The 9/6 Full-Pay Jacks or Better Strategy Chart

The Jacks or Better strategy chart is a valuable gameplay tool for players who intend to get the best possible returns the game offers, which is found in the 9/6 version.

The 9/6 full-pay Jacks or Better (JoB) game is preferred over the 9/5 variant due to its higher return-to-player percentage (99.54%). However, an optimal strategy is needed to get this maximum return.

In this casino guide, we will provide you with the Jacks or Better strategy chart. With it, you can make the best decisions to increase your winning chances and payout.

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Jacks or Better Strategy Chart – 9/6 Full-Pay Video Poker Guide

Some video poker games, including Double Bonus Poker and Jacks or Better, feature the 9/6 and 9/5 paytables. The 9/6 paytable is considered the standard “full-pay” version of Jacks or Better, having 99.54% RTP, while the 9/5 version offers 98.4% RTP, a 1.1% difference.

The 9/6 pays 9 coins per coin bet for a full house and returns 6 coins per coin bet for a flush. The 9/5 paytable, on the other hand, pays 9:1 for a full house and 5:1 for a flush. However, full house and flush aren’t the only winning hands.

Here is the Jacks or Better paytable (for each coin bet):

To get the maximum return for your bet, you will need the video poker strategy chart Jacks or Better or Double Double Bonus Poker strategy chart, depending on the game you are playing.

9/6 Full-Pay Optimal Strategy Chart

The video poker Jacks or Better strategy chart ranks each hand that can be formed in the game by its expected value (EV). Similar to the deuces wild strategy chart, the 9/6 play chart informs you on the cards to hold for the best possible payout.

Below is the optimal Jacks or Better strategy chart based on poker hand rankings.

Top Ranking Hands

1. Royal Flush: Always hold 10-J-Q-K-A suited. This is the best move in any strategy, including the Double Double Bonus Poker strategy.
2. Straight Flush: Hold all five consecutive suited cards.
3. Four of a Kind: Never split four matching cards.
4. Full House: Hold three of a kind + pair.

High-Value Hands

1. Four to a Royal Flush: A good hand to keep.
2. Flush: Hold five suited cards.
3. Three of a Kind: Hold on to three matching cards and discard the rest.
4. Straight: Hold any five consecutive unsuited cards.
5. Four to a Straight Flush: Keep this and discard the non-matching card.

Moderate-Value Hands

1. Two Pairs: Keep both pairs, but proceed to draw one card for a potential Full House.
2. High Pair (Jacks or Better): The base winning hand to keep.
3. Three to a Royal Flush: Keep this and discard the other two.

Marginal But Playable Hands

1. Four to a Flush: Keep any four suited cards and draw one card.
2. Four to an Outside Straight: Four consecutive cards with draws opened on both ends.
3. Low Pair (10s or Lower): Only keep any pair below Jacks if no higher-value draw exists.
4. Two Suited High Cards: Keep just to chase a flush or pair.
5. Three to a Straight Flush: Keep and draw two cards.
6. Two Unsuited High Cards (J, Q, K, A): Keep the best combinations to a straight.
7. 10 with One High Card (Suited): Keep, then draw three cards.

Hands To Discard

You can download more poker cheat sheets for more winning strategies. However, hands without high cards, pairs, or draw potential have the lowest EV and no strategic value. Discard them.

Jacks or Better Strategy Chart: Simplified Version

Below is a quick Jacks or Better strategy for casual players. However, note that there can be a ~0.08% difference in returns compared to the optimal strategy.

1. Keep tightly a royal flush or three cards to a straight flush
2. Always hold straight or four cards to a flush
3. Three or four of a kind are good. Always hold.
4. Don’t discard high pairs.
5. If you have cards higher than a pair, keep your jack close. However, if Jack or other better cards are unavailable, draw five fresh cards.

How To Use the Jacks or Better Strategy Chart

Follow these steps to use the Jacks or Better video poker strategy chart:

1. Compare your initial five cards you have formed following Jacks or Better rules with the ranks on the chart from top to bottom.
2. The first hand to match your cards on the list is the best to hold.

Practical Examples

1. If your initial hand consists of J♥️-Q♥️-K♥️-2♥️-9♠️, the chart indicates that you keep the suited J-Q-K because it’s a Three to a Royal Flush.
2. If you’re dealt 10♦️-J♦️-Q♦️-K♦️-3♣️, the cheat sheet Jacks or Better strategy chart advises you to hold 10♦-J♦-Q♦-K♦ because it is a Four to a Royal.

See all video poker strategy charts for more examples.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Discarding high pairs
2. Chasing weak draws, i.e, hands that have low probability of improvement. E.g., Two unsuited high cards.
3. Ignoring penalty cards. Some cards are valuable, but they can affect the number of flushes or straights you can form. They are termed penalty cards.

For example you have K♣️10♣️, 9♠️, 6♣️, and  3♦️. 9♠️, 6♣️are penalty cards here.

Charting Your Way to Winning

The 9/6 full-pay Jacks or Better chart highlights the effective strategy for playing your hands. Download the PDF to keep the optimal plays within your reach at all times.

FAQs

What is the best Jacks or Better strategy?

The best strategy is to play the optimal hands highlighted in the Jacks or Better strategy chart.

What does 9/6 mean in Jacks or Better?

9/6 in Jacks or Better refers to the full-pay standard paytable: 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush.

How do you use a Jacks or Better strategy chart?

Compare your hand against the chart, and keep the first matching hand type listed.

What hands should I always keep in Jacks or Better?

Always keep winning hands (Royal, Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind).

Is Jacks or Better better than Deuces Wild?

Jacks or Better offers a more straightforward strategy and more stable returns, while Deuces Wild has higher variance.

What’s the difference between 9/6 and 9/5 Jacks or Better?

The 9/5 version pays one coin less for a flush, reducing RTP from 99.54% to around 98.45%.

Can I win consistently with a Jacks or Better chart?

You can’t guarantee wins, but you can minimize the house edge and maximize long-term returns.

Where can I find a printable Jacks or Better chart?

You can download our free printable PDF for the 9/6 full-pay version.

Should I break a flush or straight for a royal draw?

Only if you’re one card away from a royal flush, if not, keep the made hand.

What is the payout for a royal flush in Jacks or Better?

Typically, 800 coins per 5-coin bet on a full-pay 9/6 machine.