Learning how to read video poker paytables is one of the fastest ways to move from casual play to genuine strategy – and strategy is what helps us solve all kinds of problems, including those found in games.
Most guides stop at showing what “9/6 Jacks or Better” means, but few explain how those numbers affect your actual holds or why small percentage shifts matter so much.
When you understand how to read paytables, you can spot which version rewards better long-term play and adjust your decisions on every draw.
Step 1: Identify Paytable Families, Not Just Names
Every video poker variant—Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus—belongs to a “paytable family.