Learning how to play video poker is useful and rewarding for any card enthusiast and frequent casino-goer. This classic casino game is a staple in both live casinos and video poker online.
Bridging the gap between traditional table games – especially poker – and slot machines, it merges card-game skills with the convenience of machine-based play, resulting in a game that is both fun and offers the potential for great winnings.
What Is Video Poker?
Video poker is a digital casino game that combines elements of traditional poker and slot machines, allowing players to make poker hands for payouts based on a paytable.
Due to decades of video poker’s popularity in live casinos, it eventually became possible to play online video poker. Today, most online casinos offer video poker games – the only question is which variations are available.
Players can explore some of the most popular online casinos to find their preferred version.
How to Play Video Poker Online – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose the Best Available Video Poker Machine
Not all video poker games have the same odds and payouts. Casinos often offer multiple variations, so you need to select the right video poker machine.
Once you’ve chosen the best option, here’s how a hand of video poker will play out.
Step 2: Choose the Credit and Bet Amount
Video poker machines give you several options for the size of your credit, which is your basic bet size (also called a denomination). After selecting the credit, you choose how many credits to wager per hand – from 1 to a maximum of 5.
It’s recommended to always play the maximum number of credits to maximize the payout if you hit a royal flush.
💡 Pro tip:
It’s better to choose a lower credit and play the maximum number of credits than to play a higher credit for fewer credits.
Step 3: Receive the Starting Hand
After selecting your bet size, click the ‘deal’ button to receive five cards.
Step 4: Choose Which Cards to Hold & Which to Discard
Next, decide which of your initial five cards to hold and which to discard/exchange. After making the selections, click ‘Draw’ to replace the discarded cards and receive your final hand.
Step 5: Continue Playing or Cash Out Your Winnings
If the final hand qualifies for a payout, winnings are automatically credited. The cycle then repeats: you choose the bet, deal, hold, draw, and collect payouts.
If you’re ahead, consider cashing out rather than chasing bigger wins. Be aware that wagering requirements may affect bonus withdrawals, meaning you may need to make a certain number of bets before you can cash out a bonus.
Video Poker Hand Rankings Explained
Here are the basic hand rankings from strongest to weakest:
| Hand | Description | Example |
| Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit | A♥️ K♥️ Q♥️ J♥️ 10♥️ |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit | 9♣️ 8♣️ 7♣️ 6♣️ 5♣️ |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 7♥️ 7♠️ 7♦️ 7♣️ K♠️ |
| Full House | Three of a kind and a pair | J♣️ J♦️ J♠️ 9♥️ 9♠️ |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence | 2♦️ 6♦️ 9♦️ J♦️ Q♦️ |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards of any suit | 5♠️ 6♥️ 7♣️ 8♦️ 9♠️ |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | Q♠️ Q♦️ Q♣️ 4♥️ 9♣️ |
| Two Pair | Two distinct pairs of cards | 10♦️ 10♣️ 3♠️ 3♥️ A♣️ |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank ( in most video poker games, it has to be jacks or better to qualify) | J♠️ J♥️ 6♦️ 4♣️ 9♠️ |
The basis for hand rankings in video poker is the standard poker hand rankings. However, in many variations, certain hands are given special value or a unique ranking. For example:
- In Bonus Poker (and some other variations), four aces are rewarded differently than other four-of-a-kinds.
- In Deuces Wild, four deuces are much more valuable than any other four-of-a-kind or even a straight flush.
- Some variations, such as Double Double Bonus, offer higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands with a specific kicker (usually 2, 3, 4, or ace). Meanwhile, variations with wild cards may rank hands containing them differently.
