Read the pay table
| Pay table (full house / flush) | Return with optimal play |
|---|---|
| 9/6 | 99.54% |
| 8/5 | 97.30% |
| 7/5 | 96.15% |
| 6/5 | 95.00% |
Holding priorities
- Royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind: hold.
- Four to a royal flush: hold, even over a made flush or straight.
- Full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair: hold.
- High pair (jacks or better): hold.
- Four to a straight flush: hold.
- Low pair: hold over unsuited high cards.
- Four to a flush: hold.
- Otherwise keep high cards, up to two of the same suit; with nothing, draw five.
Bankroll
Video poker swings more than its return suggests, because a large part of it comes from the rare royal flush, which pays 800 for 1 on five coins. Bet five coins to get that payout, and size the coin so a session covers several hundred hands.
Bonuses and practice
Many bonuses count video poker at a reduced rate. Practise in demo mode until the holds are automatic, and keep a strategy card open while you play.