Video Poker Strategy Chart & Cheat Sheet
Last updated: 02 October 2026
Use this mobile-friendly video poker strategy chart for Jacks or Better to learn what to hold, what to discard and how to make more accurate decisions hand after hand. If you want a fast reference you can actually use while playing, this cheat sheet covers the main decisions and common mistakes on desktop or mobile.
Best Video Poker Casinos
These casinos offer real money video poker, with differences in game selection, player availability and payout speed. Check the paytable of the individual game before playing, as versions can vary even within the same casino.
← Swipe to view full table →
| Casino | Video Poker Selection | USA? | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| iNetBet | 14+ SpinLogic games | ✅ | Same day |
| Lucky Elf | Multiple providers, varies by country | ❌ | 15 minutes |
| Decode | 20+ games, Rival + more | ✅ | 12-48 hrs |
| Winz | Multiple providers | ❌ | Instant |
Casino Beacon Opinion
A strategy chart is most useful when it removes guesswork rather than encouraging players to memorise every possible hand. The important habit is to start at the top, use the first matching rule and make the same decision consistently every time that situation appears.
The chart also needs to match the game you're actually playing. This page is for Jacks or Better, and a different variant or weaker paytable can change the correct hold. Checking the game and paytable first is just as important as following the chart itself.
Best Real Money Video Poker Casinos
These picks make more sense after you know the chart. We have focused on casinos that suit different video poker needs, whether you want a no deposit start, more game variety, or faster cashouts.
iNetBet
Online since 1999, iNetBet offers 14+ SpinLogic video poker games. New players can claim $20 free with no deposit required, while an 'all games' deposit bonus is available up to $100. Same-day payouts are available.
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Lucky Elf
Lucky Elf offers video poker from multiple providers, with the available games varying by country. It accepts players from Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland. 15-minute cashouts are available, alongside bonuses worth up to $/€20,000 + 500 free spins.
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Decode
Decode offers 20+ video poker games, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker and multi-hand variants, with Rival among the available providers. New players can claim 10 free spins at sign-up plus a 111% first deposit bonus up to $1,111 + $111 free gift.
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Winz
Winz offers video poker from multiple providers, including Jacks or Better, Joker Poker and several Powerpoker variants. Players can claim bonuses worth up to $/€20,000 or 800 free spins, with no wagering requirements. Instant cashouts are available.
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9/6 Jacks or Better Strategy Chart
This simplified chart is designed for full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better. Start at the top and use the first rule that matches your hand. It covers the main decisions without the rare penalty-card exceptions found in optimal strategy.
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| Priority | Hand or Draw | What to Hold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush, Straight Flush or Four of a Kind | Hold all 5 cards |
| 2 | Four to a Royal Flush | Hold the 4 Royal Flush cards |
| 3 | Full House, Flush, Straight or Three of a Kind | Hold the made hand or the 3 matching cards |
| 4 | Four to a Straight Flush | Hold the 4 Straight Flush cards |
| 5 | Two Pair | Hold both pairs |
| 6 | High Pair (Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces) | Hold the pair |
| 7 | Three to a Royal Flush | Hold the 3 Royal Flush cards |
| 8 | Four to a Flush | Hold the 4 suited cards |
| 9 | Low Pair (10s or lower) | Hold the pair |
| 10 | Four to an Outside Straight | Hold the 4 straight cards |
| 11 | Two Suited High Cards | Hold both high cards |
| 12 | Three to a Straight Flush | Hold the 3 Straight Flush cards |
| 13 | Two Unsuited High Cards | Hold the 2 high cards. With 3 or more, keep the lowest 2 |
| 14 | Suited 10-J, 10-Q or 10-K | Hold both cards |
| 15 | One High Card | Hold the Jack, Queen, King or Ace |
| 16 | None of the above | Discard all 5 cards |
High card: Jack, Queen, King or Ace. An outside straight can be completed at either end, such as 6-7-8-9. More advanced strategy includes additional exceptions based on specific cards and discarded penalty cards.
Example Hands Using the Strategy Chart
The easiest way to learn video poker strategy is by looking at real examples. Start at the top of the chart and use the first rule that matches your hand.
