Poker Machines Strategy
Always play the maximum coins
A consistency in all of video poker is that the per-coin payout for the highest hand is maximized when the maximum number of coins is played on the machine. There usually isn’t a whole lot of difference in schedules between $5, $1, and .25 machines. But most .05 machines have much poorer payout schedules.
Don’t hold a kicker
A kicker is an unmatched card held in the player’s hand when drawing the replacement cards. Holding the kicker reduces the chances of improving a hand so it’s not recommended.
Stick to a strategy
Do not deviate from the strategy. It is better to go with mathematical probabilities than a hunch.
Quit when you’re ahead
When you hit a jackpot or a big bonus payout that is a good time to walk away. The longer you play the better chance the House has of winning.
Payout Chart – Jacks or Better:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 5 Coin |
| Royal Flush | 250 | *** |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 250 |
| Four-of-Kind | 25 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 20 |
| 3-of-Kind | 3 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 5 |
Strategy Chart – Jacks or Better:
| Hand | Draw |
| Royal Flush | 0 |
| Straight Flush | 0 |
| Four-of-Kind | 0 |
| 4-Card Royal Flush | 1 |
| Full House | 0 |
| Flush | 0 |
| 3-of-Kind | 2 |
| Straight | 0 |
| 2 Pairs | 1 |
| 4 Card Straight Flush | 1 |
| Pair J,Q,K, or A | 3 |
| 3 Card Royal FLush | 2 |
| 4 Card Flush | 1 |
| Pair 2 thru 10 | 3 |
| 4 Card Outside Straight | 1 |
| 3 Card Straight Flush | 2 |
| J-Q,J-K, or Q-K Same Suit | 3 |
| 4 Card Inside Straight | 1 |
| J-A,Q-A, or K-A Same Suit | 3 |
| J-Q-K Mixed Suits | 2 |
| 10-J,10-Q, or 10-K Same Suit | 3 |
| 1 or 2 High Cards | 3-4 |
| Mixed Low Cards | 5 |
