Indeed you are familiar with video poker in general. This game, which is a very successful symbiosis of draw poker and a slot machine, is spread all over the world. It is in demand among customers of online casinos and land-based clubs. Few famous software developers offer versions of classic and unique video poker.
Why Is Video Poker So Popular?
The gameplay is not diverse, the graphics are rarely exquisite, and the animation is reduced to minimal effects. However, tens of thousands of users play video poker to beat the casino.
What attracts them to video poker? First of all, it is a low house edge.
It does not exceed a few tenths of a percent in many game variants. In some cases, you can even get an advantage over the casino. Of course, you need to master an optimal strategy and other professional techniques, but it is worth a try.
Experts call Jacks or Better the best kind of video poker. They recommend amateurs start with this video poker, and many professionals play Jacks or Better all their lives, preferring it to any other variations.
Here are ten arguments in favor of Jacks or Better.
1. Jacks or Better Poker Has a High RTP
As mentioned above, this video poker has a pretty high payback (also known as the return to the player or RTP).
- The Jacks or Better 9/6 offers 99.54%.
- Accordingly, the house edge is 0.46%.
- For comparison, it is 2.7% on European roulette, and in most modern video slots, the casino edge is more than 3.5%.
This is the essential characteristic for pragmatic customers who want to beat the casino. That's why they prefer video poker's monotonous gameplay and boring design to exciting bonuses and entertaining slots animation.
Important clarification:
The RTP of 99.54% can be achieved only if you wager five coins. In this case, there is an increased payout for the Royal Flush.
Do not forget to check all the characteristics if you get acquainted with a new game.
2. Jacks or Better Is a Widespread Game
There are more profitable varieties of video poker, but they are much harder to find. Moreover, some are found only in certain land-based casinos, so most users can not afford to play them regularly.
Jacks or Better is available everywhere. In any gambling club offering video poker, there are several such machines. If a software developer for Internet gambling produces gambling games of this type, Jacks or Better is undoubtedly in the portfolio.
Let's agree it is essential to be able to play your favorite gambling game at any time.
3. Jacks or Better Strategy Is Easy
A basic strategy has been developed for each type of video poker. If the classical rules change, the strategy should be revised accordingly. It is the only way to achieve the highest payback.
The strategy for Jacks or Better is not very complicated. Moreover, it is intuitive. Most of its tips seem reasonable, and a few less apparent recommendations are easy to remember.
In many other versions of the game, everything is much more problematic.
Experts advise learning video poker using the example of Jacks or Better, considering it the cornerstone. Later, it will be easy for a beginner to understand the strategies for other types of this game.
Learn the theory and practice in online casinos by running free video poker Jacks or Better.
- On gambling websites, no one will forbid a novice to use cribs.
- The absence of the dealer and neighbors on the table allows you to play at a comfortable speed.
- Every game has a Help section with a complete description of the rules.
To understand the nuances of the basic strategy, go to the particular section of Casinoz.
4. Jacks or Better Has Low Volatility
This aspect can be called variability, variance, or volatility. The higher it is, the greater the deviation from the theoretical payback. In games with high variability, there is a chance to get a large payout in one round, but a black streak can also be prolonged, which is dangerous for players with small bankrolls.
In Jacks or Better, the volatility is low (for comparison, it is twice lower than in Double Double Bonus Poker). Poker combinations are often formed during the gameplay, but large payouts are rare.
Let us mention that volatility is a feature, not an advantage or disadvantage.
It is easier for novices with limited budgets to keep the situation under control if the risk factor is low. That's why a low variance would be a benefit for them.
The low volatility of Jacks or Better video poker will also help customers who like to play for a long time in the casino but do not have a significant bankroll. Sticking to a moderate range of bets, you can stay afloat for hours, even if fortune is not on your side and you have not thoroughly studied the basic strategy.
Usually, the minimum betting threshold in video poker Jacks or Better is low. It can start with a few cents, making the game available to all customers. On the other hand, games with high maximum amounts attracting high rollers are standard.
At online casinos, video pokers may have very extensive bet ranges, from micro limits to several thousand euros per hand.
6. You Can Play Jacks or Better on Several Hands
In some varieties, the multi-hand option is available. This allows you to bet on several hands in one round. This feature is not provided for all video poker, but in the case of Jacks or Better, it is implemented in the games by many major providers.
After receiving the cards, you decide which ones to keep. They are duplicated on all hands. Then new cards are dealt from separate decks to each hand. Payouts are charged individually for all combinations.
7. Jacks or Better Can Offer Progressive Jackpots
Some gambling developers implement jackpots into this video poker. Usually, to win it, you must get a Royal Flush. The bet must be five coins. The nuances should be clarified in each case.
8. You Can Double Up Payouts in Jacks or Better
Many customers like the opportunity to try to double the payout. For example, you can start the double-up game if the payout is minimal.
It takes place in the format of a card comparison. You see five cards. One of them is face-up. You need to pick one of the face-down cards.
- If it beats the open card, your payout doubles.
- You lose your money if it is lower than the "dealer's" card.
- There can also be a draw.
Usually, you can gamble several times in a row until you reach the maximum limit.
Less often, the double-up game has other versions. For example, you need to guess the color of the card.
9. Casinos Hold Jacks or Better Tournaments
Video poker tournaments are not as famous as in the past, but they are still in demand among customers in many gambling clubs. Jacks or Better is traditionally one of the games on which such events are arranged.
10. Jacks or Better Is Available on Smartphones
This is one of the first game versions released for mobile casinos. Now, you can play Jacks or Better on almost any smartphone or tablet. All novelties of this genre come with a particular version of the interface designed for touch screens.
Other Features of Jacks or Better
Next, consider some critical issues that should not be ignored if you intend to play Jacks or Better Poker for money.
In most American offline casinos, video poker players enjoy additional benefits, such as free services, gifts, extra comp points, cashback, etc. This allows professionals to make a living playing video poker.
If you play Jacks or Better often in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, read books and articles by experienced players. For example, Jacks or Better Edge by Linda Boyd.
Internet casino operators have a more cautious attitude toward video poker. Often, this game can not be used for bonus wagering. It may be subject to restrictions on comp points and so on. Keep this in mind if you love rewards and other promotions.
Here are several video poker games for online casinos.
How to Choose Jacks or Better Poker
Finally, read a few valuable recommendations for novice fans of video poker.
- Look for Jacks or Better 9/6 – The payout for a full house is nine coins; for a flush, it is six coins. The Jacks or Better 8/5 is also widely spread. The same combinations give you eight and five chips, respectively.
- Check the paytable - Software providers sometimes change standard payout rates in paytables. This affects the RTP.
- Be wary of bonuses – Not all bonus features are beneficial for players. If you see some prize function, check the standard rules. They may be stricter.
- Choose original games from reliable providers - Play only licensed Jacks or Better known brands. Once and for all, give up fake video poker.
Tips on how to beat Jacks or Better are published in particular articles in the thematic section of Casinoz.
Conclusion
Do you love Jacks or Better? Do you often play video poker for money or prefer the free mode?
Share your opinions in the comments. Write reviews about the game, list your favorite models, and boast of hefty payouts.