Here are video poker hand rankings, including special variations:
| Rank | Hand | Description | Used in Variations |
| 1 | Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10, all of the same suit | All Variations |
| 2 | Five of a Kind | Five cards of the same rank (possible due to wild cards) | Deuces Wild, Bonus Deuces Wild Joker Poker |
| 3 | Wild Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10, suited with one card replaced by a wild | Deuces Wild, Bonus Deuces Wild, Joker Poker |
| 4 | Four Deuces | 2222 plus any other card | Deuces Wild, Bonus Deuces Wild |
| 5 | Four Aces + Kicker | AAAA plus a specific kicker (typically 2, 3, or 4) | Double Double Bonus, Triple Double Bonus |
| 6 | Four Aces (No Kicker) | AAAA plus any other card | Double Bonus, Double Double Bonus, Triple Double Bonus |
| 7 | Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards, all of the same suit | All Variations |
| 8 | Four 2s, 3s, or 4s + Kicker | 2222, 3333, or 4444 plus a qualifying kicker (A,2,3, or 4) | Double Double Bonus, Triple Double Bonus |
| 9 | Four 2s, 3s, or 4s (No Kicker) | 2222, 3333, or 4444 plus any card (without kicker bonus) | Double Bonus, Double Double Bonus, Triple Double Bonus |
| 10 | Four 5s-Kings | Four of a kind, using cards from 5 through King | Double Bonus, Double Double Bonus, Triple Double Bonus |
| 11 | Four of a Kind (Any) | Any four cards of the same rank | Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker (standard quads not enhanced by bonus) |
| 12 | Full House | Three of a kind plus a pair | All Variations |
| 13 | Flush | Five cards of the same suit | All Variations |
| 14 | Straight | Five consecutive cards, mixed suits | All Variations |
| 15 | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | All Variations |
| 16 | Two Pair | Two different pairs | Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker |
| 17 | Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces | Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker |
3 Video Poker Brands
There are three main groups of video poker games that have gained widespread recognition, each offering unique gameplay styles and bonus features.
1. Game King Video Poker
One of the most recognizable video poker platforms, Game King is a multi-game system developed by IGT. These machines allow players to choose from several classic video poker variants – such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker – all in one unit.
It’s the most basic format of poker and is common in both online and live casinos.
2. Multi-Play Poker (Triple Play, Five Play, Ten Play Draw Poker)
Another popular video poker brand is Multi-Play Poker, which includes Triple Play, Five Play, and Ten Play Draw Poker. These games allow players to play multiple hands simultaneously, all sharing the same initial five-card draw while each hand receives separate replacement cards, each using its own deck.
This format is faster-paced and more exciting, increasing both risk and potential reward. It’s best suited for players with a larger bankroll and confidence in their video poker strategy.
3. Ultimate X Poker
This variation adds a multiplier bonus to winning hands, with multipliers awarded based on the strength of the previous hand. For example, if a player hits a full house, their next hand might have a 12x multiplier, significantly boosting potential payouts.
The possibility of bigger rewards makes it a favorite among players seeking an extra thrill, especially when playing multiple hands simultaneously.
Top Video Poker Variations
Video poker has many variations, each defined by its payout structure for different hands. The payout structure affects the optimal video poker strategy for each variation, making video poker games diverse, dynamic, and engaging.
Some video poker variants provide more frequent, smaller wins, while others offer lower or even no payouts for common hands but exciting, premium payouts for hands like four-of-a-kind.
Each video poker game has a different return to player (RTP) – some may even offer a theoretical player advantage – which can influence our choice of which video poker variation to play.
Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular video poker variations, including their special rules and profitability.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most classic version of video poker, serving as the foundation for many other video poker games. As the name suggests, it requires a minimum hand of a pair of jacks to win.
This game is available in various payout structures, usually indicated in the name. The most common is 9/6 Jacks or Better, meaning a 9:1 payout for a full house and 6:1 for a flush.
When a video poker variant has the highest possible payout structure, it is referred to as Full Pay.
The 9/6 Full Pay version has an RTP of 99.54%, while the lower pay version – such as 8/5, 7/5, or 6/5 – have lower RTP percentages (as low as 95%).
Bonus Poker
A slight twist on Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker offers extra payouts for four-of-a-kinds featuring aces, twos, threes, or fours. Four aces are paid more than a straight flush.
Bonus Poker is typically played with an 8/5 Full Pay structure, with an RTP of around 99.17%.
This version is more rewarding for premium hands but has lower payouts for smaller wins compared to Jacks or Better.
Bonus Poker Deluxe
Similar to Bonus Poker, but with increased payouts for all four of a kinds – they are all worth more than a straight flush.
