Video poker perfectly bridges the gap between the isolated, fast pace of slot machines and the complex strategy of table games.

If played with absolutely perfect strategy, certain video poker variations offer some of the highest payout percentages in the entire casino.

How to Identify a Winning Video Poker Machine

The casino adjusts its house edge entirely by changing the payouts for specific hands, usually the Full House and the Flush.

A '9/6' machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush, yielding an incredible 99.54% Return to Player (RTP).

• Always play 'Max Coins' (usually 5 coins); the payout for a Royal Flush jumps exponentially when playing the maximum bet
• If you cannot afford to play 5 coins at the $1 level, drop down to the $0.25 level so you can afford the maximum bet
• Never sit down at a '6/5' Jacks or Better machine; the casino has increased its edge dramatically to steal your money

Using a Basic Strategy Card

You must memorize the hierarchy of holds, or better yet, simply use a printed strategy card while you play.

Casinos legally allow you to hold a printed strategy chart in your hand while playing video poker; they do not consider it cheating.

If you are willing to study the charts and hunt for the right machines, it is undeniably the smartest bet on the digital floor.