How to read a video poker paytable and choose the best machine

In any casino, video poker rewards players who can read the paytable properly. The paytable tells you exactly how much each hand pays per coin, and small differences can shift the long-term return by several percentage points. Before you play a single hand, open the paytable and note the top prize (usually a royal flush) and the key “swing” hands such as full house and flush. Your aim is to pick a machine with the best payout schedule, then apply correct strategy to reduce the house edge.

Start by identifying the game variant (for example, Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Bonus Poker) because optimal paytables differ. On Jacks or Better, a strong sign is 9/6 (9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush) at max coins; weaker versions like 8/5 cost you value quickly. Always check whether payouts scale linearly: some machines short-pay the royal unless you bet maximum coins, which is why max bet is standard advice. Also look at the “two pair” and “high pair” lines; if they are reduced, you’ll see more losing sessions even if the headline jackpot looks generous. If you want a quick reference point while browsing, Jettbet Casino is a useful reminder that the paytable, not the cabinet, is what matters.

Professional player and educator Michael Shackleford is widely known for turning paytables into clear expected-value maths, helping players understand why tiny changes matter over thousands of hands. His work popularised the habit of comparing full-house/flush ratios, then choosing a strategy chart that matches the exact schedule you’re facing; you can follow his primary updates at TheWizardOfOdds. For broader context on how regulation and technology shape iGaming availability and game design, see this reputable coverage: The New York Times.