How to Play Video Poker – Rules, Strategy & Tips for Beginners

If you’ve ever wondered how to play video poker, you’re not alone. This casino favorite blends the strategy of traditional poker with the fast-paced excitement of slot machines, offering players a unique mix of skill and luck. Whether you’re at a brick-and-mortar casino or playing video poker online for real money, the game’s straightforward mechanics make it accessible to beginners while still holding depth for seasoned pros.

Video poker first appeared in casinos in the mid-1970s and quickly became a hit because it gave players more control over outcomes than pure luck-based games. Unlike slots, where each spin is entirely random, video poker allows you to make strategic decisions, holding or discarding cards based on poker hand rankings and the game’s paytable. This blend of chance and strategy is why many casino experts consider it one of the fairest games in the house when played with the right approach.

From Jacks or Better tutorials for first-timers to advanced video poker strategy charts for veterans, there’s always more to learn. Here, we will walk you through video poker basics, key rules, strategy tips, and the differences between popular variants. By the time you finish, you’ll understand the fundamentals of how video poker works and how to avoid common mistakes that cost players money.

Basics of Video Poker

An image of BetWhale, one of the best sites for learning how to play video poker.

Before you start pressing the “Deal” button at the best online video poker sites, it’s essential to understand the video poker rules and gameplay flow. At its core, video poker is based on five-card draw poker. You’re dealt five cards, decide which to keep, discard the rest, and receive replacements. Your final hand is compared to the game’s paytable to determine your payout.

Here’s what makes video poker different from other casino games:

Skill Element: While still driven by a random number generator (RNG), your decisions affect the outcome. Choosing the right cards to hold is where strategy comes into play.
Better Odds Than Slots: Many full pay video poker machines have a player return percentage (RTP) of 99% or higher with optimal play, making them some of the most favorable games in the casino.
Variety of Game Types: From Deuces Wild tips to high-payout Bonus Poker variants, there’s a style for every preference.
Bankroll Management Matters: Because payouts can vary dramatically, understanding volatility in video poker and choosing the right betting denominations is key to lasting longer in the game.

Another point worth noting is that, unlike table poker, you’re not competing against other players. Instead, you’re playing against a machine — or an online program — that uses strict casino video poker machine rules to ensure fairness.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Video Poker

If you’re just learning how to play video poker, the best way to get comfortable is to break it down into clear stages. These apply whether you’re using a physical casino video poker machine or an online platform with mobile compatibility.

Step 1: Choose a Machine or Online Game

An image of a video poker game from BetWhale, one of the best sites to practice video poker strategy.

The first decision is which video poker game to play at the best offshore poker sites. For beginners, Jacks or Better is often recommended because the rules are straightforward, the paytable evaluation is easier to understand, and strategy mistakes are less costly compared to high-volatility variants.

If you’re playing at a casino, scan the available machines and look for full pay video poker — this means the payout percentages are optimal (for example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine, where a full house pays 9 coins and a flush pays 6). If you’re playing video poker online, check the game info section for RTP, which should be 99%+ for the best odds.

Choosing the right game also means deciding whether you want single hand vs multi-hand video poker. Multi-hand games let you play several hands at once, increasing action but also raising bankroll requirements.

Step 2: Select Your Bet and Coin Value

Once you’ve picked a game, it’s time to set your betting denominations. Most machines and online versions allow you to wager 1–5 coins per hand. In almost all cases, betting the max coins is recommended because it unlocks the top payout for a royal flush.

Example: On a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine, betting 1–4 coins might pay 250 coins for a royal flush, but betting 5 coins bumps that to 4,000 coins — a huge difference.

If you’re new, it’s still wise to keep bankroll management in mind. Select a coin value that lets you sustain play without burning through your funds too quickly.

Step 3: Hit “Deal” to Receive Your First Hand

Pressing the deal button triggers the random number generator (RNG), which instantly selects five cards from a standard 52-card deck (or 53 with a joker in variants like Joker Poker). The gameplay mechanics mimic a real poker deal, and your bet slip adjustment is locked in at this point — no going back on your wager.

If you’re in practice mode or using a play video poker free version, this is a great time to experiment without risking money, helping you learn video poker basics before betting real cash.

Step 4: Decide Which Cards to Hold

Here’s where video poker strategy really matters. After your first deal, you can keep (hold) or discard any number of cards. The goal is to form the best possible hand according to poker hand rankings.

