Video poker continues to attract players who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. If you’re here, then you’re likely looking to sharpen your skills and understand how the best strategies can improve your odds at the virtual table.Whether you’ve played a few hands or you are completely new to the gambling game, understanding the logic behind each move can significantly impact your results when you do actually gamble with real money.In this guide, I’ll be exploring everything from the key strategies used by successful video poker players to maximise returns in a typical video poker game.While no strategy can eliminate the role of chance, informed decisions can reduce the house edge and improve your long-term return to try and get hundreds in winnings.I’ll be covering how to read pay tables, the six core hands to hold in popular variants, common mistakes to avoid, proper bankroll management to help get profit, and how to effectively use a video poker strategy chart to guide your in-game choices. Core video poker strategiesEach video poker variant requires players to make smart choices about which cards to hold or discard.These decisions directly affect the final payout, and the goal is always to maximise return by selecting the best possible hand from each deal. Understanding the six core hands to hold in each variant can help reduce your guesswork and avoid costly mistakes.Strategies must be tailored to the specific games, for example, Deuces Wild includes wild cards that can substitute for any card, which changes what you should hold.In Double Bonus Poker, high-paying hands like Four Aces matter more. By learning what to prioritise in each version of the game, players can consistently make better decisions and improve their chances of getting a win at some of the best online poker sites.Jacks or Better (9/6) StrategyJacks or Better is one of the most beginner-friendly video poker games, with a relatively low house edge when played correctly. The 9/6 version refers to the paytable (9 coins for a Full House, 6 for a Flush), offering a return of up to 99.54% with optimal play.So a mistake would be discarding a high pair (e.g. Jacks) to chase a Royal Flush. The correct move would be to always hold a high pair. Only go for a Royal Flush if you already have four suited cards.1. Core holds: (we provide the visual)Royal FlushStraight FlushFour of a KindFull HouseFlushStraightDeuces Wild StrategyDeuces Wild changes the game by making all 2s wild cards, which can substitute for any other card. This significantly increases your chances of hitting high-paying poker hands like a run or straights, but also requires a different approach to holding and when you draw.A mistake in this game would be holding onto a single high card while having multiple Deuces available. With one or more Deuces, always prioritise building a wild Royal Flush or Straight Flush over weaker hands, that’s the correct move to pull.2. Core holds: (we provide the visual)Royal Flush (with Deuces)Straight Flush (with Deuces)Four of a Kind (with Deuces)Full HouseFlushStraightDouble Bonus Poker StrategyDouble Bonus Poker offers extra payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands, especially with Aces. This makes the game more volatile but also more rewarding if played correctly (so you should definitely know how to play poker before you take on these games!). Adjusting your hold strategy is essential to take full advantage of the paytable.A common mistake would be not adjusting your strategy for high payout hands (like Four of a Kind with Aces). Whereas a correct move would involve always prioritising holding Aces, especially with a strong kicker, and other premium Four of a Kind combinations that don’t involve an ace.3. Core holds: (we provide the visual)Royal FlushStraight FlushFour Aces (with kicker)Four of a KindFull HouseFlush Understanding video poker pay tablesPay tables show how much each hand is worth, and they’re key to choosing the right machine. A machine’s return-to-player (RTP) rate is directly tied to its paytable, so understanding how to compare them is essential.Choosing a machine with poor payout percentages (e.g. 97.29% instead of 99.54%) would be a mistake when it comes to video poker, so always try to select a machine with a full-pay table to reduce the house edge and maximise returns over time.For example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 for a Flush, offering a 99.54% return. A 7/5 version pays less, just 96.15%. That small difference adds up significantly across sessions, so it is vital to pay attention to in many different types of poker, like joker poker. Bankroll management and risk limitsManaging your bankroll size is crucial when playing video poker, especially on high-variance games. Without proper limits, it’s easy to burn through your funds quickly, even with a solid strategy behind you.It’s easy to make mistakes like over-staking on high volatility games without adjusting your unit size, so use a conservative staking plan that matches the game’s variance. For example, when playing high-variance titles like Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker, aim to keep a bankroll of at least 200 times your maximum bet.This approach gives you enough cushion to ride out losing streaks and make smart, long-term decisions based on probability and expected value. Strategy chart basicsA video poker strategy chart helps players make the most mathematically sound decision for every hand. These charts rank all