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To the untrained eye, a video poker cabinet looks exactly like a standard, luck-based slot machine.

If played with absolutely perfect strategy, certain video poker variations offer some of the highest payout percentages in the entire casino.

The casino adjusts its house edge entirely by changing the payouts for specific hands, usually the Full House and the Flush.

The gold standard for beginners is the classic 'Jacks or Better' variation, specifically the '9/6' paytable.

• Always play 'Max Coins' (usually 5 coins); the payout for a Royal Flush jumps exponentially when playing the maximum bet
• If you cannot afford to play 5 coins at the $1 level, drop down to the $0.25 level so you can afford the maximum bet
• Never sit down at a '6/5' Jacks or Better machine; the casino has increased its edge dramatically to steal your money

You must memorize the hierarchy of holds, or better yet, simply use a printed strategy card while you play.

Casinos legally allow you to hold a printed strategy chart in your hand while playing video poker; they do not consider it cheating.

If you are willing to study the charts and hunt for the right machines, it is undeniably the smartest bet on the digital floor.

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