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Progressive: N/A
Type: Video Poker
Theme: Poker
Volatility: High
Release Date: N/A
Video Poker is one of the most popular casino games of all time. It’s especially popular in the US, where it made its name on the floors of some of the most iconic gaming venues in Las Vegas, for example. But, video poker is very much a bracket term, as there are multiple versions of it available to play.
Now, suppose you were to ask any video poker enthusiast about the game and which version they have played the most. In that case, they will undoubtedly lean towards the subject of today’s review, Jacks or Better, which is also known as Draw Poker.
You could say that Jacks or Better is right up there with the best of them because it’s been around the longest, which is true when compared to many other versions. But for it to stand the test of time and to remain at the top of its game tells you just how popular it is.
And, you will often find that Jacks or Better attracts a few slot players because rather than being entirely based on chance, skill can play its part, which is significant. It’s another reason why millions of video poker fans love their Jacks or Better action.
Gameplay
If you’re new to video poker and Jacks or Better, what you’re essentially playing is a simplified version of poker combined with slot game elements. So, you could say that it’s the best of both worlds for punters. Everything that is good from one side is merged into the final product of Jacks or Better.
The simple gameplay is another positive where Jacks or Better is concerned because the aim of the game is to have a final hand of, well, Jacks or Better. If this is the case, you’re going to be a winner, and that’s why everyone plays, right?
To get started, players must select how much they plan to wager. Each version of Jacks or Better will likely have a different betting range, but they’re usually suitable for everyone. Five cards will then be dealt, and punters will have the option to discard as many of them as they like.
Replacement cards are then dealt to replace those that have been discarded. They will go towards the final hand a player has, and the stronger it is, the more they will win. Again, you are aiming to see a hand that includes Jacks or Better at this point.
Best Casinos To Play Jacks Or Better
Most, if not all online casinos, will have dedicated sections for video poker nowadays. And this applies to platforms based in Canada, the US, the UK and beyond. If you’re going to welcome video poker players to a service, you will ideally have the most popular version of it available, which is Jacks or Better. So, for video poker enthusiasts, it won’t take long for them to find an excellent online casino to play the game at.
Because of the popularity of Jacks or Better, it’s very much the jewel in the crown for online casino operators. So if they want to attract video poker players, they will do so by showing off the various Jacks or Better titles they have available to play on their platform.
Punters will be able to enjoy Jacks or Better in-browser, via a software download or on a bespoke app. So, regardless of how you prefer to play, you’re going to enjoy Jacks or Better in the way that suits you best.
If all the above wasn’t enough, because of video poker and Jacks or Better’s popularity, players will receive perks that they can use to their advantage when playing. Deposit Bonuses from Welcome Ofers and Reload Deals are ideal for this scenario.
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If you love your Video Poker, you will naturally think that Jacks or Better is great. And it is. It’s not the most popular version of video poker for no reason. It’s stood the test of time and remained the best for decades. And, you are going to find it at all the top online casinos.
It doesn’t matter if you’re completely new to video poker, either. Jacks or Better is the perfect game to welcome you to the scene because it’s simple to play and get the hang of. So, what could be better than a fun version of video poker that is welcoming to anyone and everyone? Jacks or Better is a must-play for these reasons.
Jacks or Better Rules
In keeping with the simple gameplay, the rules of Jacks or Better are incredibly straightforward too. It’s arguably another reason why so many people are fans of the game because there aren’t any long-winded and complex rules they must remember when playing.
As always, things begin with the basics, and they are that Jacks or Better works in the same way as five-card draw versions of poker. You’re going to get five cards, you can hold or discard as many as you like, and then the next hand is your final hand. There are no exceptions where this is concerned.
Once a player has selected how much they want to wager, this is also final. The bets are made at the start of the game and not during. So, any bets placed outside the betting window will be void and not count. So, knowing how much you plan to wager is crucial before you get started.
Finally, when the deciding hand is visible, the game will make any payouts when you’re playing online. You must have a hand that contains a pair of jacks or better. Otherwise, you won’t be a winner. High cards do not count either.
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Jacks or Better Tips
Some people will suggest that Jacks or Better, and any version of video poker, will come down to luck. And, they may have a point in a way because you could say it’s the luck of the draw in terms of the cards that are dealt to a player. However, there are strategies punters can use that will strengthen their claims.
All the strategies and tips are available in their dozens online, but they will all relate to what you hand in hand from the first five cards that are dealt. So, for example, if you only have a high card, you should draw four. If you have a pair, take three cards. And so on.
A lot of tips are generally straightforward. And, when a player gets used to playing, everything will become second nature to them. But, the best tip of all is to combine the above and the expected with bankroll management.
It’s important to remember that video poker games such as Jacks or Better don’t last long where rounds are concerned. So, even if you have a big bankroll, it can be swallowed up quickly. Therefore, setting a staking strategy first is a must-do.
Why Jacks Or Better Is So Popular?
A game doesn’t become known as the most popular version of video poker for no reason. And, one of said reasons is, of course, because it’s been around a lot longer than other types. As a result, punters have gotten used to playing it, and it has seamlessly moved from the casino floors of Vegas and other places into the online world.
The simplicity to Jacks or Better is another positive because while you could say skill and strategy will play a part, it remains a game for everyone. There isn’t really much of a learning curve, so even beginners can fire up a game and start playing immediately. Talking of how accessible the game is, you will also see betting ranges are there to include punters of all budgets.
The casino universe, especially online, is littered with games of chance. But what we see in Jacks or Better is a game that will let skill have some influence. Punters can devise strategies, which can move the odds slightly more in their favour.
Pros
- The best version of video poker around
- Simple gameplay
- Perfect for mobile users
- Low volatility
- Available at most online casinos
Cons
- Gameplay can become repetitive
- The best hands are difficult to come by
- You will get through games quickly, which can prove costly
- Massive wins are unlikely
- More advanced versions of video poker are available
The best possible hand, as it is in poker in general, is the Royal Flush. It’s where a punter has an ace to ten straight of the same suit.
The lowest hand that will pay is one of jacks. Any pairs of a lesser value will not result in a payout.
A hand of a pair of jacks will pay evens, or 1:1.
The top payout available is the 250:1 for a Royal Flush.
Jacks or Better is available to play on desktop devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones.
There will be the option to download software to play in some places. But usually, you will play Jacks or Better in-browser or on a bespoke mobile casino app.
The house edge in Jacks or Better is usually around the 0.5% mark.
The average RTP is around 99.54%, which is excellent and another reason why Jacks or better is so popular.
There are free versions of Jacks or Better online, which will allow punters to hone their skills.
You must be at least eighteen years old to start playing Jacks or Better at most online casinos. Some will require players to be twenty-one.
Other fun versions of video poker are Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker and Double Bonus Poker.
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