If you walk through any casino, past the flashing modern video slots, you will inevitably find rows of old, blocky Video Poker machines.
Playing Video Poker strictly on gut feeling or intuition is a guaranteed way to destroy this massive mathematical advantage and lose your bankroll.
Finding the Full Pay Machines
The most common and foundational variation is “Jacks or Better,” where the lowest paying winning hand is exactly a pair of Jacks.
If played perfectly, a 9/6 machine returns a staggering 99.54%, meaning the casino‘s mathematical edge is a microscopic, nearly invisible 0.46%.
- Progressive Video Poker machines often feature weaker base paytables to compensate
- Online casinos usually offer the absolute best, highly favorable Video Poker paytables
- Never play a machine where a Flush pays only 5 coins if better options exist
Why You Must Always Bet Max Coins
The single most catastrophic mistake a Video Poker player can make is failing to bet the maximum number of coins per hand.
If you bet 1 coin, a Royal Flush might pay a disappointing 250 coins.
Using Math to Make the Right Hold
Once you find a 9/6 machine and bet max coins, the final step is flawlessly executing the mathematical basic strategy for every single hand.
For example, if you are dealt a Low Pair and a Four-Card Flush, the math dictates you must always hold the Pair.
| Player Mistake | Mathematical Consequence |
|---|---|
| Betting less than 5 coins | Massively lowers RTP due to poor Royal Flush payout |
| Playing an 8/5 machine | Increases the house edge by nearly 2% instantly |
By finding the correct paytable, betting the absolute maximum, and playing flawlessly like a robot, you can nearly eliminate the house edge.