Aces and Faces video poker is a table game variant with gameplay similar to Jacks or Better and is one of the most popular options you’ll find when you play video poker games online.
It stands out for its increased quad payouts, which cover four Aces or four-of-a-kind face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings). Quad Aces pay 80 to 1, while quad face cards return 40 to 1 (far higher than in standard games). However, an optimal strategy is needed to increase the chances of winning. Strategy charts for video poker games are essential gameplay tools.
This casino guide highlights the best Aces and Faces video poker strategy chart, accurate paytables, and hand examples to help you maximize every wager.
What Is Aces and Faces Video Poker?
Aces and Faces video poker is a popular bonus-based variation of Jacks or Better that follows the same basic rules but changes how four-of-a-kind hands are paid. The game was designed to reward premium quads, offering significantly higher payouts for four Aces and four face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings), while keeping the overall gameplay familiar.
Because of these boosted quad payouts, Aces and Faces requires a slightly different strategy than standard Jacks or Better, with more emphasis on holding high pairs and chasing high-value four-of-a-kind hands.
Aces and Faces Video Poker – Best Plays & RTP
Learning how to play Aces and Faces requires understanding video poker pay tables. Your potential returns are dependent on the paytable you are playing.
The 8/5 Aces and Faces paytable is the standard full-pay and most common version in casinos and online platforms. Other options include the 7/5 or 6/5 paytables.
8/5 Aces and Faces
This paytable pays 8 credits for a Full House and 5 for a Flush. Under optimal play, the Aces and Faces video poker return to player (RTP) is 99.26%.
Below is the 8/5 Aces and Faces video poker paytable for 1 to 5 coins (C) per bet. Royal Flush pays 800 to 1 for the 5-coin max bet (800 x 5 = 4000 coins) instead of the usual 250 to 1 for 1-4 coins.
Note: If your version of Aces and Faces has a different paytable, e.g., 7/5 or 6/5, the strategy changes and RTP is reduced.
How To Find the Right Paytable
Aces and faces video poker odds are reflected in the paytable, which can be found on the machine or on the digital screen. The payout values for Full House and Flush determine whether the paytable is full pay.
Aces and Faces Poker Strategy Chart
Premium quads, i.e, four Aces, are a priority in the Aces and Faces strategy because of their 80 coins payout, which outranks the 50 coins on a Straight Flush if one coin is wagered. There are notable differences when compared to the Double Bonus video poker strategy.
The Aces and Faces strategy chart below highlights the cards to hold following the hand ranking order below:
Key Differences vs Jacks or Better
The special quad payouts offered by Aces and Faces distinguish it from Jacks or Better (JoB). It also impacts expected value (EV) calculations and hand play priorities. Therefore, using the standard video poker strategy for JoB can affect the odds of winning in Aces and Faces video poker. The table below compares the two games.
Most Commonly Missed Hands
In Aces and Eights video poker, the following hands are most commonly confused.
Volatility & Bankroll Strategy for Aces and Faces
Aces and Faces video poker has medium volatility due to its higher quad payouts. Therefore, expect relatively longer downswings (20-30% of bankroll) between big wins, but lower variance than Double Bonus games.
The best bankroll strategy for Aces and Faces is to aim for 300-500 units per session, staking 1-5% of bankroll per hand, e.g., $300 at $1 bets (3%), to withstand losses.
Common Aces and Faces Poker Mistakes
Avoid the following mistakes when playing Aces and Faces Poker to preserve your bankroll:
- Playing Jacks or Better strategy: This can reduce your chances of winning.
- Overvaluing straight draws: They only yield lower EV in Aces and Faces.
- Ignoring paytable differences: You risk playing low RTP versions.
Video Poker Strategy Charts & Guides
FAQs
What is the best Aces and Faces Poker strategy?
The best Aces and Faces Poker strategy is to prioritize high-paying cards, which are Aces and Faces (queens, jacks, and kings).
Is Aces and Faces better than Jacks or Better?
Aces and Faces edges out the Jacks or Better with its increased quad payouts.
What is full-pay Aces and Faces?
The 8/5 version with an RTP of 99.26% is the full-pay version of Aces and Faces.
How volatile is Aces and Faces Poker?
Aces and Faces Poker has medium volatility.
What RTP does Aces and Faces Poker have?
The full-pay Aces and Faces offers a 99.26% RTP when playing optimally.