For example:

In Jacks or Better rules, you’d typically hold a high pair (Jacks or higher), four cards to a straight or flush, or any pat hand (made hand like a straight or better).
In Deuces Wild tips, strategy changes because all 2s act as wild cards, meaning you might hold different combinations than you would in Jacks or Better.

Online versions often have an auto hold feature that suggests the optimal cards to keep, but it’s not always perfect. Knowing the optimal strategy chart for your variant is the surest way to minimize mistakes.

Step 5: Hit “Draw” to Replace Discarded Cards

After deciding what to hold, hit the draw button. Any cards you’ve discarded are replaced from the same shuffled deck, just like in real five-card draw poker. This is your final hand — no more changes.

The final hand is automatically checked against the paytable. If you qualify for a winning combination, you’ll see your payout instantly. The payout structure depends on the hand strength and the game variant.

Step 6: Winning Hands and Payouts

Your payout depends on both your hand analysis and the machine’s rules. Standard video poker hand rankings apply, starting from a pair of Jacks (in Jacks or Better) and moving up to a royal flush.

Higher volatility games like Double Double Bonus Poker might pay huge for certain hands like four aces, but they have a higher casino edge and require more aggressive high variance strategy to play profitably.

In online play, payouts are credited instantly, while physical machines may print a ticket or add credits to your balance. Some games also offer a double or nothing feature, where you can gamble your win by guessing the color or suit of a hidden card — fun, but high risk.

Understanding the Paytable

One of the most important skills when learning how to play video poker at online poker sites is being able to read and evaluate the paytable. This chart tells you exactly how much each winning hand pays based on your wager. Mastering it can be the difference between playing a high-RTP machine and one that drains your bankroll.

How to Read a Paytable

A standard video poker paytable lists the payouts for each possible hand, starting with a royal flush at the top and ending with the minimum qualifying hand for that game (often a pair of Jacks in Jacks or Better rules). The payouts are shown for each number of coins bet — 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 coins.

For example, on a full pay Jacks or Better machine:

A royal flush pays 250 coins per coin bet — but if you wager the max coins, that payout jumps to 4,000 coins.
A straight flush might pay 50 coins per coin bet.
A full house pays 9 coins per coin bet, while a flush pays 6 coins per coin bet.

This structure makes it clear why betting max coins is usually recommended — it maximizes the player return percentage for the top prize.

Impact on Return to Player (RTP)

RTP in video poker is the theoretical percentage of all wagers that the game will return to players over time at the best crypto poker sites and otherwise. For example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine has an RTP of about 99.54% with perfect play. In contrast, a short pay 8/5 machine drops to around 97.3%.

The difference might seem small, but over thousands of hands, it can mean hundreds of dollars in lost value. Understanding RTP is key for bankroll management and long-term success.

If you’re playing video poker online, the RTP is usually displayed in the game’s info panel. Look for games offering 99%+ where possible — these are often the best video poker tips for serious players.

Full Pay vs. Short Pay Machines

A full pay video poker machine is one that offers the maximum theoretical RTP for a given game variant. In Jacks or Better, that’s the famous 9/6 paytable. In Deuces Wild, the full pay version has an RTP over 100% with perfect strategy — meaning it’s theoretically beatable, though rare to find in modern casinos.

Short pay machines reduce payouts on key hands, increasing the casino edge. For example, if a Jacks or Better machine pays 8 coins for a full house instead of 9, it’s no longer full pay and the RTP drops significantly.

Paytable Evaluation in Practice

When scouting games:

Check for full pay versions first.
Avoid machines with reduced payouts on strong hands.
Learn the optimal strategy chart for the version you’re playing, since different paytables require slight strategy adjustments.

By combining a favorable paytable with strong strategy, you improve your odds and move closer to how to win at video poker consistently.

Video Poker Hand Rankings

Whether you’re learning how to play video poker for the first time or brushing up before playing for real money video poker, knowing the hand rankings is essential in any beginner’s guide to video poker. Every decision in the draw phase depends on recognizing the strength of your current five-card hand and comparing it to the payouts listed in the paytable by understanding video poker hands.

These rankings are based on standard poker hand rankings you’d find in any video poker game guide, but with some slight variations in certain video poker variations like Deuces Wild or Joker Poker, where wild cards can change the value and frequency of certain hands.

