| Updated: September 26, 2025Although Jacks or Better is the oldest video poker variant ever created, its popularity has not waned over the years, and the game continues to capture players’ attention even today.
The beauty of the game lies in its simplicity, making it a perfect fit for players whether they have already mastered the ins and outs of video poker or are just starting out. Jacks or Better is truly a no-frills video poker variant because players do not need to learn complicated rules or understand how wild cards or bonus payouts work.
What’s more, the full-pay versions of Jacks or Better offer truly bountiful payouts that other games cannot match, which explains why they are so sought after.
Even though Jacks or Better is prized for its low house edge and straightforward gameplay, diving in headfirst is not advisable. In this article, we will cover the game’s basics, some of its most popular variants, and the strategies players can follow to enjoy a more rewarding betting session.
Jacks or Better And Slots Where The Difference Is
Players often draw parallels between slots and video poker because the two share several visual and gameplay elements; the way cards are dealt, for instance, mimics the spinning of slot reels. However, this resemblance is only superficial, and there are important differences to keep in mind.
For starters, video poker games, and Jacks or Better in particular, are all derivatives of five-card draw poker. The most notable difference is that, while playing video poker, you are not trying to beat other players’ hands but to build a hand of a certain strength. The stronger the hand, the more generous the payout.
How Is Probability Determined in Slots And Video Poker
Payouts in Video Poker and SlotsHow Is Probability Determined in Slots And Video Poker
Although both video poker and slots rely on Random Number Generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes, the odds of receiving a particular card in Jacks or Better are not the same as the odds of landing a specific symbol on a slot machine.
When it comes to Jacks or Better, the chances of drawing any given card mirror those of a standard 52-card deck; thus, the probability of pulling the Ace of spades is 1 in 52, or about 0.0192. Using this information, players can also calculate the likelihood of getting cards of a certain rank or suit.
Slots work differently. Each symbol in a slot’s paytable is assigned its own, developer-defined probability, so the distribution is not tied to a physical deck.
Payouts in Video Poker and Slots
The way payouts are calculated also differs. In video poker, they are based on traditional poker hand rankings. Because players can estimate the probability of forming each paying hand, determining the game’s expected return is relatively straightforward and depends on the strategy you adopt.
Another difference is that player decisions influence the outcome in video poker, whereas slots are entirely chance-based. Therefore, you should always aim to make optimal choices about which cards to hold and which to discard.
Getting Started with Jacks or Better
Whether you prefer playing in a brick-and-mortar venue or at an online casino, you should familiarize yourself with the nuances of any video poker variant before wagering real money. Fortunately, doing so is easy with Jacks or Better, which, as mentioned, closely resembles five-card draw poker.
The most notable distinction is that, instead of competing against other players, you play against a machine, saving you the trouble of adjusting your strategy to opponents’ actions.
When playing Jacks or Better, you need at least a pair of Jacks to receive a payout. Even if you miss this qualifying hand on the initial deal, you can still improve by discarding and drawing new cards.
Getting Your Initial Hand Completing Your HandGetting Your Initial Hand
Naturally, the first step is to adjust your bet according to your bankroll. Begin by selecting the number of coins you wish to stake. In most versions of Jacks or Better, as with many other video poker variants, you can wager up to five credits per hand.
Coin denominations vary widely. Some games allow bets of no more than $1 per coin, while others accept stakes as low as $0.10. Once your wager is set, simply press the deal/draw button to receive five cards from the deck.
To be eligible for the most substantial payouts, particularly the enhanced Royal Flush reward, always try to play the maximum number of credits.
Completing Your Hand
As soon as you receive your initial five cards, check for any immediate winning combinations. If none appear, decide which cards to hold and which to discard. After you have made your selection, the discarded cards will be replaced with randomly drawn ones from the deck, potentially creating a high-paying hand.
Remember, you press the draw button a second time to complete the hand, but no additional wager is required for this redraw.
