- Keep in mind, this video poker strategy sheet is just the basic strategy for standard Jacks or Better payouts. Things such as payouts changes, bonuses, game variations etc., all effect strategy so be sure to look into all these factors if you want to play at 100% of your game.
- Jacks or Better is almost identical to Tens or Better Video Poker however the pay table for Jacks or Better pays our higher amounts for getting a Full House or a Flush, this is offset by the fact you need to get a pair of Jacks or Better to win. Wild Cards: There are no wild cards in Jacks or Better video poker.
Video poker strategy cards are perfectly legal—so why aren't more players using them to make the right plays?
By Henry Tamburin
Video poker is one of the most successful and popular games ever invented. After 30 years, the original Jacks or Better variety is still a favorite, probably because the house edge is less than half of a percent! Video poker came about in the 1970s when Si Redd's little company in Sparks, Nevada, introduced Draw Poker.
A video poker strategy card will show you the correct way to play every hand dealt to you. Think of it as a 'cheat sheet,' an aid that you can (legally) use when you play video poker to help you make the correct play (meaning you will be keeping the cards that have the highest expected value).
I was recently playing video poker in a Mississippi casino when a man sat down and began playing a machine adjacent to me. He initiated some small talk while we played, and I learned that he was visiting the coast, this was his last day in town, and he was in the red so far playing video poker. Today, he was hoping to hit a royal flush and at least break even.
We were both playing 9/6 Jacks-or-Better and periodically chatting, and to be frank, I wasn't paying much attention to what he was doing, or whether he was winning or losing. Then he surprised me when he asked me this question: 'How should I play this hand?'
Normally, I don't offer playing advice to other players unless they ask. This fellow seemed nice, so I stopped playing and glanced at his screen to see what he was dealt. He had the following hand:
His dilemma was whether to hold the four-card flush and draw one card (and hope it was another spade for a winning five-card flush), or hold the three-card royal flush and draw two cards (and hope he was dealt the queen and jack of spades for a paying royal flush…a 1 in 1,081 shot).
I told him that the better play was to hold the three-card royal flush and draw two cards (even with the long odds). He seemed reluctant to do so, but he followed my advice. He held the three-card royal and hit the draw button…and you can take a wild guess what happened next. Up popped the queen and king of spades for a $2,000 royal flush. (He was playing a 50-cent denomination machine). I was happy for him, and he was thankful for the advice I had given him.
Let's pause for a moment and play a 'what if' game. What if I wasn't playing next to him when he got that hand? Do you think he would have decided to hold the three-card royal and claimed that $2,000 royal flush? What if someone else was playing next to him—do you think that player would have given him the same advice?
We'll never know for sure what could Are all roulette wheels the same. have happened under these circumstances, but consider this: if he'd had a strategy card with him, it wouldn't have made any difference who was playing next to him (or even if nobody was next him), because he could have simply glanced at his card and known the right play. Get my point?
It's unfortunate that so few video poker players carry video poker strategy cards with them when they play. In fact, the next time you go to a casino, glance down an aisle of video poker machines and see how many players have strategy cards. I'll bet you won't find one. Why is that? Several years ago, I decided to find out for myself by randomly asking a dozen or so video poker players this question. Free deposit online casino. This is what they told me.
- They didn't know video poker strategy cards existed.
- They thought that strategy cards were illegal.
- They didn't know how to use a strategy card.
Let me address these three points. First, pocketsize strategy cards for video poker players are commercially available for players (just check the ads in this magazine). Secondly, I can unequivocally state that strategy cards are legal to use in all gambling jurisdictions. Therefore, that leaves the third excuse—namely, how to use a strategy card, which I will now address.
A video poker strategy card will show you the correct way to play every hand dealt to you. Think of it as a 'cheat sheet,' an aid that you can (legally) use when you play video poker to help you make the correct play (meaning you will be keeping the cards that have the highest expected value).
Strategy cards contain a table of hand rankings with the hands at the top of the table having a higher rank than the hands below. By way of example, the table below shows the top five lines of strategy from a commercially available 9/6 Jacks-or-Better strategy card (by Bob Dancer and Liam Daily). All you do is look at your hand and determine whether you have any of the hands listed on the strategy card, and if you do, hold the hand that is closest to the top of the table.
Recreational Strategy Card
| TWO PAIR or higher paying combinations, except:break a FLUSH or STRAIGHT for a 4-card royal flush |
| Any 4-card straight flush |
| HIGH PAIR (JJ-AA) |
| 3-card royal flush |
| 4-card flush |
Remember the hand that the player had sitting next to me? If you start at the top of the table and go down, you'll find the 3-card royal flush on line 4, and the four-card flush on line 5. The 3-card royal flush is higher to the top of the table then the 4-card flush; therefore, the correct way to play the hand is to hold the 3-card royal flush. Pretty simple, huh?
