If you are looking for a game that is part poker, part slots, then you are going to love video poker when you try it. Jacks or Better is the most common video poker game and also the most popular. It is also pretty simple to understand.
In this game, pay outs are made according to a predetermined pay table (below) and qualifying hands need to include at least a pair of Jacks. Bear in mind that pay outs only apply to the highest hand value you are holding. So, if you have four of a kind, you will not get paid for three of a kind as well even though, technically, you still have it in your hand.
Jacks or Better is not a very complicated game to learn, making it perfect for beginners. Plus, the house advantage is pretty low compared with some other casino games.
Jacks or Better Rules
Jacks or Better rules are nice and simple to learn as it is one of the simplest variations of Video Poker. In order to get a winning payout, your hand simply needs to include Jacks or better cards.
Just like real poker, the aim of the game is to land the strongest hand possible. In Jacks or Better, players get an extra point for each pair of Jacks or higher they receive. Players are also able to play up to 100 hands at a time which means the more hands they bet with, the greater their potential winnings will be.
The game starts after a bet has been placed on the machine. From there, players will be dealt five cards and are able to choose to discard some cards or not in order to hopefully get a better hand.
Jacks or Better Typical Payouts
| Hand Name | Hand Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Five cards with the same suit that go in order from 10 to Ace | 250x (4000x bonus with max coins paid) |
| Straight Flush | Five cards that go in sequential order and all have the same suit | 50x |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards that have the same number | 25x |
| Full House | Three of a kind as well as a pair | 6x to 9x |
| Flush | Five cards that have the same suit | 5x or 6x |
| Straight | Five cards in sequential order that do not have to have the same suit | 4x |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards that have the same number | 3x |
| Two Pair | Two pairs of cards that have the same number | 2x |
| Pair of Jacks or Better | A card that is a Jack or higher | 1x |
Jacks or Better Video Poker Strategy
- If you have been dealt four to a straight or a flush, hold all four cards and draw one
- If you have been dealt three to a royal flush, hold those three cards and draw two
- If you have been dealt any pair, you should hold the pair and draw three cards
- Hold any three cards to a straight flush
- If you have none of the above, hold any cards that are higher than the jack inclusive
- If you have none of the above, bin them all, draw five new cards and hope for the best