What Is Video Poker?
Video poker is a casino game based on five-card draw poker, played on a machine rather than against other players or a dealer. You're dealt five cards, choose which to hold, and the discarded cards are replaced. Your final hand determines your payout based on a fixed paytable.
Unlike slots, video poker involves genuine decision-making — the cards you choose to hold directly affect your outcome. This makes it one of the most skill-friendly games in any casino.
The Core Mechanics
All video poker variants follow the same basic flow:
- Place your bet (usually 1–5 coins)
- Receive 5 cards
- Choose which cards to hold
- Discard the rest — they're replaced with new cards
- Your final hand is evaluated and paid out according to the paytable
Important: Always play maximum coins where possible. Many video poker machines offer a disproportionately larger Royal Flush payout when you bet 5 coins — missing this can significantly hurt your theoretical return.
Popular Video Poker Variants
Jacks or Better
The most widely available and beginner-friendly variant. You need at least a pair of Jacks to receive any payout. With optimal play, a full-pay Jacks or Better machine can return over 99%, making it one of the best theoretical returns in the casino.
- Best for: Beginners and players wanting a straightforward experience
- Key hand: Royal Flush pays 800:1 at max coins
Deuces Wild
All four 2s (deuces) act as wild cards, substituting for any other card. This dramatically increases the frequency of strong hands, but the paytable is adjusted accordingly — smaller hands pay less or nothing. You typically need Three of a Kind as the minimum paying hand.
- Best for: Players who enjoy wild card excitement
- Key difference: Natural Royal Flush and Wild Royal Flush pay separately
Bonus Poker
A variation of Jacks or Better that offers enhanced payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands. Four Aces pays significantly more than standard four-of-a-kind combinations, creating a game where chasing that specific hand becomes part of the strategy.
- Best for: Players who like variance and big hand payouts
- Trade-off: Other hand payouts may be slightly reduced
Double Double Bonus Poker
An extended version of Bonus Poker with even higher payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands — particularly Four Aces with a kicker of A/2/3/4. This game has high volatility due to the premium placed on those specific hands.
- Best for: Experienced players comfortable with variance
- Key note: Optimal strategy differs significantly from Jacks or Better
Joker Poker (Joker's Wild)
A 53-card deck is used — the standard 52 plus one Joker, which acts as a wild card. The minimum winning hand is typically Two Pair or Kings or Better, depending on the version.
Comparison Table
| Variant | Wild Cards | Min. Paying Hand | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | None | Pair of Jacks | Low–Medium |
| Deuces Wild | Four 2s | Three of a Kind | Medium |
| Bonus Poker | None | Pair of Jacks | Medium |
| Double Double Bonus | None | Pair of Jacks | High |
| Joker Poker | One Joker | Two Pair / Kings+ | Medium |
Which Should You Play?
If you're new to video poker, Jacks or Better is the ideal starting point. The strategy is well-documented, the rules are simple, and the RTP is among the highest in the casino when played correctly. Once you're comfortable, branching into Deuces Wild or Bonus variants adds exciting new layers of strategy.
Whatever variant you choose, always look up an optimal strategy chart for that specific game — it makes a genuine, measurable difference to your long-term results.