There is a better way to play and win video poker. And it’s not by playing multiple hands or placing maximum bets. What you need is a video poker strategy chart, a visual gameplay aid that helps you identify which cards to hold or discard for a profitable hand.
In this casino guide, we provide you with video poker strategy charts, explaining how to read them and make optimal gameplay moves to get the best return on every hand in the game.
Video Poker Strategy Charts | Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild & More
A video poker strategy chart is a gaming tool designed to help players make informed strategic decisions. It provides you with data-driven tips on when to hold or play your hand. You can get a printable video poker strategy chart online in variant-specific formats, including:
Video Poker Strategy Charts – Free Downloads
These charts serve as a video poker cheat sheet ranking all possible hand combinations in order of strength and expected value (EV). Using it, you can reduce the house edge to below 1% in games like full-pay Jacks or Better, or in Deuces Wild gameplay. And the RTP can increase by 2-5%.
How To Read a Video Poker Strategy Chart
Utilizing a video poker strategy chart isn’t technical. Whether it is Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild video poker strategy chart, start by scanning the chart from top to bottom to match your hand with the applicable row.
Additionally, always keep the cards that form the highest-ranking hand. For example, if your hand qualifies for both “Four to a Flush” and “High Pair,” you choose whichever appears higher on the chart. Check out the video poker strategy guide for more tips.
Interpreting a Video Poker Strategy Chart
The standard poker hand rankings are used in video poker. Each line in a video poker chart represents a specific hand, such as a Royal Flush or a Straight, along with its corresponding expected value.
The higher a hand appears on the video poker basic strategy chart, the stronger its expected payout.
Example
You’re dealt J♠ J♥ 10♠ 9♠ 8♠ in Jacks or Better. Check if your hand matches:
What to do: Following Jacks or Better rules, hold J♠ 10♠ 9♠ 8♠. Discard J♥
The video poker strategy chart for Jacks or Better helps you avoid the mistake of keeping the pair of Jacks, which has a lower EV than the Four to a Flush. This is also an Aces and Faces strategy.
Comparing Video Poker Strategy Charts Across Variants
There are varying video poker strategy charts because of the differences in hand values, wild cards, and payout structures of different variants.
The table below compares some game strategy charts, highlighting key features of their video poker paytables and returns.
Double Double Bonus is a great video poker game. Check out our Double Double Bonus Poker tips.
Optimize, Optimize, Optimize!
If you want to improve your chances of winning in video poker, optimize your gameplay by using the video poker strategy chart. All you need to do for a better return is to adjust your strategy based on pay tables and game variants, and watch the odds favor you.
FAQS
What is a video poker strategy chart?
A video poker strategy chart is a mathematically derived visual guide showing which cards to hold or discard to get the best return on every hand in the game.
Why do different variants, such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild, have different charts?
Video poker games have different charts because their pay tables and hand values differ.
How does the pay table affect the strategy chart?
Variation in pay tables changes the expected value of each hand and the cards worthy to hold or discard for optimal play.
Are strategy charts valid for multi-hand video poker?
Yes, but with greater variance in outcomes.
Can I use a standard chart for any pay table?
No, each pay table has unique payouts that require a dedicated chart.
What is the return (RTP) when using an optimal strategy chart?
RTP varies by game and pay table, but it is around 99.5% for full-pay Jacks or Better and slightly lower for other variants.
What mistakes do people make when using charts?
Common errors include using the wrong chart version, skipping the order hierarchy, or ignoring pay table differences.
Where can I download printable strategy charts?
You can download free, printable strategy charts for Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Double Bonus, and Triple Double Bonus in the ‘Video Poker Strategy Charts – Free Downloads’ section near the top of this page.
How often should I update strategy charts based on new variants or rules?
Review and update charts whenever new pay tables, rule adjustments, or software versions are released, like once a year.