Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best game for frequent wins: Jacks or Better
- Best time to do X: Best time to check hit rate: Before choosing a game
- Biggest mistake: Confusing payout frequency with RTP
- Pro tip: High hit rate feels better, but doesn’t mean better odds
What Payout Frequency Really Means
Payout frequency describes:
- how often a hand results in a payout
- how many hands you can expect to lose in a row
- how “busy” a session feels
It does not describe:
- how big wins are
- how profitable a game is
That’s RTP’s job.
Why Players Confuse Hit Rate and RTP
Games with high hit rates:
- feel friendlier
- reduce frustration
- give constant feedback
Games with low hit rates:
- feel brutal
- test patience
- rely on rare big hands
Both can have similar RTP, but feel completely different.
High Payout Frequency Games
Examples:
- Jacks or Better
- Joker Poker (some versions)
Why they pay often:
- many mid-tier hands exist
- pairs and two pair appear frequently
Sessions feel:
- active
- less stressful
- more predictable
These games suit beginners and smaller bankrolls.
Medium Payout Frequency Games
Examples:
- Bonus Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
What changes:
- mid-tier payouts are reduced
- value shifts upward
Sessions feel:
- streakier
- less consistent
- more volatile
But still manageable with discipline.
Low Payout Frequency Games
Examples:
- Double Double Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
Why they pay less often:
- many small hands removed
- value concentrated in rare outcomes
Sessions feel:
- quiet for long stretches
- suddenly explosive
This is where bankroll stress appears.
How Paytables Influence Hit Rate
Even small paytable tweaks:
- remove frequent payouts
- increase reliance on big hands
Two machines with the same name can:
- feel very different
- have different hit frequencies
Always check paytables.
Payout Frequency vs Variance
They’re related, but not identical.
- Hit frequency = how often you win
- Variance = how wild swings feel
Low hit rate usually means higher variance—but not always.
Why Payout Frequency Shapes Session Experience
High hit rate:
- keeps morale up
- slows emotional tilt
Low hit rate:
- tests patience
- increases emotional pressure
Understanding this prevents frustration-driven mistakes.
Online vs Casino Payout Frequency
The math is identical.
What changes:
- speed of play online
- number of hands per hour
More hands means:
- losses cluster faster
- wins arrive faster
Variance compresses.
Choosing a Game Based on Hit Rate
Choose high hit rate if you:
- want steady play
- dislike long losing streaks
- have a smaller bankroll
Choose low hit rate if you:
- accept dry spells
- chase larger wins
- manage swings calmly
Hit rate should match temperament.
Why Beginners Should Start With High Hit Rate Games
Beginners benefit because:
- feedback is frequent
- learning feels rewarding
- mistakes hurt less emotionally
This helps strategy stick.
Common Myths About Payout Frequency
- “More wins means better odds” — false
- “Dry machines are due” — incorrect
- “Hit rate resets daily” — wrong
Frequency doesn’t change outcomes.
Payout Frequency and Tilt
Low hit rate games:
- trigger impatience
- cause overbetting
- break discipline
Knowing hit rate in advance reduces tilt risk.
Using Hit Rate With Bankroll Planning
Lower hit rate requires:
- larger bankroll
- longer sessions
- stricter limits
Ignoring this leads to fast busts.
FAQs on Video Poker Payout Frequency
Does Higher Hit Rate Mean Better RTP?
No. They measure different things.
Can I Increase Hit Rate With Strategy?
No. Strategy affects value, not frequency.
Are Hit Rates Published?
Sometimes, but often estimated.
Is Deuces Wild Low Hit Rate?
Yes, compared to most variants.
Should I Avoid Low Hit Rate Games?
Only if bankroll or patience is limited.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how payout frequency changes across video poker games, the next step is learning how to judge the strength of your starting hand.
Next Article: How to Evaluate the Strength of Your Starting Hand (article #24)
Next Steps
If you want practice tools, read: How to Practice Video Poker Using Training Software (article #22)
If you want decision-making next, read: How to Evaluate the Strength of Your Starting Hand (article #24)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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