How do I play Jacks or Better?

JACKS OR BETTER VIDEO POKER

Jacks or Better video poker is extremely popular because it moves fast and is easy to play, while retaining an element of strategy. The object of Jacks or Better video poker is to attain the highest ranked poker hand. The payoff for each hand is displayed on the video poker machine face.

Let's Play!

At the beginning of each game you are required to place an initial wager.
  1. Select a coin value of either 5¢, 25¢, $1, or $5.
  2. Click the coin slot, Bet One or Bet Max.
  1. To reduce your bet amount, right-click on either the coin slot or Bet One to remove coins. Your bet will be reduced by the amount of the currently selected coin each time you right-click. You can also click Cashout to remove all coins prior to spinning the reels.
  2. Click Deal and five cards will appear face up on the screen.
Rules

Jacks or Better video poker uses a one deck shoe.

The deck is re-shuffled after every hand.

Once the cards are dealt, you may choose to keep any of the cards by either clicking Hold, found directly below the card, or on the card. Once you have selected which cards to hold, click Deal and the remaining cards will be exchanged for new cards.

After this second deal, you are paid out based on the rank of the resulting poker hand.

Jacks or Better Video Poker Hands

Jacks or Better video poker hands are valued based on the following five-card ranking.
 
Hand
Definition
Example
Royal Flush The highest hand in Jacks or Better video poker consists of the following cards: ten, jack, queen, king, and an ace all of the same suit. Royal Flush Royal Flush Royal Flush Royal Flush Royal Flush
Straight Flush Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit. Straight Flush Straight Flush Straight Flush Straight Flush 
Four of a Kind Four cards of the same denomination, one in each suit.     
Full House Three cards of one denomination and two cards of another denomination.     
Flush Five cards all of the same suit.     
Straight Five cards in sequence of any suit.     
Three of a Kind Three cards of the same denomination and two unmatched cards.     
Two Pairs Two sets of two cards of the same denomination and any fifth card.     
Pair of Jacks or Better A pair of jacks or other pairs with a ranking higher than a jack.  

You Win!

A winning hand pays out according to the number of coins wagered and their value.
The following payout schedule illustrates the number of coins to be won if you bet 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 coins.
 
Hand
1 Coin
2 Coins
3 Coins
4 Coins
5 Coins
Royal Flush
500
1000
1500
2000
5000
Straight Flush
50
100
150
200
250
Four of a Kind
25
50
75
100
125
Full House
6
12
18
24
30
Flush
5
10
15
20
25
Straight
4
8
12
16
20
Three of a Kind
3
6
9
12
15
Two Pairs
2
4
6
8
10
Pair of Jacks or Better
1
2
3
4
5