How to choose the best video poker pay table

Choosing the right pay table is one of the most important steps in video poker. It shapes your long-term results and affects your overall experience. While the screens may look similar, the payout structures vary a lot. Because of this, beginners must learn how to read pay tables and compare them. The guide below explains the key points in an easy way.

Know Why the Pay Table Matters

The pay table shows how much the machine pays for each winning hand. Even small payout differences can change your return. A machine with a strong pay table gives you better value over many sessions. On the other hand, a weak pay table reduces your chances of winning in the long run. So, learning to compare pay tables is essential.

Start with a Familiar Variant

Each video poker variant has its own ideal pay table. For beginners, Jacks or Better is the easiest place to start. It has simple rules and is widely available. Once you understand how the pay table works here, you can explore more advanced games like Bonus Poker or Deuces Wild.

Look for “Full-Pay” Machines

A “full-pay” machine offers the highest possible payout for that variant. For example, the best Jacks or Better pay table is 9/6, which means:

• 9 coins for a full house

• 6 coins for a flush

If you see anything lower, such as 8/5 or 7/5, the return drops. That is why players prefer 9/6 machines. In most casinos, full-pay machines are harder to find, but they are always worth the search.

Compare Key Hand Payouts

When choosing a pay table, focus on the payouts of important hands. These usually include the full house, flush, straight, and two pairs. These hands appear more often, so their payouts greatly affect your results.

For example:

• If a machine pays fewer coins for a full house, your long-term return decreases.

• If a machine boosts flush payouts, it becomes more rewarding.

Checking these values helps you pick a machine with stronger odds.

Check the Royal Flush Bonus

Most machines reward players with a larger jackpot when they bet the maximum coins. Because of this, the royal flush payout becomes a major factor. A good pay table will offer the full 800-to-1 payout when you play max coins. Anything lower is a sign of a weaker pay table.

If betting max coins is too expensive, look for machines with lower coin values. You will still receive the best payout without breaking your budget.

Avoid Tempting Side Payouts

Some machines add bonus payouts for rare hands. These can look attractive. However, they often reduce payouts for common hands. As a result, the overall return becomes worse.

Always check whether the machine reduces payouts in other areas. If it does, the bonus feature may not be worth the trade.

Learn the Expected Return Percentage

Many pay tables come with an expected return percentage. This number shows the machine’s long-term payout rate. A good video poker machine should have a return of 99% or higher. If the return is much lower, consider choosing another option. This small step protects your bankroll over time.

Practise Comparing Pay Tables

To get better at choosing pay tables, practise comparing them online. Many free video poker platforms show multiple variants. This allows you to test different payout structures without risking money. As you learn, identifying strong pay tables becomes easier and faster.