game. RTG's Double Jackpot Poker and Double Double Jackpot Poker are listed with progressive jackpots by SlotCatalog. Our progressive jackpots guide explains how pooled prizes work.
How do I practice video poker strategy for free?
Use the demo or free-play mode many casinos offer, with the hold chart beside you, and check each tricky hand before you draw. Demo play uses the same rules but no money, so it's a good way to build habits. Remember that free play won't show you real-money variance or bonus terms. Our demo mode guide explains what to watch for.
How much does video poker cost per hour with perfect strategy?
With perfect play on 9/6 Jacks or Better, the average cost is small but never zero: about 0.46% of everything you bet. At $1.25 a hand and 500 hands an hour, $625 goes through the machine, so the expected loss is about $2.88 an hour. Drop to one $0.25 coin and the hourly turnover is $125, but you also give up the five-coin royal bonus, which raises the edge. Real sessions swing far more than these averages. Our gambling budget guide shows how to set a limit around figures like these.
Should you always play max coins in video poker?
On most schedules, yes, because the royal flush only pays its bonus at the maximum bet. On the 9/6 Jacks or Better table used on this page, a royal pays 800 per coin at five coins but 250 per coin at one coin, and that gap is part of why the game reaches 99.54% with perfect play. If five coins at your chosen denomination is more than your budget allows, drop to a smaller coin size rather than playing fewer coins. Our denomination glossary entry explains the difference.
How often do you get a royal flush in video poker?
Rarely: a royal flush is dealt pat in only about 1 of every 649,740 hands before the draw. Drawing improves your chances, but even holding four to a royal completes it just 1 time in 47. That's why most sessions finish below the game's average return; a big share of the 99.54% figure on 9/6 Jacks or Better sits in hands you may never see. No machine is ever due a royal. Read our jackpot odds guide for how rare top prizes affect every game.
Does video poker count toward the SlotoCash bonus wagering?
No, SlotoCash's bonus terms exclude video poker by default, along with table games, specialty games and progressive jackpots. The casino's welcome bonus terms list slots, Real Series video slots (excluding progressive jackpot slots), keno and scratch cards as the eligible games, and say play on other games voids promotion winnings. If you want to practice video poker strategy there, play with cash and no active bonus. Our SlotoCash video poker page covers what's reported in its lobby.
Is the strategy for Aces and Eights the same as Jacks or Better?
No, Aces and Eights and All American Poker use different pay tables, so a Jacks or Better chart only works roughly. Aces and Eights pays extra for four aces, eights and sevens, which makes holding those cards more valuable, and All American Poker has its own schedule too. SlotCatalog lists RTG's versions of both at 98.65%, below 9/6 Jacks or Better's 99.54%. Use a chart built for the exact schedule. Our Aces and Eights page shows how that game pays.
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