Play Jacks or Better Online Free

About Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is the standard video poker game and the one worth learning first, because it has a correct play for every hand. You're dealt five cards, choose which to hold, and the rest are replaced — a pair of jacks or better pays, and the payouts climb from there to the royal flush.

Unlike a slot machine, your decisions matter. Which cards to hold from a given deal has a mathematically best answer, and playing it well is a genuine skill.

How to play Jacks or Better

Hold cards

Click the cards you want to keep

Draw

Click deal to replace the rest

1. You're dealt five cards.
2. Choose which to hold.
3. The rest are replaced on the draw.
4. A pair of jacks or better pays; better hands pay more.

Jacks or Better tips

• Never break a paying hand for a long-shot draw, with rare exceptions.
• Four to a flush or an open-ended straight is usually worth keeping over a low pair.
• Hold three to a royal flush over a made low pair.
• Never hold a kicker with a pair — it only reduces your draws.

Jacks or Better — questions