Bonus Poker Deluxe usually features a 9/6 Full Pay payout structure and an RTP of 99.64%, making it one of the most favorable video poker variations for players.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker further increases payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, particularly for aces, twos, threes, and fours. It also pays 10x for a full house and 7x for a flush.
In its Full Pay structure, it offers a player edge with an RTP of 100.17%.
The high payouts for premium hands come at the cost of lower payouts for two pair, three-of-a-kind, and straights.
With a 9/6 paytable, the RTP of Double Bonus Poker is around 98.98%.
Double Double Bonus Poker
An extension of Double Bonus Poker, this video poker variant introduces special kicker bonuses, increasing the payouts for some four-of-a-kinds when paired with specific kickers (aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s).
The RTP for Double Double Bonus Poker varies depending on the paytable, typically around 98.98%.
While the bonus payouts make this game exciting, it has lower payouts for more common hands.
Triple Double Bonus Poker
This variation offers massive rewards for four-of-a-kinds. Four Aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker pays 800x the bet (same as a Royal Flush). Four 2s, 3s, or 4s with a kicker pays 400x.
These amazing payouts come at the expense of lower or no payouts for weaker hands, making it a high-variance game.
The RTP for Triple Double Bonus Poker is typically around 98.98%.
Deuces Wild Poker
One of the most popular video poker variations, Deuces Wild treats all twos as wild cards, making strong hands more likely and introducing new hand possibilities like five-of-a-kinds or wild royal flushes..
Wild cards dramatically change the optimal strategy. The game does not reward pairs or two pair – the minimum winning hand is three-of-a-kind.
Deuces Wild is one of the few video poker games where the RTP can exceed 100% with optimal play – 100.76% with a Full Pay (25/15) paytable.
Deuces Wild Bonus Poker
This version combines the wild card mechanics of Deuces Wild with enhanced payouts for five-of-a-kinds.
- Five Aces and Five 3s-5s receive higher payouts
- Four Deuces with an Ace kicker also gets a special bonus (400x payout)
To balance these big bonuses, payouts for smaller hands are reduced. Bonus Deuces Wild especially devalues straights in comparison to flushes, and slightly appreciates the value of the full house in comparison to Deuces Wild.
The Full Pay version of Bonus Deuces Wild has an RTP of around 99.17%.
Joker Poker
Joker Poker introduces a joker as a wild card, allowing for stronger hands and unique hand rankings like five-of-a-kind.
- A Royal Flush with a Joker is paid less than a natural Royal Flush.
- Joker Poker typically requires a minimum pair of Kings, Aces, or even two pair to win. Each variation requires a different strategy.
This covers the most common video poker variations that you will find online and on casino floors, but there are many other versions with unique bonus payouts and progressive jackpots.
When playing video poker online or in person, it’s essential to check the paytable and use the optimal strategy to maximize payouts.
Video Poker Strategy & Tips
How to play video poker and win? There is no one-size-fits-all winning strategy when it comes to playing poker. Understanding how to win at video poker comes down to studying pay tables, choosing the right game, and using the best video poker strategy to maximize returns.
However, here are some valuable expert tips that might help you increase your win rate.
Choose the Right Game
Before even playing, the first key decision is choosing the right game. The best choice will be a video poker variation that:
- Offers the best available odds (highest RTP).
- You understand well enough to play with an optimal strategy
Manage Your Bankroll & Start Slowly
Always set a budget before playing and stick to it. Variance can lead to long losing streaks before big wins, so it’s important to play within our means.
Starting small is especially important when you’re new to video poker since you don’t yet have a sense of how many credits you may have to spend to see some return. Pay attention to this and adjust accordingly.
Take as much time as you need to make your decisions. There is no rush in video poker.
Play the Maximum Number of Credits
When playing with a limited bankroll, it’s better to lower the credit value while still playing the maximum number of credits. This ensures that you maximize the payout for a royal flush.
Choose the Right Video Poker Strategy for Each Game
Each video poker variation requires a different strategy; understanding these differences is key.
We’ll start by looking at a video poker strategy for Jacks or Better, which provides a strong foundation for adjusting to other variants.
