Video poker sits at an interesting crossroads between classic card games and modern digital entertainment. It combines the skill elements of traditional poker with the swift feedback of slot-like gameplay, making it an attractive option for casual players and serious strategists alike. If you are looking for the best video poker game to play, your choice should balance a favorable paytable, manageable variance, and a playing experience that fits your device and budget. This guide dives into the most rewarding variants, how to evaluate a game’s value, practical strategies, and the best places to play both online and on mobile. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned pro, this article offers actionable insights to help you maximize your results while enjoying one of the most enduring formats in casino gaming.
What makes a video poker game the “best” to play?
The term best in this context hinges on several interlocking factors. First, the paytable matters a lot. The difference between a full-pay Jacks or Better (often denoted as 9/6 Jacks or Better) and a lower-pay version can translate into meaningful differences in expected return when you use optimal strategy. Second, the game’s variance or volatility affects how often you win and how big your swings are. Some players prefer steady, small gains, while others want bigger, less frequent hits. Third, you should consider the platform’s reliability and user experience. A quality mobile app or online casino that delivers consistent randomness, clean interfaces, and fair demos makes it easier to practice and deploy skill-based play. Finally, accessibility – such as free-to-play modes for practice, the ability to switch between variants on the same device, and helpful built-in strategy aids – can make a game feel “best” for your personal style.
When you combine the right paytable, controlled variance, and a robust playing experience, you typically end up with a short list of candidates that deserve the title of “best video poker game to play” for most players. The following sections explore the most reliable variants and explain why they consistently earn high marks among enthusiasts and SEO-minded content creators alike.
Top video poker variants that consistently deliver value
1. Jacks or Better (9/6 Paytable) — The benchmark poker game
Jacks or Better is the foundational video poker variant that most players learn first. The standard full-pay version is often described as 9/6 Jacks or Better because the paytable offers a 9-for-a-full-house and 6-for-a-flush on a natural hand after drawing replacements. When played with optimal strategy, this variant can deliver an excellent return, typically in the vicinity of 99.5%+ RTP. The 9/6 paytable is widely considered the best starting point for anyone serious about video poker because it provides a clear baseline for strategy charts and decision-making. For beginners, Jacks or Better also benefits from straightforward hand rankings and a robust set of on-screen guidance tools that help you learn the best lines of play as you go.
Why it’s a top pick: strong theoretical return, well-documented strategy matrices, and broad availability on nearly every online casino and video poker app. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming to develop professional-level discipline, Jacks or Better remains the yardstick against which other variants are measured.
2. Deuces Wild (Full Pay variants) — High volatility with powerful potential
Deuces Wild introduces a wild card (the 2) that can substitute for any card, which dramatically reshapes strategy. The paytables vary, but a “full-pay” Deuces Wild is often presented as a strong choice for players who enjoy a bit more risk and bigger payout opportunities. The presence of wild cards increases the probability of hitting high-value hands like four of a kind with deuces and even straight flushes, which raises the variance but can yield tantalizing gains when you hit the right draws. RTPs for robust Deuces Wild paytables can approach or exceed 99% with optimal play, though many common online versions sit slightly lower depending on the exact paytable layout.
Why it’s appealing: it rewards careful planning and precise decision-making, and the inclusion of deuces as wild cards creates excitement and the potential for dramatic, game-changing hands. For players looking for a variant with more edge in the long run (assuming you can locate the best paytables), Deuces Wild is hard to ignore.
3. Joker Poker — A flexible blend with entertaining outcomes
Joker Poker is another widely offered variant that introduces one or more joker cards as wilds. The joker typically substitutes for any card to form a winning hand, often with special payouts for joker-based straights or higher combos. The paytables vary by casino, but Joker Poker can offer competitive RTPs when paired with appropriate strategies. Because jokers alter the standard hand expectations, most players adopt unique charts that account for the joker’s influence on which cards to hold and which to redraw. Some versions implement a bonus payout for certain joker-enhanced hands, adding another layer of strategic consideration and potential reward.
Why it’s a popular choice: the flexible jokers can create eye-catching wins and longer super-rare hands. It also keeps the gameplay fresh, which helps with onboarding new players who want something with a bit more novelty than the classic Jacks or Better.