Look at the following hand. How would you play it on a 9/6 Jacks-or-Better machine?
The hand is a paying five-card straight, which many players would automatically hold for an instant payoff of 4X your bet. However, there is a better play: give up the paying straight, and instead hold the four-card royal flush (10, Jack, Queen, and King of hearts). If you weren't sure whether to hold the paying straight or the four-card royal, and you had a handy strategy card with you, you would have instantly seen that the correct play is to hold the four-card royal (see line 1 in the strategy table, which reads: 'break a flush or straight for a four-card royal flush').
By the way, my late father-in-law was dealt this exact hand, and because he referred to his strategy card, he held the four-card royal and was dealt the ace of hearts for a royal flush.
I hope I've convinced you to invest a few bucks in a strategy card, and refer to it when you aren't sure how to play to a hand. It's money well spent.
Tamburin's Tip Of the Month
There are many different video poker games with different payoff schedules. In most cases, each game and payoff schedule has its own playing strategy. Therefore, if you're going to play 9/6 Jacks-or-Better you should use a strategy card specifically for that game and payoff schedule. As a last resort, you can always print the proper playing strategy from any number of video poker websites and take the printed copy with you when you play. Two good sites that have accurate video poker strategies that you can print are the video poker page on www.wizardofodds.com and the Strategy Guide page on www.vpgenius.com).
Henry Tamburin is a blackjack and video poker expert. He hosts the smartgaming.com website and is the editor of the Blackjack Insider newsletter (for a free three-month subscription, visit www.bjinsider.com/free). For a free copy of his Casino Gambling Catalog, which contains books, strategy cards and software for video poker players, call toll free 1-888-353-3234, or visit the web store at www.smartgaming.com.
Cheat Sheets – Video Poker.
Jacks or Better Short-term Playing Strategy
The following is taken from Power Video Poker,
the Only Video Poker Book You'll Ever Need!
The following chart shows the Simplified Playing Strategy for all versions of Jacks of Better video poker.While this playing strategy was developed for short-term play, you may use it for long-term play as well giving up only a few hundreds of a percent of potential return.
Simplified Playing Strategy for Jacks or Better
Hand to be held | Cards held | Cards drawn |
5 | 0 | |
Straight Flush | 5 | 0 |
Four of a Kind | 5 | 0 |
Full House | 5 | 0 |
Four to a Royal Flush | 4 | 1 |
Flush | 5 | 0 |
Three of a Kind | 3 | 2 |
Straight | 5 | 0 |
Four to a Straight Flush | 4 | 1 |
Two Pair | 4 | 1 |
High Pair | 2 | 3 |
Three to a Royal Flush | 3 | 2 |
Four to a Flush | 4 | 1 |
Low Pair | 2 | 3 |
Four to a Straight | 4 | 1 |
Three to a Straight Flush | 3 | Play andar bahar. 2 |
Two to a Royal Flush | 2 | 3 |
Two High Cards | 2 | 3 https://site-3987941-9069-3615.mystrikingly.com/blog/unzip-rar-files. |
One High Card | 1 | 4 |
Nothing | 0 | 5 |
Explanation of Simplified Playing Strategy for Jacks or Better
The chart above lists the hierarchy of hands to be played in Jacks or Better video poker games.The higher the hand is in the chart, the greater its value.For example, Three of a Kind is ranked higher than a Straight and Two Pair outranks a High Pair.
Hand to be Held- Refers to the hand dealt to you with the first five cards.You will always keep a hand that is closer to the top of the chart.
Cards Held – the number of cards you will keep of the original cards dealt.
Cards Drawn – the number of card you will draw.For example, if you are dealt a High Pair, keep the pair and draw three cards.
Explanation of terms:
1.The term high refers to any card ranked Jack or higher.The term low refers to cards less than a Jack in value.Ace, King, Queen and Jack are high cards.2 through 10 are low cards.
2.A Royal Flush is refers to five sequential cards of the same suit staring with a 10 and ending with an Ace.For example, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of spades.This is the top hand for Jacks of Better.
3.A Straight Flush refers to five sequential cards of the same suit but not starting with a 10 and ending with an Ace.For example, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack of hearts.
4.Four of a Kind refers to four cards of the same number or picture card.For example, four 2s or four Kings.
5.Full House consists of a hand with three cards of the same number or same picture card and two cards of the same number or same picture card.For example, three 6s and two Queens.
6.Four to a Royal Flush How old to gamble in casino. means that you have four of the five cards needed to make a Royal Flush.For example, if you have Jack, Queen, King and Ace of diamonds.In this case you only need one card, the Ten of diamonds to complete the Royal Flush.
7.Flush consists of five card of the same suit.For example 2 4 5 8 9 and Jack of spades.
