A video poker strategy chart ranks possible holds from strongest to weakest for a specific game and paytable. You scan the chart from the top down and hold the first matching pattern. The order matters because the best play is based on expected value, not on what looks safest.
Quick Facts
- A chart must match the exact game.
- Paytable changes can change the best play.
- You read the chart from top to bottom.
- The first matching line is usually the hold.
- Charts simplify analyzer math into practical rules.
- Some charts include penalty-card exceptions.
- A simple chart is easier but less exact than an advanced chart.
Plain Talk
A strategy chart is a compressed version of video poker math. Instead of running an analyzer for every hand, you use a ranked list of holds.
For example, a Jacks or Better chart may tell you to hold a made full house before chasing four to a royal. It may rank low pairs, high pairs, four to a flush, three to a royal, and high-card combinations in a specific order.
The chart is not written by opinion. It comes from expected value analysis. If you want the math behind it, see expected value of a hold and the video poker analyzer guide.
How It Works
Here is the basic method:
- Identify the exact game.
- Verify the paytable.
- Use the chart for that game and paytable.
- Look at your five dealt cards.
- Start at the top of the chart.
- Stop at the first line that matches your hand.
- Hold those cards and draw.
The Wizard of Odds strategy maker shows how charts can be generated for different games. Their 9/6 Jacks or Better optimal strategy page also demonstrates how detailed strategy can include close calls and penalty-card logic. For broad return comparison, the Wizard of Odds video poker summary tables show why game selection and strategy assumptions matter.
A chart for Deuces Wild should not be used for Jacks or Better. A Double Double Bonus chart should not be used for Bonus Poker. Same cabinet, different game, different math.
Video Poker Hand Example
You are dealt 9♠ 9♦ K♣ Q♣ J♣ in Jacks or Better.
A beginner may see K-Q-J suited and think about straight flush or royal possibilities. But a low pair is usually a strong hold in Jacks or Better because it already has value and can improve to trips, full house, or four of a kind.
A strategy chart settles this by rank order. If “low pair” appears above that suited high-card draw, you hold the pair. The chart does not care which play feels more exciting.
From the Casino Side:
Casinos know that most players do not follow exact strategy. Many players use partial memory, guesswork, or slot-machine habits. That creates extra hold for the house.
A slot manager can place a full-pay-looking game in a busy area and still rely on mistakes, speed, and coin-in. Marketing may rate the player based on theoretical loss, while the actual machine result swings.
Surveillance is not concerned that a player understands a chart. Good strategy is allowed unless the player is using prohibited devices or violating house rules. The casino edge is protected mainly through paytable selection, game mix, denomination, and volume.
Common Mistakes
- Reading the chart from the middle instead of the top.
- Using a generic “video poker strategy” chart for every game.
- Ignoring paytable differences.
- Holding a made hand because it feels emotionally safer.
- Chasing royals too often.
- Memorizing exceptions before learning the core chart.
- Using a complicated chart so poorly that it becomes worse than a simple chart.
Hard Truth
A strategy chart is only as good as the player using the right chart at the right machine.
FAQ
Do I need a strategy chart to play video poker?
No, but without one you are probably giving up return through bad holds.
Are all video poker strategy charts the same?
No. They differ by game, paytable, and level of detail.
Why does the chart order matter?
Because the chart is ranked by expected value. The first matching line usually beats the lower matching lines.
Is a simple chart good enough?
For casual play, a simple chart can prevent major mistakes. For top return, advanced strategy is more accurate.
Can a chart guarantee profit?
No. It improves decision quality. It does not remove house edge, volatility, or bad short-term results.
Can I use a chart at the casino?
Printed strategy cards are often tolerated, but policies vary. Electronic assistance during play may be restricted.
Deeper Insight
Strategy charts are built from all possible draws. When you hold a set of cards, the remaining deck creates a fixed universe of possible results. The chart ranks holds by average value.
This is why charts sometimes recommend plays that feel strange. They may ask you to break a made hand, ignore a flashy draw, or hold only one high card. Those decisions are not about confidence. They are about long-term average return.
The strongest learning path is to use a chart with the video poker analyzer. When a chart line surprises you, check the hand. The explanation will stick better than memorizing a rule blindly.
Formula / Calculation
Expected Value of a Hold = Average return from all possible draws after holding selected cards
Best Hold = Hold with the highest expected value
RTP = Sum of each hand probability × hand payout
House Edge = 1 - RTP
Strategy Error Cost = Optimal Hold EV - Chosen Hold EV
Formula Explanation in Plain English
If the correct hold is worth 1.42 credits on average and your chosen hold is worth 1.18 credits, the mistake costs 0.24 credits in long-term value every time that situation appears.
That may sound small. Repeated over hundreds or thousands of hands, those small leaks become real money.
Related Reading
Next, read penalty cards explained and drawing odds in video poker. For practical play, compare Jacks or Better strategy, Deuces Wild strategy, and Double Double Bonus strategy. For cost control, use the house edge calculator and expected loss calculator.