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Guide · Video poker Updated 5 Nov 2026

Jacks or Better video poker strategy

Jacks or Better is the classic video poker game: a pair of jacks or better pays. With the full 9/6 pay table and correct holds it returns about 99.5%, one of the best returns in the casino.

The pay table decides most of that. An 8/5 version, which pays 8 for a full house and 5 for a flush, returns about 97.3%.

By Chloe O'Sullivan | Games

Read the pay table

Hand9/6 pays (per coin)8/5 pays (per coin)
Royal flush250 (800 at 5 coins)250 (800 at 5 coins)
Straight flush5050
Four of a kind2525
Full house98
Flush65
Straight44
Three of a kind33
Two pair22
Jacks or better11

Holds that matter

  1. Keep a straight or better; break a straight or flush only for four to a royal.
  2. Keep four to a royal flush.
  3. Keep three of a kind.
  4. Keep four to a straight flush.
  5. Keep two pair, then a high pair (jacks or better).
  6. Keep three to a royal flush.
  7. Keep four to a flush.
  8. Keep a low pair.
  9. Keep two or more high cards (J, Q, K, A), preferring suited ones.

Coins, bankroll and bonuses

The royal flush pays 800 per coin only at the maximum bet, so play max coins at a coin size you can afford. Video poker often counts little towards bonus wagering; read the terms. Our poker hub lists casinos for the game.

Questions

Jacks or Better: questions

What is the best Jacks or Better pay table?

9/6: 9 for a full house and 6 for a flush.

Why bet max coins?

The royal flush pays 4,000 coins at five coins instead of 1,250.

Does video poker count towards wagering?

Often at a reduced rate. Check the terms.

Responsible gaming

Play only if you are 18+ and it stays fun

These rules apply on every page of this site. A young casino has less history to judge it by, so the limits matter more.

18+ only

Adults only, everywhere

You must be 18 or older. A licensed casino must check your age and identity before you can deposit or play, so have your ID ready when you register.

Responsible gaming
New brands

Start small with an unknown casino

Deposit an amount you would accept losing to a failed withdrawal, and request a small cash-out early to see how the casino handles it.

How we review new casinos
Limits

Set limits before the welcome offer

Bonus wagering keeps you playing longer. Set a deposit limit and a time limit in the account before you claim.

Set your limits
Help

Free, confidential support

If playing stops being fun, talk to someone. Gambling Therapy offers free support in many languages.

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