Jacks or Better Strategy

Master optimal Jacks or Better video poker strategy. Enter your hand and get the mathematically correct play for maximum expected value.

Formula:EV = Σ (Outcome Probability × Payout)

Recommendation

Enter 5 cards

Based on optimal strategy

Your Hand

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Strategy Priority Chart

Hold the highest-ranking hand from this list. Higher priority beats lower.

#HandActionEV
1Royal FlushHold all 5800.00
2Straight FlushHold all 550.00
3Four of a KindHold all 525.00
44-to-Royal FlushHold 4, draw 118.66
5Full HouseHold all 59.00
6FlushHold all 56.00
7Three of a KindHold 3, draw 24.31
8StraightHold all 54.00
94-to-Straight FlushHold 4, draw 13.40
10Two PairHold 4, draw 12.60
11High Pair (JJ+)Hold pair, draw 31.54
123-to-Royal FlushHold 3, draw 21.41
134-to-FlushHold 4, draw 11.22
14Low Pair (22-TT)Hold pair, draw 30.82
154-to-Outside StraightHold 4, draw 10.68
162 Suited High CardsHold 2, draw 30.58
173-to-Straight FlushHold 3, draw 20.54
182 Unsuited High CardsHold 2, draw 30.49
19Suited JT/QT/KTHold 2, draw 30.47
201 High Card (J/Q/K/A)Hold 1, draw 40.47
21NothingDraw 50.36

Quick Answer

Jacks or Better optimal strategy: Always hold pat hands (Royal, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind). Hold 4-to-a-Royal over any made hand except pat SF. Never break a made Flush for 4-to-a-Royal unless it's a $4,000 progressive.

Key Facts

  • ✓Perfect strategy reduces house edge to 0.46% on 9/6 machines
  • ✓A Royal Flush contributes 2% to total return - never discard!
  • ✓Always hold high pairs (Jacks+) over 4-to-a-flush draws
  • ✓Break a low pair for 4-to-a-flush or 4-to-outside-straight
  • ✓Never hold a kicker with a high pair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the optimal strategy for Jacks or Better?▼
The optimal strategy involves holding cards in a specific priority order. Made hands (Royal through High Pair) are always held. For drawing hands, prioritize: 4-to-Royal > Made Flush > Made Straight > 4-to-SF > 4-to-Flush > Low Pair > 4-to-Outside-Straight > 2 High Cards > 1 High Card. With perfect play on 9/6 machines, expected return is 99.54%.
Should I ever break a made flush?▼
Only break a made flush for a 4-to-Royal Flush draw. The Royal pays $4,000 for max bet while the flush pays only $30. With ~1/47 chance of completing the Royal, the EV of drawing is higher than keeping the certain flush. Never break a flush for less than 4-to-Royal.
How do I handle low pairs vs drawing hands?▼
A low pair (2s through 10s) beats most drawing hands but loses to 4-to-a-flush or 4-to-an-outside-straight. Keep the low pair over 3-to-a-flush or inside straight draws. The pair gives you two chances to improve (trips or two pair) while the draws have fewer outs.
What is the biggest strategy mistake in video poker?▼
The biggest mistake is holding a kicker with a high pair. For example, holding J-J-A instead of just J-J reduces your chances of Four of a Kind and Full House. Another common error is breaking a low pair for two unsuited high cards - the pair has higher EV.