Different Video Poker Variations

Video poker is undyingly popular across the US.  Numerous iterations of the standard Jacks of Better have sprung up around the country, though Jacks of Better continues to be the most popular form of video poker.  However, quite a few other games remain popular and are even growing in popularity.  Here is a brief rundown of what games you can find, as well as game play.

Jacks or Better

As mentioned, Jack or Better is currently the most popular video poker game in the US.  Getting a payout is as simple as drawing a pair of jacks or better (thus the name).  Full pay Jacks or Better is called 9/6 Jacks or Better, though casino machines are usually 8/5 games.  The theoretical return on a full play game is 99.54%, but that requires perfect game play and a real strategy developed by a computer. Hand payouts are as follows, for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 credits each.

Hand
Coin 1
Coin 2
Coin 3
Coin 4
Coin 5
Royal Flush
250
500
750
1000
4000
Straight Flush
50
100
150
200
250
Four of a Kind
25
50
75
100
125
Full House
9
18
27
36
45
Flush
6
12
18
24
30
Straight
4
8
12
16
20
Three of a Kind
3
6
9
12
15
Two Pair
2
4
6
8
10
Jacks or Better
1
2
3
4
5

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Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is another popular variant of video poker.  All deuces (2s) are wild, regardless of the suit, which adds a greater chance of having a winning hand.  This is one of the few video poker games that can actually result in a higher than 100% payback, with perfect game play and the right strategy.  Four of a kind has a very high appearance rating, while two of a kind is even more common.  Here are the vital hand payouts for the game.

Hand
Coin 1
Coin 2
Coin 3
Coin 4
Coin 5
Natural Royal
300
600
900
1200
4000
Four Deuces
200
400
600
800
1000
Wild Royal
25
50
75
100
125
Five of a Kind
15
30
45
60
75
Straight Flush
9
18
27
36
45
Four of a Kind
5
10
15
20
25
Full House
3
6
9
12
15
Flush
2
4
6
8
10
Straight
2
4
6
8
10
Three of a Kind
1
2
3
4
5

Jokers Wild

Jokers Wild is played with 53 cards, rather than the standard 52 cards.  The joker is wild and can take the place as any other card in a hand, giving slightly less options than Deuces Wild, but more than Jacks or Better.  Here are the hand payouts for Jokers Wild.

Hand
Coin 1
Coin 2
Coin 3
Coin 4
Coin 5
Royal Flush
400
800
1200
1600
4000
Five of a Kind
200
400
600
800
1000
Joker Royal
100
200
300
400
500
Straight Flush
50
100
150
200
250
Four of a Kind
20
40
60
80
100
Full House
5
10
15
20
25
Flush
3
6
9
12
15
Three of a Kind
2
4
6
8
10
Two Pair
1
2
3
4
5

King of the Decks (aka Five-Deck Frenzy)

Five standard 52-card decks are used in this game, resulting in a much higher chance of getting matching cards, 5 of a kind and much more.  This game also has added bonus in real world play.  King of the Decks usually has a progressive jackpot that goes to the player with 5 King of Clubs.  Payout begins with one pair.  Bets begin as low as .05 cents and range up to $5.