Jacks or Better Strategy

Video poker is hugely popular at online casinos and part of that is due to the fact that there are many varieties of the game to choose from and each of them have their own unique strategies that players can learn to improve their game so it always remains interesting!

One of the most popular video poker games is Jacks or Better Video Poker. While many poker games follow the basic principles of the game, Jacks or Better adds a twist by making the best hand a pair of jacks or higher the best way to earn a huge payout. As with any video poker game players should choose a game that has a high payout percentage; some are better than others, offering full pay but reading the information will help players to find the best machine that reduces the house edge.

In addition to this for Jacks or Better, one of the best strategies is to understand the card combinations that can be obtained at the beginning that may offer the best chance of a payout after the redraw so players can make decisions accordingly. There are 6 primary hands that players need to look at most closely:

1. Two pairs or higher - when players receive their hand, they should take a look and see if it earns a payout right away like a pair of Jacks or better. To play, you hang onto the Two Pair or higher before you redraw in order to get the best possible hand and the best odds.

2. Pay pair - pay pairs are two Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces. In order to play through with this hand, you would use the same playing structure as with two pairs or higher. Though, if you also have two pairs or better, then you want to hang onto those instead

3. Non pay pair - these hands don’t qualify for a payout right away, only if players draw another card to make two or three-of-a-kind on redraw. But, it is the third best hand because of this potential and players should hold onto their cards for this reason

4. Low two pay cards - Pairing any of these cards with a Jack, Queen, King or Ace called the pay cards will create a payout opportunity. These should be held onto if players have none of the other combinations above that have a better opportunity for a payout

5. One pay card, or no pay cards in a hand - if a hand only has one pay card, the hand can still be played. If there are none, players should discard their full hand and get a new set at redraw.


These video poker strategies are based on knowledge and understanding of the strongest hands in the game and how to respond if they are received during the first deal. Players have better odds of winning when they understand how to play the game properly. Many opportunities to win are sacrificed due to lack of knowledge.