Royal Flush

The royal flush is the best possible hand in almost all forms of casino video poker machines. It consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit.

Example: A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠
Payout: On most full pay video poker machines, 250 coins per coin bet, but jumps to 4,000 coins if you bet max coins.
Strategy Note: Never break up a royal draw unless you’re playing a special bonus variant where other hands have higher payouts.

Straight Flush

A straight flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit, but not the royal flush.

Example: 7♥ 8♥ 9♥ 10♥ J♥
Payout: Usually pays 50 coins per coin bet.
Odds & Importance: Rare, but worth pursuing if you’re one card away after the deal.

Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank, plus one unrelated card.

Example: Q♣ Q♦ Q♠ Q♥ 6♣
Payout: Varies by game — some bonus poker variants pay extra for specific quads.
Tip: Always hold the four cards and draw for the kicker.

Full House

Three cards of one rank plus two of another.

Example: 10♠ 10♣ 10♦ 4♣ 4♠
Payout: 9 coins per coin bet in a full pay Jacks or Better machine; 8 or lower in short pay versions.
Impact on RTP: The full house payout is a key element in identifying full pay vs short pay machines.

Flush

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.

Example: 2♦ 5♦ 8♦ 10♦ K♦
Payout: 6 coins per coin bet in a full pay Jacks or Better.

Straight

Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.

Example: 6♠ 7♣ 8♦ 9♠ 10♥
Payout: Typically 4 coins per coin bet.

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank, plus two unrelated cards.

Example: 8♣ 8♦ 8♠ 2♥ J♣
Payout: Often 3 coins per coin bet.

Two Pair

An image of a two pair in a video poker game at BetWhale, one of the best sites on which to practice the best video poker tips.

Two cards of one rank, two of another rank, plus one unrelated card.

Example: 9♦ 9♣ 4♠ 4♥ 7♣
Payout: Usually 2 coins per coin bet.

Jacks or Better (or Other Minimum Qualifying Hand)

In the classic Jacks or Better rules, the lowest paying hand is a single pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces.

Example: J♠ J♥ 3♣ 8♦ 9♥
Payout: 1 coin per coin bet.
Note: In other video poker variations, the minimum qualifying hand may differ.

Wild Card Adjustments

In Deuces Wild tips and Joker Poker, wild cards can substitute for any card, altering the ranking order. For example, five of a kind becomes possible, ranking above a straight flush.

If you understand these rankings, you’ll not only improve your video poker strategy but also make better discard and hold decisions, boosting your player return percentage over time.

Video Poker Strategy Tips

If you want to truly master how to play video poker and move beyond just pulling a lever and hoping for the best, you need to develop a clear, disciplined strategy. While video poker rules are easy to learn, the difference between a casual player and someone who consistently gets the most value lies in video poker strategy.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best video poker tips that can help improve your results, whether you’re in a land-based casino or playing video poker online.

Start with the Right Game Variant

The first rule of winning is to choose a game that gives you the best chance to succeed. That means learning paytable evaluation for different video poker variations like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker. A full pay video poker machine can push your RTP in video poker above 99% when paired with the right strategy, while a short pay version can drop it into the mid-90s — a big difference over time.

Learn the Optimal Strategy Chart

Every variant has an optimal strategy chart that tells you exactly which cards to hold and which to discard based on your initial five-card hand. This isn’t guesswork — the charts are based on math and probability.

Example: In Jacks or Better, you’ll almost always hold any high pair (Jacks or better) and discard the rest. In Deuces Wild, you’ll never discard a deuce, because it’s a wild card that can dramatically boost your odds.
Pro Tip: You can find charts for free in practice mode versions online before risking real money.

Bankroll Management Is Essential

When you’re learning how to play video poker, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is ignoring bankroll management. Even if you know the best strategies, short-term volatility can quickly drain your funds if you over-bet.

Betting Denominations: Choose coin values that allow you to play for hours, not minutes.
Max Coins: If the paytable offers a significantly higher payout for a royal flush when betting max coins, consider lowering your denomination so you can still bet the max.
Volatility Awareness: Some games are low variance video poker (steady wins, smaller payouts), while others are high variance strategy games with fewer but bigger payouts. Match your bankroll to the game’s volatility.

