Video poker percentages

5 September 2015

By Jerry Stickman

I read your column all the time, but have a question on how to figure video poker returns, especially Double Bonus Poker. I know 10/7 is the best return, but it's almost impossible to find. What is the return on 9/7, 9/6, 8/6 and 8/5?

Thank You,

Ted

Hi Ted,

When a Jacks or Better game is described with two numbers such as 10/7, the first number refers to the pay per credit played for a full house and the second number the pay per credit for a flush.

Generally speaking, for a Jacks or Better based game, for each reduction of one credit in the pay table for a full house or a flush, the return drops slightly more than 1%. You can use this as a rule of thumb to quickly determine the return.

In order to get very accurate return percentages for any game, a video poker program for your computer or a video poker app for you smartphone or tablet is necessary. Here are the return percentages for Double Bonus Poker:

Game Return
10/7 100.17%
9/7 99.11%
9/6 97.81%
8/6 96.73%
8/5 95.65%

Keep in mind that the best playing strategy changes as the pay table changes. To get the stated return percentages, the player must play “perfect” strategy for the particular game he is playing. Perfect strategy means saving for the maximum return (on average) for each hand that is dealt. The only reasonable way to develop perfect strategy is through the use of a video poker program or app with strategy functions as part of the program or app.

If you play with any regularity at all, I would suggest purchasing one and practicing the strategy for the games that you like to play using the pay tables that are available at the casino you frequent. There are a few programs available. You can find them by searching the Internet. They run about $35-$50. It may be cost a little and take more effort, but it will pay for itself in short order.

May all your wins be swift and large and all your losses slow and tiny.

Jerry “Stickman”

Gaming expert Jerry “Stickman” 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 stickmanjerry@aol.com.