4. Bonus Poker (9/7, 9/5, etc.) — Favorable payouts for many common hands
Bonus Poker variants adjust the payout structure to emphasize certain hands, typically offering higher payouts for full houses or four of a kind on certain draws. The exact paytable matters a lot; some versions emphasize four-of-a-kind bonuses, others focus on full houses and trips. The 9/7 versions, for example, can provide better returns for players who can consistently hit those bonuses, though the overall house edge shifts depending on the specific paytable. Strategy charts for Bonus Poker differ from Jacks or Better because the emphasis of the higher payouts changes which holdings are optimal for dozens of drawing scenarios.
Why it’s appealing: for players who enjoy chasing bigger payouts on common hands, Bonus Poker variants offer a well-balanced combination of challenge and reward with solid, predictable decision trees once you learn the charts.
5. Aces and Faces — The classic with a modern twist
Aces and Faces is a classic video poker variant that mixes high-value face cards with a set of multipliers that can boost your winnings on certain hands. This variant often features increasing multipliers for hands that include jacks, queens, kings, and aces, along with typical poker hand payoffs. The exact paytable can vary by operator, but the combination of multipliers and standard payouts generally yields a satisfying blend of strategy and luck. Players who enjoy a traditional feel with an extra layer of payoff potential frequently rank Aces and Faces among their top choices for long sessions.
Why it’s recommended: it’s a touch more complex than basic Jacks or Better, which makes it appealing to players who want to deepen their strategic toolkit without venturing into highly volatile territory.
Factors to consider when selecting the best game for you
- Paytable clarity and consistency. Look for full-pay or near-full-pay variants where the math is straightforward and the strategy charts are well established. Avoid versions with very low returns or inconsistent pay structures unless you’re exploring for fun and learning small edges.
- Variance and session length. If you prefer longer playing sessions with tighter swings, aim for variants with moderate variance. If you enjoy occasional big wins and more dramatic swings, high-variance variants like Deuces Wild can be very rewarding.
- Strategy resources. The best games have publicly available strategy charts, software tools, or apps that players use to practice and memorize optimal holds. If you’re serious about maximizing returns, choose variants with strong supporting resources.
- Platform accessibility. The best video poker game to play is also one that you can access easily on your preferred device—desktop, tablet, or mobile. Check whether your chosen variant is available in demo mode for practice before wagering real money.
- Paytable updates and promotions. Some online casinos refresh promotions or adjust paytables for certain events. Being aware of these shifts helps you lock in the best opportunities during promotional windows.
Practical strategies to maximize returns
Study and memorize the optimal strategy charts
Video poker is one of the few casino games where you can consistently improve your results by learning the correct holds for each draw. Start with the Jacks or Better 9/6 paytable and learn the standard rules of thumb: hold pairs, high cards that can complete hands, and redraws that maximize your expected value. Use a strategy chart or an app to practice until you can recall the best play in most standard scenarios without hesitation. Over time, this reduces errors and increases the frequency of hitting profitable hands.
Always tailor your play to the paytable
The optimal decision for a hand can differ between a 9/6 Jacks or Better table and a 8/5 variant. If you’re playing a version with a higher payout for full houses or four of a kind, you might adjust which cards to hold. Before you sit down at a machine or start a practice session, study the specific paytable and adjust your strategy accordingly. This disciplined approach pays off, especially in longer sessions where small edges accumulate.
Practice with free play before wagering real money
Many online casinos offer free play or demo modes for video poker. Start there to build familiarity with the variant, test how the software handles draws, and internalize the strategy. Free practice reduces the risk of early losses and helps you confirm whether you enjoy the variant’s pacing and user interface. It’s also a convenient way to compare several variants side by side before committing to real-money gameplay.
Bankroll management and session planning
Video poker is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Establish a bankroll and a per-session budget that aligns with your risk tolerance. For high-variance variants like Deuces Wild, you may want to limit session size or set loss limits to protect your bankroll. For more stable variants, you can allocate slightly larger session sizes. The key is to maintain discipline: stop when you reach your pre-set limit, and don’t chase losses by switching to more aggressive variants mid-session.