Also, keep in mind that, based on online gambling statistics in the US, a lot of money is being made by operators, which indicates the importance of being careful with your spending at these sites. If the game gets out of hand, it is helpful to reach out to external support organizations such as:

Practice Before Playing for Real Money

Play video poker free before risking cash. Most reputable online casinos and apps let you switch to demo mode, where you can test strategies and understand the game’s gameplay mechanics without losing money. This is especially helpful for mastering discard and hold decisions.

Understand the Draw Phase

After you press “Deal” and receive your first hand, the decision-making begins. You’ll need to know:

Which cards to hold to maximize your chance of forming strong hands.
Which cards to discard based on poker hand rankings and the specific variant’s payouts.

The draw phase is where most beginners make mistakes. For example, chasing an inside straight in Jacks or Better is usually a poor move unless specific payout structures make it worthwhile.

Avoid Common Strategy Mistakes

Even experienced players slip up, especially if they ignore the math. Here are some frequent errors:

Holding too many cards when chasing weak hands.
Discarding a high pair in hopes of a straight or flush (this usually reduces your expected return).
Playing without knowing the machine’s exact payout structure.
Not betting max coins when it’s beneficial for the progressive jackpot or royal flush payout.

Factor in RTP and Casino Edge

The theoretical RTP of a video poker game is one of its biggest advantages over slots. With the right strategy, you can cut the casino edge to less than 1% — but only if you choose games with the right paytables. This is why understanding video poker odds explained is critical.

Use the Double or Nothing Feature Carefully

While the double or nothing feature can boost your bankroll quickly, it can also wipe out winnings in seconds. Think of it as a bonus gamble, not a core strategy. Limit your use to occasional plays, especially after small wins, rather than risking major payouts.

Adjust Strategy for Multi-Hand Play

In single hand vs multi-hand video poker, strategy is generally the same, but your bankroll requirements change drastically. Playing 10 or 50 hands at once increases the speed of play, which can burn through funds quickly without careful betting adjustments.

Bonus Tip – Match Your Goals to the Game

If you want steady wins: Choose low variance video poker games like Jacks or Better.
If you’re chasing jackpots: Go for high payout video poker variants with a progressive jackpot.
If you want action: Multi-hand formats and wild card games offer faster, more dynamic sessions.

By applying these strategies, you won’t just understand how to play video poker — you’ll play in a way that maximizes your player return percentage while keeping your sessions enjoyable and sustainable.

Best Places to Play Video Poker Online

A screenshot of Raging Bull, one of the best places to learn video poker.

Once you’ve learned how to play video poker and built up your confidence through practice, the next step is choosing where to play. Whether you’re looking for real money video poker or just want to try playing video poker online in a free mode, your choice of casino platform can have a major impact on your results.

Look for Licensed & Reputable Platforms

The most important thing when picking a site is security and fairness. Licensed casinos that use an audited random number generator (RNG) ensure that every five-card hand is dealt randomly, just as it would be on a physical casino video poker machine.

A proper license also means the site is regulated for fair gameplay mechanics and secure transactions. This gives you confidence that the RTP in video poker is accurate and that your payouts will be honored.

Check for High RTP Video Poker Games

Some online casinos offer full pay video poker options, while others only provide short pay versions. The difference might not seem huge at first glance, but over hundreds of hands, it can significantly impact your bottom line.

Full Pay Example: Jacks or Better at 9/6 (9 coins for a full house, 6 for a flush) can reach an RTP of over 99% with perfect play.
Short Pay Example: 8/5 Jacks or Better drops RTP closer to 97%, which means a higher casino edge.

Bonus Offers & Promotions

If you’re looking for ways to extend your bankroll, choose a site that offers strong video poker bonuses. Some welcome packages include match deposits or even free play credits.

Example: A $200 match bonus could give you hundreds of extra hands to apply your video poker strategy without dipping into your own funds.
Be sure to read the wagering requirement attached to each bonus — some may require you to play through the bonus amount multiple times before cashing out.

Game Variety & Video Poker Variants

A good online casino should offer more than just one or two video poker variations. Look for sites with a mix of:

Jacks or Better rules for beginners
Deuces Wild tips and strategies for more volatile play
Bonus Poker and Double Bonus Poker for bigger payouts on certain hands
Progressive jackpot versions for life-changing wins

Having access to multiple types means you can switch between low variance video poker games for steady returns and high payout video poker variants when you feel like chasing larger prizes.

