Jack or Better Video Poker

Jacks or Better is probably the most commonly played style of video poker in the world. It is both simple to play and at times has the best possible payout schedules.

The game is played much like other straight up poker games, with you being dealt 5 cards. In this game you get a chance to discard up to all of your cards if you wish in order to get 5 fresh cards. Now, this should never be done if you have a Jack or Better in your hand. However if you are looking at a dead hand you might think about it. After your discard round you will be given the fresh cards that you requested. If you have Jacks or Better at this point, you will be declared a winner.

Jacks or Better Video Poker
Natural Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Straight Flush	50	100	150	200	250
Four of a Kind	25	50	75	100	125
Full House	9	18	27	36	45
Flush	6	12	18	24	30
Straight	4	8	12	16	18
Three of a kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pairs	2	4	6	8	10
Pair	1	2	3	4	5

Checking out this chart you get the understanding of harder to make hands pay more as it should. Although this is for a particular machine it should give you a good guideline to base your strategy on. Just make sure when you go that you check out the payouts and the pay schedule to best optimize your chances of success.