Choose machines with favorable paytables and ample liquidity
On online platforms, you can often filter by paytable and see which games are offered with the best returns. In live settings, observe the machines to confirm the payout schedule and ensure there are no obvious irregularities. A well-maintained machine that pays true to its listed paytable is essential for a fair evaluation of your skill and strategy investments.
Playing tips for online and mobile video poker
- Enable strategy guidelines or on-screen hints. If a platform provides optional hints, use them sparingly to confirm your understanding of the optimal plays without becoming overly reliant on automatic suggestions.
- Avoid auto-play if you’re serious about decision-making. Auto-play can speed up sessions, but it eliminates the chance to think through each draw and refine your strategy based on the specific hand you’re dealt.
- Monitor session quality and RNG transparency. Trustworthy sites publish random number generator (RNG) practices and fairness policies. Choose reputable operators with clear compliance and licensing information.
- Keep your device secure and up to date. Use official app stores or verified websites, enable two-factor authentication if offered, and keep your device’s security software current to protect personal and financial data.
- Utilize promotions wisely. Some platforms offer free spins, matched deposits, or loyalty rewards for video poker players. Take advantage of legitimate promotions, but avoid deposit traps that encourage reckless play.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Overlooking paytables. A great variant can be ruined by playing on a suboptimal paytable. Always confirm the paytable before you commit.
- Ignoring the strategy chart. In video poker, deviating from optimal strategy consistently erodes the edge you’ve earned, especially over many hands.
- Economic traps. Chasing big wins with a dwindling bankroll leads to poor decisions. Maintain discipline and use stop-loss rules to protect your capital.
- Inconsistent software quality. Some online platforms have irregular RNG behavior or misaligned paytables. Stick to reputable operators with strong reviews and regulatory oversight.
Glossary of essential video poker terms
- RTP (Return to Player): The theoretical percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over a long period. Higher RTP generally means better long-term value when played optimally.
- Paytable: The chart that shows how much each hand pays on a given variant. Different paytables yield different expected returns.
- Optimal strategy: The set of holds and discards that maximize expected value for each possible hand on a specific paytable.
- Variance/Volatility: A measure of how much a game’s outcomes swing. Higher variance means bigger wins and bigger losses on average.
- Full pay: A paytable that pays the most favorable amounts for each winning hand, usually used as a benchmark for the best variants (for example, 9/6 Jacks or Better as a standard).
- Wild card: A card that can substitute for any other card to form a higher ranking hand, as in Deuces Wild or Joker Poker.
- Demo mode: A free-to-play version of a game that lets you practice without risking real money.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best video poker game to play for beginners? Jacks or Better with a 9/6 paytable is widely regarded as the easiest entry point with a strong theoretical base and abundant learning resources. It’s the most forgiving variant for new players and provides a solid foundation for mastering strategy before moving to more complex variants.
- Which variant has the highest return on practice play? When played with optimal strategy, modern online versions of Jacks or Better 9/6 or other high-paytable variants tend to yield the most reliable returns in the long run. Always verify the actual paytable on the machine you are playing.
- Can I beat video poker consistently? Consistent long-term success in video poker is possible if you commit to learning the optimal strategy, choosing high-paytable variants, and practicing diligently. It’s not a guaranteed win every session, but the mathematical edge exists for those who play correctly and manage their bankroll effectively.
As you explore the landscape of the best video poker games to play, keep your goals in mind. If your priority is steady, predictable play with a solid edge, start with Jacks or Better in its full-pay configuration and build from there. If you crave variety and the thrill of bigger hands, experiment with Deuces Wild or Joker Poker on reputable platforms after you have established a reliable practice routine. The best video poker game to play is the one that matches your skill level, your appetite for risk, and your preferred playing environment—desktop, tablet, or mobile—and it should be supported by strong strategy resources and fair, transparent paytables. Embrace practice, study the charts, and enjoy the blend of skill and chance that makes video poker a uniquely rewarding corner of the casino world. If you’re ready to start, seek out trusted, licensed platforms that offer demo versions so you can test variants, refine your approach, and transition to real-money play with confidence. The path to mastery is incremental, but with the right game in your hands, the journey can be both educational and entertaining.
