Video Poker Strategy: Jacks or Better Holding Guide

How Jacks or Better works

You are dealt five cards. Choose which to hold, then draw replacements for the rest. Your final hand is paid from the pay table — a pair of jacks or better returns your bet, and the hands climb all the way up to a royal flush.

Unlike slots, video poker is a game of skill: your hold decisions change your long-term return. Perfect play on a full-pay Jacks or Better machine returns over 99% of what is wagered.

Hand rankings, top to bottom

Royal flush (A-K-Q-J-10 of one suit), straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, and a pair of jacks, queens, kings or aces. Pairs of 10s and below pay nothing.

A simple hold order

Always keep any paying hand of a straight or better. Hold four cards to a royal flush even over a made flush. Keep three of a kind, two pair, or a high pair. Hold four to a flush. Hold a low pair (2s through 10s) over unsuited high cards. Hold four to an open-ended straight. Otherwise keep two or three high cards (J, Q, K, A), preferring suited ones.

If you have nothing at all, it is correct to throw away all five cards and draw a fresh hand.

Common mistakes

Keeping a kicker with a pair, holding a single low card, and breaking up a high pair to chase a straight are the most common leaks. Each one costs a little every time it happens. Practise with free coins until the hold order is automatic.