Video poker game recommendation

12 April 2025

By Jerry Stickman

From Sarah.

Hi Mr. Stickman,

I am a new video poker player. Well, I am really just a potential video poker player. I play mostly slots now but friends have told me I should consider video poker because it has a better house edge for me.

My question is, what game should I learn first. I know you have most likely already answered this several times, so if you choose to ignore this, I will understand.

Hoping to hear from you,

Sarah in Michigan

Hi Sarah,

Welcome (potentially) to the fun and exciting world of video poker play. Video poker has several advantages over slot machines. They have a lower house edge, as you mentioned. They also allow the player to influence the results.

As a side benefit of allowing the player to choose which cards to hold, it is a more interesting game to play. I assume you want to learn the proper holds to get the best return. It may take some time to learn and practice, but it can be worth the time and effort for you.

Your question is a common one from those just starting to play video poker.

There are dozens of different video poker games. They range from Jacks or Better to Triple Double Bonus and Super Double Bonus Poker. They range from single play to 100-play, along with several other variations, including wild cards. So, there are lots of games from which to choose. Also, be aware that the same game can have different pay tables which affect the return.

As I said, your question is very common. Like it is with so many things in life, my advice is KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid. I am not calling you stupid, but KIS is not all that memorable an acronym.

Jacks or better is an excellent beginner’s game. The variance (swings in bankroll) is low and the strategy is straightforward. It is fairly intuitive and it can be learned in a minimum of time. Try to locate a 9/6 (9-for-1 for a full house and 6-for-1 for a flush) pay table if at all possible. 9/5 or 8/6 are also decent games. 8/5 is passible. I would recommend bypassing any Jacks or Better pay table that pays less. The house edge is simply too high.

The one drawback to this game is many casinos are eliminating it. If unable to find Jacks or Better, look for a Bonus Poker game with an 8/5 pay table. The strategy differs by only one line from Jacks or Better.

If neither of these games are available, my advice is to look for a low variance, single line game with a decent return. The strategies for low variance games tend to be simpler. This information can be found online.

I hope this gives you enough information to start your fun and rewarding foray into video poker play.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and tiny.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines and 888casino.com. He authored the video poker section of Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker! You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com