possible hands in order of expected value, allowing you to choose the best possible play based on the cards dealt.So, NOT using a strategy chart for hands with multiple possible holds is a bad move. You should always refer to a strategy chart, especially when facing close decisions, like choosing between four cards to a Royal Flush or a made Full House.Following the correct order improves your video poker odds, reduces the house edge, and ensures your decisions align with the game’s probability structure and payout rules. This isn’t like playing at one of the best online poker tournaments, it’s a very different type of game. How to use video poker strategy chartsOnce you understand how strategy charts work, the next step is knowing how to actually apply them during play. As I’ve already mentioned, these charts rank possible hands by expected value, so each decision should follow that order.When you’re dealt a hand, scan the chart from top to bottom to find the highest-ranking match. That will tell you which cards to hold and which to discard.For example, if you’re dealt a Straight and also have four cards to a Straight Flush, the chart will show which to prioritise. Over time, using this method consistently helps you make quicker and more accurate decisions at the table. In-game strategy (Real-time decision making)Success in video poker relies on many factors, so not just knowing the strategy but applying it consistently in real-time, which I’ll cover in this section. Mistakes often happen when players rush decisions without fully considering the value of their hand or its potential outcome.Acting too quickly without thinking about the implications of holding a certain hand is a mistake, so slow down. Take a moment to assess the hand, review your best options, and refer back to the strategy chart if needed.Quick tip: Mentally compare your cards to key strategy chart rankings, such as high pairs or four to a Straight Flush, to make faster and smarter plays without taking unnecessary risks. Tips for improving your video poker gameImproving at video poker takes more than memorising charts because it’s about building habits that lead to better long-term returns.Avoiding mistakes and things like playing too quickly and overlooking key strategic details is key to getting ahead, and making moves like assessing each hand and making thoughtful decisions based on strategy consistently is how you build your experience and skill.Here are a few quick tips to bear in mind: Practise regularly using free play modes to reinforce decision-making.Review past sessions to spot patterns and correct mistakes.Focus on the basics, don’t chase big wins if it means ignoring proven strategy.Ask questions and study hands you’re unsure about to build long-term value. ConclusionA strong video poker strategy combines maths, discipline and patience for a myriad of different reasons.By sticking to a proven plan, understanding paytables, and managing your bankroll carefully, the house edge can be reduced significantly. While wins aren’t guaranteed, applying the right approach improves your odds over time.Avoiding common mistakes and focusing on value-driven decisions will give you the best chance of achieving consistent results across different casino and video poker games. Hopefully you’ve gained the knowledge you need from reading this article! FAQ1. How do I practice video poker strategy?The best way to practise is through free play or demo versions of video poker games available at many online casinos.Use a strategy chart while you play to build muscle memory and decision-making skills. Reviewing your hands afterwards helps correct mistakes and improve over time.2. Which hands should I hold in video poker?It depends on the variant and the specific cards dealt. In Jacks or Better, for example, always hold a high pair. Use a strategy chart to determine the best holds, especially when faced with hands like 4 to a Royal Flush or low pairs.3. How does paytable affect strategy?Paytables directly impact your expected return and influence which hands are most valuable. A better paytable lowers the house edge and may slightly shift the strategy, for example, encouraging riskier plays if certain hands pay more.Always compare machines before playing and make sure that there is not a wagering requirement if you’re playing with welcome bonus funds.4. What are the odds in video poker?The odds vary by game type and paytable. Full-pay Jacks or Better can offer up to 99.54% return with perfect play, while other versions drop to 97% or less.Knowing the variant’s volatility and return rate helps manage expectations and plan your bankroll in a purpose-built way (which is really the point/idea!)5. Where are the best places to play video poker?Look for reputable online casinos with full-pay video poker machines, clear paytables, and strong licensing. For trusted options and information, visit our guide to the best online casinos, which includes details on payouts, game variety, bonuses and others.About the authorDaniel SmythDaniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoetCommercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in BettingBest Pay by Mobile Casino UK (November 2025)Best no deposit bonuses for November 2025Best £10 Deposit Bonus UK: Best £10 Deposit Casinos for November (2025)Best horse racing betting sites November 2025 - Bonuses, tips & oddsBest Betting Sites UK: Best Bookmakers with a UK Licence 2025Top bookies with fast withdrawals in the UK for November 2025