- Tens or Better Variations
- Deuces Wild Variations
- Video Poker Variations
- Hand Rankings in Video Poker
- Video Poker Rules
Popular Variations of Jacks or Better
Video poker boasts a longer history than many players realize; it actually predates the 1970s. Over that time the game has evolved significantly, giving rise to a variety of engaging versions.
While the core gameplay remains largely the same across these variants, each one has its own intricacies and unique features. Examining them carefully is essential because even minor pay-table adjustments can affect the game’s RTP and, ultimately, your potential returns.
9/6 Jacks or Better 9/5 Jacks or Better 8/6 Jacks or Better 8/5 Jacks or Better 7/5 Jacks or Better 6/5 Jacks or Better Comparison of the Payback Percentages of The Different Variants of Jacks or Better9/6 Jacks or Better
The full-pay, or 9/6, variant of Jacks or Better is the most popular among seasoned players because it offers the best returns. Consequently, these machines are the hardest to find.
That popularity stems from the fact that the payouts for a Full House and a Flush are set at 9 for 1 and 6 for 1, respectively. These two hands are the quickest way to identify whether a particular game is full-pay or short-pay; any reduction in these figures indicates a less favorable version.
Full-pay Jacks or Better boasts an impressive RTP of about 99.54%, attainable when you employ optimal strategy. Also remember that payouts scale with the number of credits wagered. The table below illustrates how rewards change when you bet 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 coins.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
As shown, a Royal Flush pays handsomely – anywhere from 250 to 4,000 credits – depending on the number of coins bet. This underscores why staking the maximum is so important.
9/5 Jacks or Better
The next-best option for Jacks or Better fans is the 9/5 version. Here a Full House still pays 9 for 1, but a Flush drops to 5 for 1, which lowers the game’s RTP. Because Flushes occur relatively often, this reduced payout trims the return by a little more than 1%.
The paytable of 9/5 Jacks or Better is as follows:
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 5 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
8/6 Jacks or Better
This variant is very similar to the 9/6 version in terms of RTP. Here, a Full House pays 8 for 1 and a Flush pays 6 for 1. The impact on return is minor, with this setup offering an RTP of about 99.39%.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 8 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
8/5 Jacks or Better
Variants that pay 8 for 1 on a Full House and 5 for 1 on a Flush are among the most common. This decrease reduces the RTP by roughly 2.24% compared with full-pay games, bringing it down to about 97.30%.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 8 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 5 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
7/5 Jacks or Better
The 7/5 version is also common, but its payouts are less generous. A Full House pays 7 for 1, and a Flush pays 5 for 1. These reductions shave about 3.40% off the RTP when compared with full-pay machines.
Because of these lower returns, it is generally wise to avoid 7/5 Jacks or Better games. Most online casinos offer at least the 8/5 version, which is notably more favorable.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 7 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 5 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
6/5 Jacks or Better
The 6/5 version of Jacks or Better is among the least favorable options. Here, a Full House pays 6 for 1 and a Flush pays 5 for 1. These cuts lower the RTP to roughly 95%, more than 4% below the full-pay benchmark.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 6 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 5 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Comparison of the Payback Percentages of The Different Variants of Jacks or Better
| Jacks or Better Variant | RTP | Royal Flush | Straight Flush | Four of a Kind | Full House | Flush | Straight | Three of a Kind | Two Pairs | Jacks or Better |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6 | 99.54% | 800 | 50 | 25 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 9/5 | 98.45% | 800 | 50 | 25 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 8/6 | 98.39% | 800 | 50 | 25 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 8/5 | 97.30% | 800 | 50 | 25 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 7/5 | 96.15% | 800 | 50 | 25 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 6/5 | 95.00% | 800 | 50 | 25 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
How the RTP Changes Based on the Strategy
Every gambler wants to maximize a betting session, and simply knowing the hand rankings is not enough to achieve that goal.