Video Poker Strategy Example – Jacks or Better Cheat Sheet
Let’s break down how to play five-card video poker hands in Jacks or Better, from strongest to weakest.
You should always keep (stand pat) on your strongest hands: royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, and full house.
| Royal Flush | STAND PAT |
| Straight Flush | |
| Four of a Kind | |
| Full House |
In Jacks or Better, you never break up a full house to draw for four of a kind. However, this may be different in other video poker variants. Similarly, you do not break a straight flush to chase a royal flush.
If you get dealt other strong (winning) hands, it doesn’t mean you will necessarily keep those cards. Some draws are stronger than made hands.
| Flush | STAND PAT, unless you have four to a Royal Flush |
| Straight |
You usually hold flushes; the only exception is when you have four cards to a royal flush. For example, with AQJT8 of spades, you discard the 8 of spades to try to hit the king of spades. The payout for a royal flush is so much higher that it’s worth breaking a made hand.
Playing two pair or three of a kind is straightforward. You keep the pairs or trips and discard the extra card(s) to improve to a full house or four of a kind.
| Three of a Kind | Discard the other two cards to try to get a Full House or Four of a Kind |
| Two Pair | Discard the fifth card to try to get a Full House |
Playing a single pair depends on the size of the pair. A pair of jacks or better will play differently than a small pair.
| Jacks or Better | Keep the jacks unless you are drawing with 4 cards to a straight flush |
| Lower pair | Keep the pair unless you have:
|
To make it easier to decide which other hands to keep in Jacks or Better, the following list ranks them by strength. These are drawing hands without a made hand. If multiple possible draws are available, the highest-ranking option takes priority.
Here’s a video poker cheat sheet for the remaining hands worth playing:
| 4 cards to a Royal Flush | KQJ (off-suit) |
| 4 cards to a straight flush | QJ |
| 3 cards to a Royal Flush | JT suited |
| 4 cards to a Flush | KQ and KJ |
| 4-card open-ended (outside) straight draw | QT suited |
| 3 cards to a straight flush (best) | AK, AQ and AJ |
| AKQJ | KT suited |
| 2 cards to a Royal Flush | One high card |
| Three high cards and an inside straight draw (e.g. AKQT, AQJT) | 3 cards to a straight flush (worst) |
| 3 cards to a straight flush (medium) | Discard Everything |
Three to a straight flush appears multiple times in the video poker cheat sheet because not all of these draws are equal. The strongest ones are either perfectly connected (e.g., T-9-8, except for low-end draws like 2-3-4, which are weak) or contain high cards, increasing their value.
💡 Pro Tip
A good rule of thumb for three connected cards of the same suit is: the draw is strongest when the number of high cards is equal to or greater than the number of gaps.
A few examples:
- Strong draws – 8-7-6 (no gaps), J-T-8 (one gap, one high card), or Q-J-8 (two gaps, two high cards) are premium. These hands are often stronger than high-card combinations like suited A-K or A-Q.
- Medium draws – If the number of gaps in the straight draw is one more than the number of high cards, the draw is playable but not as strong.
- Weakest draws – Three-card straight flush draws with two gaps and no high cards, like 10-9-6 or 4-6-8, are the weakest still playable hands in Jacks or Better.
Hands to avoid:
Any hand worse than the ones above should be completely discarded. Throw away low inside straight draws (e.g., 10-9-8-6) and weak three-card flushes (e.g., 10-8-5 of spades) unless they have a realistic chance of making a straight flush.
Additional Quick Tips for Smart Video Poker Strategy
- Never play the kicker. With a pair, discard all unpaired high cards. For example, with A-K-8-8-7, only keep 8-8.
- Only keep two high cards. If holding two suited high cards, discard any offsuit high cards. With multiple offsuit high cards, like A-K-Q, keep only K-Q, as it has better straight potential. The best high-card combinations to keep are Q-J (best), followed by K-Q, K-J, A-K, A-Q, and A-J.
- Be selective with three to a Royal Flush. While four to a Royal Flush is almost always worth chasing, three to a Royal should only be played if there’s no stronger option, like a low pair, four to a flush, or four to an outside straight.
Now, let’s look at how video poker strategy changes when playing other variations of the game.
