Jacks or Better Video Poker

How to Play Jacks or Better?

Jacks or Better is the lowest paying video poker variation, but yet, the most desirable by players. Jacks or Better is also easier to play as compared to Deuces Wild or Triple Double Bonus Poker.

When you adjust your bet size, you are dealt five cards. Then, you have to decide which cards to keep, and which to discard. Next, you are dealt replacement cards for those you decided to discard. Your objective is to get a hand that includes a pair of Jacks or Better or higher. Failing to do that means that you lose your wager.

Jacks or Better Basic Strategy

If you know how to play five-card draw poker, you will feel right at home with video poker and Jacks or Better. However, the important question is how to figure out which cards to keep and which to discard. Here are a few rules that might come in handy:

• Draw one card if you have two pairs, 4 OAK, or 4 cards to a straight or Flush
• Draw two cards if you have three cards to a Royal Flush
• Draw two cards if you have 3 OAK
• Draw three cards if you have a pair
• Draw four cards if you have one high card
• No matching cards? Hold a card that is higher or equal of value to jacks
• No combinations? No jacks or better? Discard all 5 cards and draw new ones

Jacks or Better Paytable

Here’s a sample Jacks or Better paytable, but keep in mind that casinos might alter the paytable. The best thing you can do is to check the payouts before you even start playing.