Applying an effective betting strategy allows you to get the most out of any version of Jacks or Better. Fortunately, this variant is one of the simplest video poker games, and its core concepts translate to many others.
Using a strategy is the key to success. Even a basic approach leads to near-optimal play and helps you extract the best value from your wagers.
Compared with other video poker titles, Jacks or Better features relatively few winning hand types, so its strategy charts are easier to digest.
RTP with a Simple Strategy RTP with an Optimal Strategy RTP with a Simple and Optimal Strategy ComparedRTP with a Simple Strategy
You don’t need extensive experience to benefit from a strategy; even a basic one can noticeably improve your results.
Following the simple strategy chart yields an RTP of about 99.46%, only a fraction below the optimal return, and only when you are playing a full-pay game.
Each time you deviate from the mathematically correct move, you lose roughly 0.08% of expected value – that’s about one bet for every 1,178 hands.
RTP with an Optimal Strategy
Adopting the optimal strategy pushes the RTP to 99.54%, but this figure is attainable only when you wager the maximum number of credits.
RTP with a Simple and Optimal Strategy Compared
| Return | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hand | Simple Strategy | Optimal Strategy |
| Royal Flush | 0.020076 | 0.019807 |
| Straight Flush | 0.005552 | 0.005465 |
| Four of a Kind | 0.059067 | 0.059064 |
| Full House | 0.103657 | 0.10361 |
| Flush | 0.066521 | 0.066087 |
| Straight | 0.042547 | 0.044917 |
| Three of a Kind | 0.223629 | 0.223346 |
| Two Pairs | 0.259104 | 0.258558 |
| Jacks or Better | 0.214437 | 0.214585 |
| No winning combinations | 0 | 0 |
Jacks or Better Optimal Strategy
No matter whether players prefer the simple or advanced strategy, both provide clear guidelines on which cards to hold or discard based on the initial hand. After receiving your first five cards, consult the chart from the top down until you locate your hand.
Thus, if none of the lines applies to the hand players are dealt, this means that they need to throw away all their cards. Following this hierarchy covers every possible hand and can significantly improve your returns.
The hand you are dealt:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Four cards to a Royal Flush
- Full House
- Flush
- Three of a Kind
- Straight
- Four to a Straight Flush
- Two Pairs
- High Pair
- Three to a Royal Flush
- Four to a Flush
- Unsuited Tens, Jacks, Queens, or Kings
- Low Pair
- Four to an outside Straight with up to two high cards
- Three to a Straight Flush
- Suited J and Q
- Four to an inside Straight with four high cards
- Suited Kings and Jacks or Kings and Queens
- Suited AJ, AQ, AK
- Four to an inside Straight with three high cards
- Three to a Straight Flush
- Unsuited J, Q, K
- Unsuited J and Q
- Suited Tens and Jacks
- Two unsuited high cards (K being the highest one)
- Suited Ten and Q
- Two unsuited high cards (A being the highest)
- A single J
- Suited Ten and K
- One Q
- One K
- One A
- Three to a Straight Flush
- Throw away all five cards
Simple and Optimal Strategy Probability Hands That Should Not Be PlayedSimple and Optimal Strategy Probability
| Probability | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hand | Simple Strategy | Optimal Strategy |
| Royal Flush | 0.000025 | 0.000025 |
| Straight Flush | 0.000111 | 0.000109 |
| Four of a Kind | 0.002363 | 0.002363 |
| Full House | 0.011517 | 0.011512 |
| Flush | 0.011087 | 0.011015 |
| Straight | 0.010637 | 0.011229 |
| Three of a Kind | 0.074543 | 0.074449 |
| Two Pairs | 0.129552 | 0.129279 |
| Jacks or Better | 0.214437 | 0.214585 |
| No winning combinations | 0.545729 | 0.545435 |
Hands That Should Not Be Played
There are several hands you should not play; one example is an Ace with suited Tens, where you should hold only the Ace.