Video Poker Odds
Video poker is a unique blend of luck and skill, and learning how to play and win is all about influencing outcomes through strategic decisions. While the odds are much better than in other casino games, having the right video poker strategy is key to realizing them.
Video poker has one of the lowest theoretical house edges in the casino, making it one of the best games for players. For example, playing Jacks or Better with optimal strategy has an RTP of 99.54% (house edge: 0.46%). Deuces Wild offers an RTP of 100.76%, meaning a perfect player has a small advantage over the casino.
The odds of making a particular hand vary a lot depending on the game and strategy. However, just to get a feel for it, here are the approximate odds of making a particular hand in video poker (applies to the games in which they are winning hands):
- Royal Flush: 1 in 40,000 hands
- Four Aces with Kicker: 1 in 16,000 hands
- Straight Flush: 1 in 9,000 hands
- Four Aces: 1 in 5,500 hands
- Four 2s–4s: 1 in 2,000 hands
- Four-of-a-Kind: 1 in 425 hands
- Full House: 1 in 87 hands
- Flush: 1 in 90 hands
- Straight: 1 in 88 hands
- Three of a Kind: 1 in 14 hands
- Two Pair: 1 in 10 hands
- Jacks or Better (High Pair): 1 in 5 hands
Video Poker vs. Poker
Video poker and traditional poker have a few things in common. They use the same 52-card deck and are based on hand rankings in poker. However, they are fundamentally different in gameplay and strategy.
In video poker, players compete against a fixed pay table rather than other opponents, making it a game of mathematical optimization rather than reading opponents and adjusting to their strategies.
In contrast, traditional poker (like Texas Hold’em or Omaha) is a dynamic, psychological game where factors like position, betting patterns, opponents and deception play a major role.
While luck is a factor in both, video poker has a fixed house edge, whereas in poker, a player’s edge depends on his opponents.
Both are fun and complex strategic games, which is why many poker players love video poker and prefer it to other casino games.
Video Poker History
Video poker originated in the mid-1970s when advancements in computer technology made video-based gaming possible. The first commercially successful machine, Draw Poker, was introduced in 1979 in Las Vegas. Featuring a five-card draw format familiar to poker players, it provided an easy transition from table games to machines.
Early on, video poker attracted players seeking a more solitary, low-pressure gambling experience. Without a dealer or opponents, it appealed to those intimidated by live poker rooms and those looking for a quiet yet strategic game.
As its popularity grew in the 1980s, casinos introduced new variations like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild, each with distinct pay tables and strategies. Unlike most machine-based games, video poker rewarded skillful play, allowing players to influence their expected returns.
By the 1990s, video poker had become a casino staple, offering multiple game types and progressive jackpots. While flashy slot machines now dominate modern casinos, video poker remains respected for its strategic depth and transparent odds – one of the few games where skill can truly tilt the odds in the player’s favor.
Why Video Poker Is Popular in 2025
While luck plays a role in video poker, it is also a game of skill, allowing players to influence their outcomes. You can use poker knowledge to develop an optimal video poker strategy, significantly improving your chances of success.
Although payouts vary between game variations, video poker typically offers a return of 98% to 100% with optimal play – some of the best odds in any casino. In certain versions, the house edge even disappears, giving the advantage to players who master how to beat video poker machines. The catch? Executing a perfect strategy is no easy feat.
Most strategic card games in a casino require interaction with dealers and other players, but video poker allows for complete solitude and anonymity while still offering intricate, strategic play and thrilling results. If you love card games but want a break from the social dynamics of poker or other table games, video poker online or in a casino is a great alternative.
The number of different video poker variations is vast, though many players find their favorites and stick with them. Some games provide steady payouts for a range of hands, while others encourage chasing big hands with massive rewards. Understanding how to play video poker and win comes down to choosing the right game and strategy for your style.
Conclusion
Now, when you have the essential tools and guidelines to play video poker, you can start with one variation that interests you and build your skills from there.
Don’t worry if you don’t memorize everything on your first read. You can always revisit this guide on how to play video poker whenever you need a refresher. As with anything, practice makes perfect. Good luck, and enjoy your journey with this casino classic.