Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Skill to Learn First: Hand rankings
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Learn: Before playing for real money
- Biggest mistake: Mixing slot thinking with poker hand values
- Pro tip: Always read the paytable—hand rankings can change by variant
Why Hand Rankings Matter in Video Poker
Unlike table poker, video poker doesn’t involve:
- bluffing
- betting rounds
- reading opponents
Your entire outcome depends on what final hand you make and how the machine’s paytable values that hand. Knowing rankings tells you:
- which hands are worth chasing
- which cards to hold
- which hands aren’t good enough to keep
Without this knowledge, you’re guessing.
Important Note: Rankings Can Change by Variant
In standard poker, hand rankings are fixed. In video poker:
- some games add wild cards
- some adjust payouts
- some introduce new hands
This article focuses on standard rankings, with notes where variants differ.
Standard Video Poker Hand Rankings (Lowest to Highest)
High Card (No Pay)
Example:
♠A ♦10 ♣8 ♥5 ♠3
- No matching cards
- No straight
- No flush
This hand does not pay. In most cases, you’ll discard everything unless holding high cards strategically.
One Pair (Usually Jacks or Better)
Example:
♠K ♦K ♣7 ♥4 ♠2
Most video poker games only pay for:
- Jacks
- Queens
- Kings
- Aces
Lower pairs usually don’t pay unless you’re in a special variant.
Two Pair
Example:
♠Q ♦Q ♣9 ♥9 ♠4
Two different pairs:
- stronger than one pair
- pays more consistently
Often a solid stopping point if you already have it on the deal.
Three of a Kind
Example:
♠8 ♦8 ♣8 ♥K ♠5
- Pays more than two pair
- Less common
- Valuable in many variants
In wild-card games, three of a kind may rank differently.
Straight
Example:
♠5 ♦6 ♣7 ♥8 ♠9
Five cards in sequence:
- suits don’t matter
- Aces can be low or high
Some games rank straights lower or higher depending on the paytable.
Flush
Example:
♠2 ♠6 ♠9 ♠J ♠K
Five cards of the same suit:
- sequence doesn’t matter
- usually pays more than a straight
In some variants, flush payouts are reduced to lower RTP.
Full House
Example:
♠10 ♦10 ♣10 ♥4 ♠4
A combination of:
- three of a kind
- one pair
This hand is extremely important because full house payouts are often reduced on short-pay machines.
Four of a Kind
Example:
♠A ♦A ♣A ♥A ♠7
One of the most valuable hands:
- strong payout
- key contributor to overall RTP
Many video poker variants modify four-of-a-kind payouts heavily.
Straight Flush
Example:
♠5 ♠6 ♠7 ♠8 ♠9
- five-card sequence
- same suit
Rare but very valuable. Pays significantly more than four of a kind in most games.
Royal Flush (Top Hand)
Example:
♠10 ♠J ♠Q ♠K ♠A
- highest-ranking hand
- biggest payout
- often tied to max-coin bonuses
Most of the game’s volatility comes from chasing this hand.
How Wild Cards Change Rankings
In games like Deuces Wild:
- certain cards act as wild
- hand rankings shift
- new hands appear
For example:
- Five of a Kind becomes possible
- Full houses may rank lower than flushes
Never assume rankings are identical across variants.
Why Paytables Must Be Checked First
Hand rankings alone don’t tell the full story. The paytable determines value, not just the name of the hand.
Two machines might:
- both say “Jacks or Better”
- both use standard rankings
- pay different amounts
Always confirm payouts before committing money.
Common Beginner Mistakes With Hand Rankings
New players often:
- overvalue low pairs
- chase unlikely straights
- break paying hands incorrectly
Understanding rankings prevents these costly errors.
How Rankings Connect to Strategy Charts
Strategy charts:
- assume correct hand rankings
- prioritize hands based on payout value
If you don’t understand the rankings, charts look random. Once rankings are clear, charts become logical.
Why Rankings Feel Different Than Table Poker
Table poker emphasizes:
- relative strength
- opponent behavior
Video poker emphasizes:
- absolute hand value
- fixed payouts
A hand that feels “weak” in table poker might still be profitable in video poker.
Learning Tip: Memorize the Top Half First
You don’t need to memorize everything at once. Start with:
- what pays
- what doesn’t
- which hands are premium
This alone improves decision-making quickly.
FAQs on Video Poker Hand Rankings
Are Video Poker Hand Rankings Always the Same?
No. Variants and wild cards can change rankings.
Is a Flush Always Better Than a Straight?
Usually yes, but paytables may reduce its value.
Do Low Pairs Ever Pay?
Only in specific variants.
Is a Royal Flush Always the Best Hand?
In standard games, yes.
Should Beginners Memorize Rankings First?
Yes. Rankings are the foundation of strategy.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how video poker hands are ranked, the next step is learning how machines use those rankings to determine payouts.
Next Article: How Paytables Work in Video Poker & Why They Matter (article #4)
Next Steps
If you want mechanics, read: The Difference Between Video Poker and Slot Machines (article #2)
If you want payouts next, read: How Paytables Work in Video Poker & Why They Matter (article #4)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
Gridzy Hockey is Shurzy’s daily NHL grid game where you pretend you’re “just messing around” and then suddenly you’re 15 minutes deep arguing with yourself about whether some 2009 fourth-liner qualifies as a 40-goal guy.
If you think you know puck, prove it. Go play Gridzy right now!
