Learn optimal Joker Poker video poker strategy. Full-pay Joker Poker returns over 100% with perfect play - one of the few player-favorable casino games.
Expected Return = Σ(Payout × Probability) × 100Expected Return
100.65%
House Edge
-0.65%
Player Advantage!
Variance
High
Due to wild card
100.65% return - player advantage!
Full-pay Joker Poker returns 100.65% with perfect strategy - you have a 0.65% edge over the casino! This is one of the few casino games where the player has a mathematical advantage.
| Hand | Payout | Probability | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800x | 0.0020% | 1.60% |
| Five of a Kind | 200x | 0.0110% | 2.20% |
| Wild Royal Flush | 100x | 0.0100% | 1.00% |
| Straight Flush | 50x | 0.0540% | 2.70% |
| Four of a Kind | 20x | 0.8530% | 17.06% |
| Full House | 7x | 1.5210% | 10.65% |
| Flush | 5x | 1.1060% | 5.53% |
| Straight | 3x | 1.8130% | 5.44% |
| Three of a Kind | 2x | 13.2390% | 26.48% |
| Two Pair | 1x | 10.9970% | 11.00% |
| Kings or Better | 1x | 15.0740% | 15.07% |
If none of the above apply, keep just the joker and draw 4 new cards.
...continue with lower pairs, 4-card draws, and high cards.
Joker Poker is a video poker variant that uses a 53-card deck (standard 52 cards plus one joker). The joker is wild and can substitute for any card. Full-pay Joker Poker has over 100% return, making it one of the few player-favorable casino games.
The best Joker Poker is "Full Pay Kings or Better" which returns 100.65% with perfect strategy. This version pays for a pair of Kings or Aces as the minimum hand. Look for machines paying 7/5 for full house/flush with Kings or Better.
A natural royal flush uses only the standard 52 cards (no joker) and typically pays 800 coins. A wild royal flush uses the joker to complete the royal and usually pays 100 coins. Always go for the natural royal when possible.
Yes, always! The joker is never thrown away in proper strategy. Even if you have nothing else, holding just the joker gives you the best chance of making a paying hand. The joker can become part of trips, straights, flushes, and more.
Quick-start with common scenarios
Expected Return
100.65%
House Edge
-0.65%
Player Advantage!
Variance
High
Due to wild card