While most players of casino visitors flock to the loud slot machines, a dedicated and mathematically savvy crowd are almost always sitting in the video poker section. They are focused on Jacks or Better. They ignore the flashy slots for a massive mathematical advantage: if you play perfectly, Video Poker offers some of the absolute highest Return to Player (RTP) percentages in the entire gambling industry. The classic version is Jacks or Better. This article will explain the rules of Jacks or Better and give you the tips to protect your bankroll and stretch your money.
The Basic Rules and The Paytable
Unlike traditional Texas Hold'em, you do not bluff. It is a 5-card draw machine. You get five starting cards. You then choose which cards to "Hold" (keep) and what to throw away. The machine replaces your discarded cards with new ones, and you are paid based entirely on the final five-card poker hand. As the name implies, in this specific variant, the lowest paying hand is a pair of Jacks (or Queens, Kings, Aces).
The Secret is in the Paytable
Before playing, you have to read the glass printed directly on the machine's screen. They tweak the middle payouts to drain your money.
- Look for 9 and 6
- This is incredibly fair
- Avoid 8/5 machines completely
Ignoring the 9/6 rule kills the strategy of the entire game.
How to Hold
Once you find a 9/6 machine, you must use strategy. Never guess. These are the unbreakable rules:
- Never break up a winning hand (like a Straight or Flush) to chase a Royal Flush, unless you already have 4 cards to the Royal
- Keep the low pair
- High cards save your bets
| The Scenario | The Rookie Mistake | Optimal Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Two tens | Discarding them to chase high cards | HOLD the 10s. They give you a massive mathematical chance to draw two pair or three-of-a-kind |
| 4 cards to a Straight, but you have a High Card (e.g. King) | Playing safe | Drop the high card |
| The ultimate dilemma | Taking the small win | Go for the Royal jackpot |
To wrap it up, playing 9/6 machines is the absolute best way to make your bankroll last. If you hunt for 9/6 and follow the chart perfectly, you can play for hours upon hours while risking an incredibly small amount of money. For more info in regards to level up casino review take a look at the webpage.
