Video Poker: The Smart Player's Game

You receive 5 cards and choose which to hold. Discarded cards are replaced, and you're paid based on the final hand. Standard poker hand rankings apply (pair, two pair, three of a kind, etc.)

Video poker house edge depends entirely on the pay table. "9/6 Jacks or Better" (pays 9:1 for full house, 6:1 for flush) has ~0.5% house edge. "8/5 Jacks" has ~1.5% edge. Always choose the best pay table available—this is crucial.

Don't hold three cards hoping for a straight. Hold guaranteed paying hands (pair or better) unless you have four to a flush or straight. Royal flushes are rare—don't chase them at the expense of solid strategy.