Mobile Video Poker Options

For many players, being able to play anywhere is key. Mobile video poker apps and mobile-friendly casino sites let you enjoy the game on your phone or tablet without sacrificing features.

The best apps have:

Clear deal and draw buttons for touchscreen play
Smooth animations and quick load times
Access to auto hold feature settings for convenience
Both single hand vs multi-hand video poker formats

Test in Practice Mode

Even if you’re planning to play for real money, it’s worth testing the site’s games in practice mode first. This allows you to evaluate the payout structure, test your optimal strategy chart, and ensure the betting denominations fit your budget before risking anything.

Secure Banking & Fast Withdrawals

Finally, choose a platform that makes deposits and withdrawals simple. Look for:

Multiple coin value selection options for betting flexibility
Fast payouts so your winnings aren’t stuck in limbo
Encryption to protect your personal and financial data

When you combine a trusted casino, high RTP game selection, and strong video poker strategy, you give yourself the best shot at consistent success. By knowing how to play video poker the right way and picking the right platform, you turn a simple game into a skill-based, rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Learning how to play video poker isn’t just about pressing buttons and hoping for the best. The game blends the luck of the deal with the skill of decision-making, meaning players who take time to understand video poker rules, practice on casino video poker machines or online, and follow proven video poker strategy often see far better results.

Success in real money video poker depends on three pillars:

Understanding the poker hand rankings
Evaluating the paytable before playing
Managing your bankroll effectively through smart betting

By mastering these basics and choosing a trusted platform with high payout video poker variants, you can enjoy a game that offers one of the highest player return percentages in the casino. Whether you prefer low variance video poker games like Jacks or Better or want to chase a progressive jackpot, the principles remain the same: play smart, stick to a strategy, and know when to walk away.

The combination of knowledge, discipline, and the right casino will give you the best chance to win — and if you’re still learning, play video poker free first to build confidence before stepping into real-money play.

FAQs

What is video poker and how does it work?

Video poker is a casino game based on five-card draw poker. You insert credits, select your bet, and hit “Deal” to receive a hand. You then choose which cards to keep and which to discard. The machine deals replacements, and if your final hand matches a winning combination in the paytable, you get paid according to that hand’s value.

What are the basic rules of video poker?

The rules depend on the variant, but most follow Jacks or Better rules as a baseline: you need at least a pair of Jacks to win. Other versions like Deuces Wild have wild cards that change hand values. Knowing the payout structure and hand analysis for your chosen game is essential before playing.

What are the best starting hands in video poker?

In games like Jacks or Better, the best starting hands are high pairs (Jacks or higher), three of a kind, and four to a flush or straight. The ideal decision on which cards to keep depends on your optimal strategy chart for that variant.

How do you read a video poker paytable?

A paytable lists all winning hands and the payouts for each based on your bet size. Full pay video poker versions have higher payouts for certain hands — like 9/6 Jacks or Better — while short pay versions lower those payouts and reduce RTP. Evaluating paytables is key to long-term success.

What’s the difference between Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild?

Jacks or Better has no wild cards and rewards a pair of Jacks or higher. Deuces Wild uses all twos as wild cards, allowing more frequent but often smaller wins. This impacts volatility and changes your video poker strategy significantly.

Is video poker skill-based or luck-based?

It’s both. The random number generator (RNG) determines which cards you get, but your decisions on which cards to hold or discard — and your ability to follow the right strategy — affect your long-term results.

How can I improve my video poker strategy?

Start by learning the rules and poker hand rankings. Then practice with free play video poker to familiarize yourself with the game. Use strategy charts for your variant, avoid common mistakes, and play on machines with a high RTP.

Can you play video poker for real money online?

Yes. Many licensed online casinos offer real money video poker with secure deposits, withdrawals, and fair gameplay. Always check that the site uses an RNG and is properly licensed.

What is the return to player (RTP) in video poker?

RTP is the percentage of all wagered money a game will return to players over time. Top full pay video poker games have RTPs of 99% or more with perfect play, making them among the best options in the casino.

Are there mobile video poker apps for beginners?

Yes. Many casinos and developers offer mobile video poker apps where you can learn the game, play for free, or wager real money. Look for apps with an auto hold feature, easy deal and draw buttons, and multiple betting options.