Which video poker games do I play?

6 September 2025

By Jerry Stickman

From Joe in Nevada.

Hello Stickman.

In your recent column, you stated, "I like to play games with high returns and low volatility".

Grammatically speaking, you are saying that both factors will be in any game you decide to play. In video poker language, is this even possible and, if so, which game(s) are you playing. I would really like to also play them.

Joe from Nevada

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your email. It is very insightful. I think everyone wants to play video poker games that have high returns and low volatility (AKA variance).

As you correctly quoted, my statement was “I like to play games with high returns and low volatility.” That simple little word “like” leaves me some wiggle room to play less than optimal games. On occasion I will play games with high variance and/or less than “high” return, but there must be a good reason.

At times I will play high variance games – specifically progressive games where the jackpot(s) are high enough to more than overcome the return at reset value. These games have variances that can be off the charts, but the thrill of hitting that big jackpot is worth the cost to me.

Most progressive games I play have only one progressive jackpot – the royal flush. When that is the case, it makes sense to alter playing strategy by taking into account the higher pay for a royal flush. I have produced different strategy charts for progressive games I play and for which I am familiar with the pay tables. Each different chart has the strategy based on different levels of pay for the royal flush. I play the strategy that most closely matches the current progressive jackpot.
That is the only situation in which I play a video poker game with a very high variance.

To address your comment in more detail, the terms “high” and “low” are very subjective. Many players enjoy the game so much they consider playing games I would not touch. They enjoy the experience of playing the game. They may lose more by not seeking out better games – or there may not be any better games at the casinos that are available to them. They are happy playing the game and consider the cost an “entertainment” cost. What constitutes a high return for them may not even be close to my definition.

The same is true for variance. Many players are thrill junkies – as I am in one very special situation. These players would rather play Double-Double Bonus, Super Double-Double Bonus or even Triple Double Bonus for the thrills of hitting the more plentiful jackpots. They do not care about the rapid loss cycles that accompany those games. They come prepared with an adequate bankroll and seek the thrills that can be had by playing those games.

I have been very open in stating that Jacks or Better (9/6, if at all possible) is my favorite game. That is what I like to play and is my go-to game. While these games are slowly becoming extinct, they are still around – if you are willing to search for them.

Joe, now that you know what I play, stop by and say “hi” should you see me playing one of them.
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