Example 1: Four to a Royal Flush
Hand: A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 4♦
Best Play: Hold A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ and discard the 4♦.
This hand matches Four to a Royal Flush, which ranks very highly on the chart. Even though you have four cards to a Flush, the Royal Flush draw is more valuable.
Example 2: High Pair
Hand: J♥ J♣ 7♠ 4♦ 2♣
Best Play: Hold both Jacks and discard the other three cards.
A pair of Jacks is a paying hand in Jacks or Better. The chart tells you to keep the pair and draw three new cards.
Example 3: Four to a Flush
Hand: K♣ 9♣ 6♣ 3♣ Q♦
Best Play: Hold the four clubs and discard the Q♦.
Four cards to a Flush rank above many weaker drawing hands. The correct play is to chase the Flush by drawing one new card.
Example 4: Low Pair
Hand: 8♠ 8♦ K♣ 5♥ 2♠
Best Play: Hold both 8s and discard the other three cards.
Although 8s do not currently pay in Jacks or Better, the low pair ranks above the other available plays on the strategy chart, so the correct decision is to keep both 8s.
Example 5: No Strong Draws
Hand: 9♠ 6♦ 4♣ 3♥ 2♣
Best Play: Discard all five cards and draw a completely new hand.
This hand does not match any higher-ranking rule on the chart. When none of the listed situations apply, drawing five new cards is the correct play.
Example 6: Three to a Royal Flush
Hand: Q♠ J♠ 10♠ 5♦ 2♣
Best Play: Hold Q♠ J♠ 10♠ and discard the other two cards.
Three cards to a Royal Flush create a valuable drawing opportunity. Because this rule appears above several weaker options on the chart, it becomes the correct play.
Remember: If a hand appears to match more than one rule, always use the highest-ranking rule shown on the strategy chart. Working from the top down is the key to making the correct decision.
How to Use the Video Poker Strategy Chart
Use the chart as a hierarchy rather than looking for individual hands at random. Work from the top down until you reach the first rule that matches the cards you were dealt.
- After the deal: Look at your five cards and compare them to the chart from the top down.
- Use the first match: As soon as you find the highest-ranking rule that fits your hand, that is your play.
- Hold only those cards: Discard the rest and draw new ones.
- Slow down on mobile: Most practical mistakes come from missed suits, misread ranks, or accidental taps.
- Use the right chart: This page is for Jacks or Better, not Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, or other variants.
Common Video Poker Strategy Mistakes
The most common strategy errors are using the wrong chart, skipping higher-ranking plays, overlooking suited cards and rushing hold decisions. The paytable matters too, as a weaker version can reduce theoretical return even when you play accurately.
For a broader look at errors involving strategy, bankroll management and game selection, see our Mistakes to Avoid in Video Poker guide.
Video Poker Strategy Chart FAQ
What is a video poker strategy chart?
A video poker strategy chart ranks the possible hold and discard decisions for a particular game. Start at the top and use the first rule that matches your hand.
Does this strategy chart only apply to Jacks or Better?
Yes. This chart is designed for Jacks or Better. Other variants such as Bonus Poker and Deuces Wild use different paytables and strategies, so you should use a chart that matches the game you are playing.
What does 9/6 Jacks or Better mean?
In 9/6 Jacks or Better, a Full House pays 9 coins per coin bet and a Flush pays 6. This is commonly known as full-pay Jacks or Better and has a theoretical return of about 99.54% when played with optimal strategy and the full Royal Flush payout.
What if the paytable is not 9/6?
Many basic decisions remain similar, but changing the paytable can alter some optimal holds as well as the theoretical return. Use a strategy chart that matches the specific version whenever possible.
Why can the number of coins bet matter in video poker?
On a conventional Jacks or Better paytable, the Royal Flush usually receives a disproportionately larger payout when five coins are bet. For example, it may pay 250 coins per coin bet at lower wagers but 800 per coin when five coins are played. Check the game's paytable rather than assuming every version uses the same structure.
Does the strategy change if I do not bet five coins?
It can. If betting fewer coins reduces the Royal Flush payout per coin, the expected value of Royal Flush draws changes and some optimal decisions can change with it. This chart is intended for the conventional full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better structure with the full Royal Flush payout.