Video Poker is a modality of online casinos that provides pure fun, providing a fantastic experience based on classic poker, although with a different touch. Fans of all levels are welcome because it does not require a large level, or complex probability calculations. The goal is to get the best possible combination of cards.
Among all the variants of video poker, Jacks or Better is the most popular because it is very easy to play, but at the same time it can reward you pleasantly. So, if you manage to develop a good strategy you can get great benefits.
In addition, this variety is also the basis of other video poker games such as Deuces Wild and Joker Poker. Therefore, learning to play Jacks or Better is always recommended, especially if you plan to play other poker modalities in the future …
The difference between Jacks or Better and other types of video poker is that here you also win if you find a pair of Jacks.
How to Play Jacks or Better
The first thing you have to do is choose machines that give a good refund. It is advisable to bet on machines that offer at least 9/6 (9 for full and 6 for color). Before you start playing, you must also decide how much money you want to invest in a round.
It is worth mentioning that the minimum play to receive a prize is a pair of Jacks. Although it incorporates many poker guidelines, the rules are not exactly the same. For example, in video poker it is not mandatory to “cheat” on the contrary, as it does in poker. And the pairs only pay if they are Jacks or Better, that is, Queen (Qs), King (Ks) or As.
In Jacks or Better you face the machine or the software – if you play online. It is played with 52 cards, which do not contain jokers or wild cards. So after selecting the amount of money you are going to play, press the deal button … and there begins the action, when the casino gives you 5 video poker cards. Your task is to decide which cards to keep and which not. Evaluate and discard between 1 and 5 cards to try to complete the highest hand you can in two rounds. The next turn continues when the casino exchanges your discarded cards for new ones. If you get a pair of Jacks or higher, you will automatically receive your prize.
We are talking about a game of chance, however, there are a number of strategies to improve your odds and win. It is important to know that the fundamental basis is to decide which cards to discard and which not. Therefore, to make the right decisions and decide quickly we advise you to memorize the different hands, from highest to lowest.
Jacks or Better Hands:
- Royal Flush: Includes the 5 highest value cards [10, J, Q, K, A] and of the same suit
- Straight Flush: 5 consecutive cards of the same suit [Example: Q, J, 10, 9, 8 of Spades]
- Four-of-a kind: A combination of 4 cards of the same value
- Full House: 3 cards of the same value plus a different couple.
- Flush: 5 cards of the same suit
- Straight: 5 consecutive cards
- Three-of-a-kind: 3 cards that have the same value, but not of the same suit
- Two Pairs: 2 pairs of cards of the same value
- Jacks or Better: 2 Jacks, 2 Queens, 2 Kings or 2 Aces
Tips on the Jacks or Better
We recommend you invest the maximum amount of money allowed in a round ONLY when you are an experienced player, or are not afraid to lose your money. Make sure you know the maximum bet of each machine and choose the one that best suits your budget.
Finally, knowing when to retire is the most important thing for any casino player. Make a budget before you start playing and follow it. You will see that the stricter you are at this point, the greater the chances of fun.
Let’s recap!
If you are a newcomer to video poker, then this is your game. Not only does it offer you the best chances of winning, but it is also simple and easy to understand.
Remember that it is necessary to understand the possibilities of each combination of cards, otherwise you will not be able to make the right decision. The discard phase is the most important and is the only time you should stop to think.
Good luck when playing!