Pay tables are a crucial aspect of online video poker, as they determine the payouts for different hands and can significantly influence your overall success in the game. Understanding how to read and analyze pay tables can help you choose the right game and improve your odds of winning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding pay tables in online video poker.

Understanding Pay Tables in Online Video Poker

1. What Is a Pay Table?

A pay table in video poker is a chart that displays the payouts for various hands based on the number of coins wagered. It lists the different winning combinations, such as a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, and more, along with the corresponding payouts.

2. Importance of Pay Tables

Determines Game Payouts: The pay table directly affects the overall payout percentage or Return to Player (RTP) of the game. Games with better pay tables offer higher payouts and better chances of long-term profitability.
Influences Strategy: Different pay tables can require different strategies. For example, a game with a higher payout for a Full House may influence how you play certain hands compared to a game with a lower payout.

3. Key Components of a Pay Table

Hand Rankings: The pay table lists the standard poker hands, from the highest (Royal Flush) to the lowest (usually a pair of Jacks or Better). Each hand’s payout is shown based on how many coins you bet.
Payouts for Coin Levels: Pay tables usually show payouts for betting 1 to 5 coins. The payout for a Royal Flush often increases disproportionately when you bet the maximum 5 coins, which is why it’s recommended to always bet the maximum if your bankroll allows.

4. Common Video Poker Pay Tables

9/6 Jacks or Better: One of the most popular and favorable pay tables. The “9/6” refers to the payout for a Full House (9 coins) and a Flush (6 coins) on a 1-coin bet. This pay table offers a high RTP, often around 99.54% with optimal strategy.
8/5 Jacks or Better: A less favorable version of Jacks or Better, where the Full House pays 8 coins and the Flush pays 5 coins. This pay table typically offers a lower RTP compared to the 9/6 version.
Deuces Wild: In Deuces Wild, the pay table will reflect the presence of wild cards (2s). Full-pay Deuces Wild games have a higher RTP (around 99.73%), but some versions have reduced payouts for hands like Four of a Kind or Straight Flush, lowering the RTP.
Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus Poker: These games offer higher payouts for specific Four of a Kind hands. The pay tables can be more complex, and the RTP can vary based on the specific version of the game.

5. Analyzing Pay Tables

Identify Full-Pay Games: A “full-pay” game offers the highest possible payouts for the hands on the pay table. For example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better game is considered full-pay. Avoid “short-pay” games that offer reduced payouts, as they have a lower RTP.
Compare Similar Games: When choosing between different versions of a video poker game, compare their pay tables to see which one offers better payouts for key hands. A small difference in payouts can have a big impact on your long-term results.
Use Pay Tables for Strategy: Understanding the pay table helps you make better strategic decisions. For instance, in Double Double Bonus Poker, you might adjust your strategy to aim for the higher payouts associated with certain Four of a Kind hands.

6. The Impact of Pay Tables on RTP

RTP and Pay Tables: The RTP of a video poker game is directly linked to its pay table. A favorable pay table means a higher RTP, giving you better odds of winning over time. For example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better game has an RTP of around 99.54%, while an 8/5 version might only offer an RTP of around 97.3%.
Calculating RTP: While you don’t need to calculate RTP manually, knowing the relationship between pay tables and RTP helps you choose games that offer the best value.

7. Practical Tips for Using Pay Tables

Always Bet Max Coins: In many video poker games, the top payout (especially for a Royal Flush) is only available when you bet the maximum number of coins. Always bet max coins if you can afford it to take advantage of the full pay table.
Seek Out Full-Pay Machines: When playing online, look for games advertised as “full-pay” to ensure you’re getting the best possible payouts.
Practice with Different Pay Tables: Use free play or demo modes to familiarize yourself with different pay tables and how they affect gameplay and strategy.

Conclusion

Understanding pay tables is crucial for any serious online video poker player. By knowing how to read and analyze pay tables, you can make informed decisions about which games to play and how to adjust your strategy for maximum returns. Always look for full-pay games, and remember that even small differences in pay tables can have a significant impact on your long-term success.