If you are dealt three unsuited high cards and the highest is an Ace, discard the Ace and keep the two lower high cards.
If you have four to an inside Straight with two high cards, keep the two high cards. Likewise, if you have only one high card, keep that single card. If no high cards are present, discard all five cards.
Best Jacks or Better Variants to Play Online
Jacks or Better remains one of the most popular video poker variants online – a notable feat given that it is the original game from which all others evolved.
Today, players can choose from an impressive range of Jacks or Better versions, whether they are wagering on the go or from home. Below are some of the most noteworthy options available.
Jacks or Better by Microgaming Jacks or Better Double Up by NetEnt Multi-Hand Jacks or Better by Play’n GO Jacks or Better by Playtech Jacks or Better by RealTime GamingJacks or Better by Microgaming
Microgaming’s Jacks or Better is an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic-style video poker. Because it is a full-pay version, betting five credits per hand awards 800 for 1 when you hit a Royal Flush. As usual, a simple pair of Jacks is the lowest paying hand.
This no-frills release offers minimal graphics, making it ideal for players who crave an experience similar to a traditional video poker machine.
Getting started is easy: adjust your stake and press the draw button.
This game carries an RTP of 99.54% and includes an optional double-or-nothing feature that can be toggled on or off.
Jacks or Better Double Up by NetEnt
Players who enjoy a traditional poker atmosphere should explore NetEnt’s Jacks or Better Double Up. This multi-hand version lets you wager on 1, 5, 10, or 25 hands at once. Like Microgaming’s release, it is a 9/6 game, so a Full House pays 9 for 1 and a Flush pays 6 for 1.
NetEnt has revitalized the classic with modern graphics, yet the sleek visuals are not its only appeal; the game still awards a generous 800 for 1 payout for a Royal Flush.
After any win you may choose the Double Up feature, where five face-down cards appear and you guess whether the next card is red or black. A correct guess doubles your winnings, while an incorrect one forfeits them.
Bets range from just $0.10 up to $50.
Multi-Hand Jacks or Better by Play’n GO
Play’n GO’s Multi-Hand Jacks or Better stands out for its crisp graphics that render beautifully on any device. It’s ideal for players who dislike single-hand play, allowing you to wager on 1, 4, 25, or 100 hands at once.
This sophisticated version is certainly worthwhile, but note that it features reduced payouts on some high-ranking hands: a Full House pays 6 for 1 and a Flush pays 5 for 1.
As with most video poker games, you can stake up to five credits per hand.
Bet sizes range from $0.25 to $25. A double-up feature is also available; after each win, you can try to double your payout (up to 4x) by guessing the color of a face-down card, though an incorrect guess forfeits the winnings.
Jacks or Better by Playtech
Featuring smooth, well-designed graphics, Playtech’s Jacks or Better is a user-friendly option that suits players of all experience levels.
You can choose to play a single hand or bet on 4, 10, 25, or 50 hands simultaneously.
This title is not a 9/6 game; instead, it pays 8 for 1 on a Full House and 5 for 1 on a Flush, making it a standard 8/5 variant.
A double-or-nothing feature triggers after any win, but an incorrect choice forfeits your payout.
Bet limits are flexible, allowing wagers from as little as $0.10 up to $50.
Jacks or Better by RealTime Gaming
RealTime Gaming has also embraced video poker’s popularity with its own Jacks or Better release. While the graphics are straightforward, the gameplay remains engaging.
User-friendly controls make it suitable for players of all skill levels.
RTG’s Jacks or Better is an 8/5 game, paying 8 for 1 on a Full House and 5 for 1 on a Flush. A Royal Flush still awards 800 for 1 when you bet five credits.
After any win, you can access an optional double-or-nothing round by choosing a card higher than the dealer’s face-up card.
Wagering limits are accommodating, ranging from $0.05 to $25 per hand.