Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best low-volatility game: Jacks or Better
- Best time to do X: Best time to think about volatility: Before you choose a machine
- Biggest mistake: Picking games by RTP alone
- Pro tip: Volatility affects how it feels, not the long-term math
What Volatility Means (In Plain English)
Volatility describes:
- how often you win
- how big those wins are
- how results cluster over time
Low volatility:
- frequent small wins
- smoother sessions
High volatility:
- fewer wins
- bigger swings
- longer dry spells
Volatility does not change RTP.
Volatility vs RTP: The Key Difference
- RTP tells you how much a game returns over many hands
- Volatility tells you how bumpy the ride is along the way
Two games can share similar RTP but feel completely different because of volatility.
Why New Players Feel Volatility More
Beginners often:
- play short sessions
- have smaller bankrolls
- expect steady results
High volatility clashes with all three, making losses feel personal even when they’re normal.
Low-Volatility Video Poker Games
Examples:
- Full-pay Jacks or Better
- some Joker Poker variants
Why they’re beginner-friendly:
- frequent payouts
- smaller swings
- easier bankroll control
These games teach fundamentals without emotional overload.
Medium-Volatility Games
Examples:
- Bonus Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
What changes:
- fewer small wins
- higher reliance on premium hands
These games feel streakier but manageable with planning.
High-Volatility Video Poker Games
Examples:
- Double Double Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
- progressive video poker
Characteristics:
- long losing streaks
- rare but massive wins
- heavy bankroll demands
Exciting, but unforgiving for new players.
How Paytables Increase Volatility
Even small paytable changes can:
- remove frequent payouts
- concentrate value in rare hands
Always check:
- full house payouts
- flush payouts
- premium hand values
Paytables quietly control volatility.
Why Volatility Causes Tilt
High volatility:
- tests patience
- triggers overbetting
- encourages machine hopping
Knowing volatility upfront prevents emotional mistakes.
Bankroll and Volatility Go Together
Higher volatility requires:
- larger bankroll
- longer sessions
- stricter limits
Ignoring this is the fastest way to bust.
Volatility and Session Length
Short sessions:
- exaggerate volatility
- feel harsher
Long sessions:
- smooth results
- reflect RTP better
Volatility doesn’t disappear—it averages out.
Online vs Casino Volatility
The math is identical.
Online play:
- is faster
- compresses results
- makes swings appear sooner
Speed intensifies volatility perception.
Choosing Volatility Based on Goals
Choose low volatility if you:
- want steady play
- are learning strategy
- have a smaller bankroll
Choose high volatility if you:
- accept long dry spells
- chase big hits
- manage swings calmly
There’s no “best”—only what fits you.
Common Volatility Myths
- “High volatility means worse odds” — false
- “Low volatility guarantees wins” — false
- “A cold machine is due” — false
Volatility describes distribution, not fate.
How to Reduce Volatility Impact
You can’t change volatility, but you can:
- choose appropriate games
- manage bankroll size
- limit session length
- stick to strategy
Control the environment, not the math.
FAQs on Video Poker Volatility
Is Volatility the Same as Variance?
Yes, in casino terms.
Can Strategy Lower Volatility?
No. Strategy improves EV, not volatility.
Should Beginners Avoid High Volatility?
Usually, yes.
Does Multi-Hand Increase Volatility?
Yes—significantly.
Does Volatility Change Online?
No. Only speed changes.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand video poker volatility, the next step is learning why some players actually prefer multi-play formats.
Next Article: Why Some Players Prefer Multi-Play Video Poker (article #27)
Next Steps
If you want machine selection, read: How to Choose the Best Video Poker Machine Based on Goals (article #25)
If you want multi-play insight next, read: Why Some Players Prefer Multi-Play Video Poker (article #27)
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!
