Video poker has become a staple in both land-based and online casinos, offering a unique blend of strategy, skill, and luck. Unlike traditional slot machines, video poker gives players a genuine opportunity to influence the outcome through decision-making, making it a favourite for those who appreciate a more interactive gaming experience. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your approach, understanding which video poker variants offer the best odds and gameplay is crucial. For players seeking alternative platforms, including those offering betting which bypass GamStop, video poker remains a popular choice due to its accessibility and variety.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best video poker games to play, what makes them stand out, and how you can maximise your chances of winning. We’ll also discuss essential features, paytables, strategies, and practical tips to help you choose the right game for your style and preferences.
What Makes a Great Video Poker Game?
Not all video poker games are created equal. Several factors determine which variants are considered the best, including payout percentages, volatility, ease of play, and the availability of player-friendly features. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Payout Percentage (RTP): The return to player rate indicates how much of the total wagered amount is expected to be paid back to players over time. Higher RTP means better long-term odds for the player.
- Paytable Structure: The game’s paytable determines the payouts for various hands. Even minor differences can significantly affect your expected returns.
- Game Volatility: Some variants offer frequent small wins, while others provide the chance for larger, less frequent payouts. Choose based on your risk tolerance and playing style.
- Strategy Complexity: The depth of strategy required can vary. Some games are straightforward, while others demand more advanced knowledge to play optimally.
- Bonus Features: Features like wild cards, multipliers, or progressive jackpots can enhance the excitement and potential rewards.
Understanding these elements will help you make informed decisions when selecting a video poker game to play.
Top Video Poker Variants: Pros, Cons, and How They Work
With dozens of video poker variants available, a few have consistently stood out for their player-friendly odds and engaging gameplay. Below are some of the most popular and widely regarded as the best video poker games.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is often considered the standard of video poker and is an excellent starting point for beginners. The game is straightforward: you receive five cards, choose which to hold or discard, and aim for a hand of at least a pair of jacks or higher.
Key Features:
- Simple rules and easy-to-understand paytable
- Full-pay version (9/6) offers an RTP of around 99.54% with optimal strategy
- Low volatility, making it suitable for longer play sessions
How It Works:
You place a bet, receive five cards, and choose which to hold. The discarded cards are replaced, and your final hand determines your payout. The best paytables are known as “9/6,” meaning a full house pays 9x and a flush pays 6x your bet.
Pros:
- High RTP with the right paytable
- Simple strategy charts widely available
Cons:
- Payouts for big hands are modest compared to some other variants
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild adds an exciting twist by making all twos (deuces) wild, which can substitute for any other card. This dramatically increases the potential for strong hands but also raises the bar for qualifying hands.
Key Features:
- All twos act as wild cards
- Full-pay version (25/15/9/5/3/2/1) offers an RTP of up to 100.76% with perfect play
- More complex strategy required
How It Works:
After placing a bet, you receive five cards. Any deuces can be used as wilds to complete the best possible hand. Because wild cards make big hands more common, the minimum qualifying hand is typically three of a kind.
Pros:
- Potential for extremely high returns with optimal strategy
- Frequent big wins due to wild cards
Cons:
- Strategy is more complicated, especially for beginners
- Not all casinos offer the full-pay version
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is a variant of Jacks or Better with enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially for aces.
Key Features:
- Higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands
- Full-pay version (10/7) offers an RTP of around 100.17% with perfect play
- Increased volatility due to bonus payouts
How It Works:
Gameplay is similar to Jacks or Better, but the paytable is adjusted to offer bigger rewards for certain four-of-a-kind hands. This makes the game more volatile, with the potential for larger wins in exchange for more frequent dry spells.
Pros:
- Excellent payout potential for skilled players
- Exciting gameplay with bigger rewards for rare hands
Cons:
- Higher volatility may not suit all players
- Requires precise strategy for best results
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is another offshoot of Jacks or Better, providing bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands but with a slightly lower RTP than Double Bonus Poker.
Key Features:
- Bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands
- Full-pay version (8/5) offers an RTP of about 99.17%
- Moderate volatility
How It Works:
Players can expect similar gameplay to Jacks or Better, but with an added emphasis on hitting four-of-a-kind hands, which pay more depending on the rank.
Pros:
- More frequent bonus payouts than standard Jacks or Better
- Balanced risk and reward
Cons:
- Lower RTP than some other variants
Joker Poker (Joker’s Wild)
Joker Poker introduces a single joker as a wild card, increasing the odds of forming strong hands but also raising the minimum hand required to win.
Key Features:
- One joker wild card in the deck
- Full-pay version offers an RTP up to 100.65% with perfect play
- Minimum qualifying hand is usually two pairs or kings or better
How It Works:
With 53 cards in play, the joker can replace any card to help complete winning hands. The presence of a wild card makes for more dynamic gameplay and higher chances of hitting rare hands.
Pros:
- Increased possibility of big hands
- Engaging and less predictable gameplay
Cons:
- Paytables vary widely, so choosing the right version is essential
- Strategy can be more complex
How to Choose the Best Video Poker Game for You
Selecting the best video poker game depends on your preferences, experience level, and risk appetite. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
- RTP and Paytables: Always check the paytable before you play. Even the same game can have different payout structures across casinos, which can significantly impact your expected returns.
- Volatility: If you prefer frequent, smaller wins, opt for lower volatility games like Jacks or Better. For the chance at larger payouts, try Double Bonus Poker or Deuces Wild.
- Strategy Requirements: Simpler games are better for beginners, while experienced players may enjoy the challenge of more complex variants.
- Bonus Features: Decide if you want extra excitement from wild cards, multipliers, or progressive jackpots.
- Availability: Not all casinos offer every variant, and paytables can differ widely. Take time to shop around for the best