8.Three of a Kind is three cards of the same number or same picture card.For example, three Jacks or three 7s.
9.Straight is five cards all in sequential order but not of the same suit.For example, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 or mixed suits.
10.Four to a Straight Flush means that you have four of the five cards needed to make a Straight Flush.For example, if you have 4, 5, 6 and 7 of spades.
11.Two Pair refers to two pairs of the card of the same number or card picture.For example, two 4s and two 9s.
12.High Pair is a pair of cards valued Jack or Higher.For example, a pair of Jacks or a pair of Kings
13.Three to a Royal Flush means that you have three of the five cards needed to make a Royal Flush.
14.Four to a Flush consists of four cards of the same suit.For example, 4, 7, 9 and Jack of diamonds.
15.Low Pair is two of the same cards valued ten or lower.For example two 5s or two 9s.
16.Four to a Straight consists of four cards in order but not of the same suit.For example 4,5, 6 and 7 of mixed suits.
17.Three to a Straight Flush means that you have three cards in order and of the same suit to make a Straight Flush.For example, 3, 4, 5 or hearts or 5, 6, 7 of clubs.
18.Two to a Royal Flush means you have two of the cards in order of the same suit to secure a Royal Flush.For example, a Queen and King of hearts or a Jack and Queen of spades.
19.Two High Cards means two cards which are not a pair valued as Jacks or better.For example, Jack, Ace.
20.One High Card refers to one card ranked Jack or better.For example, if you have one King or just one Ace.
21.Nothing means that none of your cards will make any of the hands mentioned above in the first five cards dealt to you.
Let's take another look at the playing chart and consider some of the decisions you will have to make when you follow this playing strategy.
By the way, my late father-in-law was dealt this exact hand, and because he referred to his strategy card, he held the four-card royal and was dealt the ace of hearts for a royal flush.
I hope I've convinced you to invest a few bucks in a strategy card, and refer to it when you aren't sure how to play to a hand. It's money well spent.
Tamburin's Tip Of the Month
There are many different video poker games with different payoff schedules. In most cases, each game and payoff schedule has its own playing strategy. Therefore, if you're going to play 9/6 Jacks-or-Better you should use a strategy card specifically for that game and payoff schedule. As a last resort, you can always print the proper playing strategy from any number of video poker websites and take the printed copy with you when you play. Two good sites that have accurate video poker strategies that you can print are the video poker page on www.wizardofodds.com and the Strategy Guide page on www.vpgenius.com).
Henry Tamburin is a blackjack and video poker expert. He hosts the smartgaming.com website and is the editor of the Blackjack Insider newsletter (for a free three-month subscription, visit www.bjinsider.com/free). For a free copy of his Casino Gambling Catalog, which contains books, strategy cards and software for video poker players, call toll free 1-888-353-3234, or visit the web store at www.smartgaming.com.
Cheat Sheets – Video Poker.
Jacks or Better Short-term Playing Strategy
The following is taken from Power Video Poker,
the Only Video Poker Book You'll Ever Need!
The following chart shows the Simplified Playing Strategy for all versions of Jacks of Better video poker.While this playing strategy was developed for short-term play, you may use it for long-term play as well giving up only a few hundreds of a percent of potential return.
Simplified Playing Strategy for Jacks or Better
Hand to be held | Cards held | Cards drawn |
5 | 0 | |
Straight Flush | 5 | 0 |
Four of a Kind | 5 | 0 |
Full House | 5 | 0 |
Four to a Royal Flush | 4 | 1 |
Flush | 5 | 0 |
Three of a Kind | 3 | 2 |
Straight | 5 | 0 |
Four to a Straight Flush | 4 | 1 |
Two Pair | 4 | 1 |
High Pair | 2 | 3 |
Three to a Royal Flush | 3 | 2 |
Four to a Flush | 4 | 1 |
Low Pair | 2 | 3 |
Four to a Straight | 4 | 1 |
Three to a Straight Flush | 3 | Play andar bahar. 2 |
Two to a Royal Flush | 2 | 3 |
Two High Cards | 2 | 3 https://site-3987941-9069-3615.mystrikingly.com/blog/unzip-rar-files. |
One High Card | 1 | 4 |
Nothing | 0 | 5 |
Explanation of Simplified Playing Strategy for Jacks or Better
The chart above lists the hierarchy of hands to be played in Jacks or Better video poker games.The higher the hand is in the chart, the greater its value.For example, Three of a Kind is ranked higher than a Straight and Two Pair outranks a High Pair.
Hand to be Held- Refers to the hand dealt to you with the first five cards.You will always keep a hand that is closer to the top of the chart.
Cards Held – the number of cards you will keep of the original cards dealt.
Cards Drawn – the number of card you will draw.For example, if you are dealt a High Pair, keep the pair and draw three cards.
