First up and most important, the full-pay Jokers Wild (JW) pay schedules will be 7/5 machines, with 7 coins for a Full House and 5 coins for a Flush.
There are two versions out there: one returns money on a pair of kings or better, the other requires at least two pair before there is a payout. The former is the more desirable, full-pay version so be sure to look for it.
These strategies for Jokers, unlike Jacks or Better, reflect the wild card, a 53-card deck, and the different payouts. This game is almost as volatile as Deuces Wild, where the original 5 cards dealt are discarded more often than Jacks or better.
If you don't hold the Joker, keep three cards to a Royal Flush over a pair of aces or kings because of the higher payout. You could catch another ace or king and still be paid.
If three cards are consecutive cards for a Straight Flush, i.e., 5, 6, 7 of hearts, discard other cards, even a small pair, for the higher payback. If the cards aren't consecutive, keep the small pair.
Finally, don't be afraid to hold the joker alone. More than 3% of the time, you won't be able to connect with a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or a high pair. But holding the joker only can give you four new cards and a win.
Go to WINNERonline's Video Poker page for more playing tips and our list of VP sites.
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