Variations of Video Poker: Jacks or Better
When it comes to Video Poker variants, there are few games more popular than the “Jacks or Better” game. For this game, the concept is pretty simple: The player has to get a pair of Jacks or better in order to win. It is the very simplicity of these rules that make the Jacks or Better variant the quintessential style of video Poker.
The gameplay is simple. As in regular Five Card Draw Poker, the player is dealt five cards. The player decided which cards they will keep and which ones to throw away. Based on which cards the player chooses to keep in their hand, this will be a direct influence as to how much money a person should expect to win or lose per hand.
Naturally, no payout size will be the same. The more unique and harder to obtain hand, the higher the money earnings. While a harder to obtain hand is where the good payouts are made, the real money is made through progressive bonuses.
In the beginning, people who have usually played “Jacks or Better” have been slot machine players, due to the connected familiarity of machine-based gaming. Over time, however, the player choice evolved into players who are less interested in player involvement, and a better overall payout return than what slots provide. In actuality, “Jacks or Better” makes for one of the better payout rates in a casino game.
Truth be told, when played perfectly (which isn’t really that hard), a Jacks or Better game generally has almost no house edge. That’s why it’s a favorite of many serious casino gamblers.
There is also a version of Jacks or Better that allows a win on a pair of tens. This is an even better game, with a skilled player almost totally eliminating any house edge. Unfortunately, the “tens or Better” version is not as common in terms of actual machines in play.
When it comes to an easy to learn game with a high payout return, there are few games that can do better than “Jacks or Better” (pun very much intended). It is a fun game that makes electronic gaming a breeze, and becomes a much better choice than slot machine gaming overall. So the next time you find yourself in a casino, and you are wanting a more leisurely gambling evening, be sure to track down a “Jacks or Better” machine, insert a little money, and let the good times roll (or, more accurately, deal… but it doesn’t sound as good.)