Explanation of terms:
1.The term high refers to any card ranked Jack or higher.The term low refers to cards less than a Jack in value.Ace, King, Queen and Jack are high cards.2 through 10 are low cards.
2.A Royal Flush is refers to five sequential cards of the same suit staring with a 10 and ending with an Ace.For example, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of spades.This is the top hand for Jacks of Better.
3.A Straight Flush refers to five sequential cards of the same suit but not starting with a 10 and ending with an Ace.For example, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack of hearts.
4.Four of a Kind refers to four cards of the same number or picture card.For example, four 2s or four Kings.
5.Full House consists of a hand with three cards of the same number or same picture card and two cards of the same number or same picture card.For example, three 6s and two Queens.
6.Four to a Royal Flush How old to gamble in casino. means that you have four of the five cards needed to make a Royal Flush.For example, if you have Jack, Queen, King and Ace of diamonds.In this case you only need one card, the Ten of diamonds to complete the Royal Flush.
7.Flush consists of five card of the same suit.For example 2 4 5 8 9 and Jack of spades.
8.Three of a Kind is three cards of the same number or same picture card.For example, three Jacks or three 7s.
9.Straight is five cards all in sequential order but not of the same suit.For example, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 or mixed suits.
10.Four to a Straight Flush means that you have four of the five cards needed to make a Straight Flush.For example, if you have 4, 5, 6 and 7 of spades.
11.Two Pair refers to two pairs of the card of the same number or card picture.For example, two 4s and two 9s.
12.High Pair is a pair of cards valued Jack or Higher.For example, a pair of Jacks or a pair of Kings
13.Three to a Royal Flush means that you have three of the five cards needed to make a Royal Flush.
14.Four to a Flush consists of four cards of the same suit.For example, 4, 7, 9 and Jack of diamonds.
15.Low Pair is two of the same cards valued ten or lower.For example two 5s or two 9s.
16.Four to a Straight consists of four cards in order but not of the same suit.For example 4,5, 6 and 7 of mixed suits.
17.Three to a Straight Flush means that you have three cards in order and of the same suit to make a Straight Flush.For example, 3, 4, 5 or hearts or 5, 6, 7 of clubs.
18.Two to a Royal Flush means you have two of the cards in order of the same suit to secure a Royal Flush.For example, a Queen and King of hearts or a Jack and Queen of spades.
19.Two High Cards means two cards which are not a pair valued as Jacks or better.For example, Jack, Ace.
20.One High Card refers to one card ranked Jack or better.For example, if you have one King or just one Ace.
21.Nothing means that none of your cards will make any of the hands mentioned above in the first five cards dealt to you.
Let's take another look at the playing chart and consider some of the decisions you will have to make when you follow this playing strategy.
1.Whenever you hold Four Cards to a Royal Flush discard the fifth card even if that card gives you a flush or a pair.
2.A High Pair, Three of a Kind, a Straight and a Flush all outrank Three to a Royal Flush.Play the Three to a Royal Flush when you have lesser hands such as Four to a Flush or a Low Pair.
3.With Two Cards to a Royal Flush keep Four to a Straight, Four to a Flush or a High Pair.Otherwise, go for the Royal Flush.
4.Never break up a made Straight or a Flush, unless one card gives you a chance to make a Royal Flush.Another way of saying this is that you will give up a Straight or Flush if you only need only card to make a Royal Flush.
5.Keep a High Pair over Four to a Straight or Four to a Flush.
6.You will never break up Four of a Kind, a Full House,Three of a Kind or Two Pair.The worthless cards for the last two hands will be discarded.
7.Always keep a High Pair unless you have Four Cards to a Royal Flush or Four to a Straight Flush.
8.Keep a Low Pair over Four to a Straight or Three to a Straight Flush.However, you will discard them in favor or Four to a Flush or Three or Four to a Royal Flush.
Video Poker Jacks Or Better Cheat Sheet Download
9.If you are dealt an unmade hand you will try to improve them in the following order:
Four to a Royal Flush and Straight Flush, Three to a Royal Flush, Four to a Flush, Four to a Straight, Three to a Straight Flush, Two to a Royal Flush, Two High Cards and one High Card.Any of these nonpaying hands can, with the right draws, turn into winning hands.
10.Lacking any of the above, that is numbered cards 1 to 9, with no card Jack or higher, discard all of the cards and draw five fresh ones.
This strategy can be applied to the
following versions of Jacks or Better:
1.Jacks or Better
Video Poker Jacks Or Better
2.Bonus Poker
3.Bonus Poker Deluxe
4.White Hot Aces Bonus Poker
5.Double Bonus Poker
6.Double Double Bonus Poker
7.Triple Bonus Bonus Poker
8.Triple Bonus Jacks or Better
9.Super Double Bonus Poker
Instant Access to the Power Video Poker Strategy
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