VeryWell Video Poker Variants Ranked
Video poker stands out in the online casino world for its blend of skill and chance, offering some of the best odds available. At VeryWell casino, players have access to a wide array of these classic games. This guide cuts through the hype to provide a practical ranking of the most popular video poker variants based on their Return to Player (RTP) percentages, strategic depth, and overall player value, helping you make an informed choice for your next session.
Understanding Video Poker Paytables and RTP
Before diving into specific games, it’s crucial to understand that a video poker game’s paytable is everything. The payouts for each hand, especially the full house and flush, directly determine the game’s theoretical RTP. A “9/6” game, for example, pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush, which is the full-pay version of Jacks or Better with an RTP of 99.54%. Always check the paytable before playing, as lower payouts significantly reduce your expected return. This is the first step to playing smart at any casino, including VeryWell.
Top Tier: The Highest Paying Variants
These games offer the best potential returns for skilled players who use perfect strategy.
- 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54% RTP): The industry benchmark. This classic game is a must-play for beginners and experts alike due to its straightforward strategy and high payoff.
- Deuces Wild (100.76% RTP with optimal play): In “Full-Pay” Deuces Wild (NSU), all four deuces are wild. This game actually offers a player advantage when played perfectly, but the strategy is considerably more complex.
- Double Bonus Poker (100.17% RTP): This variant offers enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, particularly for four aces. It requires a different strategic approach than Jacks or Better.
Mid Tier: Solid Games with Good Returns
These variants are excellent choices, often with a slightly lower RTP but sometimes featuring more exciting gameplay or bonus mechanics.
| Variant | Key Feature | Typical RTP |
|---|---|---|
| Joker Poker | Uses a Joker as a wild card | 98.00% – 99.90% |
| Bonus Poker | Higher payouts for four-of-a-kind | 99.17% |
| Double Double Bonus | Even higher bonuses for specific 4-of-a-kinds | 98.98% |
While their RTP might be a fraction lower, they can be more volatile and offer the chance for bigger individual wins, which many players find appealing.
Low Tier: Variants to Generally Avoid
Some video poker games are notorious for having poor paytables that heavily favor the house. Be wary of any variant that isn’t clearly labeled with its paytable. Games like “6/5” Jacks or Better (where a flush pays 5 instead of 6) have an RTP that plummets to around 95%. Always seek out the full-pay versions. A VeryWell bonus or VeryWell no deposit offer can be a good way to test a game’s paytable without risk, but remember that these offers always come with wagering requirements that affect your real-money outcome.
Maximizing Your Play with VeryWell Promotions
To get the most value from your video poker play, leverage casino promotions effectively. A VeryWell promo code might grant bonus cash that can be used on these games, though always check the terms and conditions. Bonus funds almost always have playthrough requirements (wagering requirements) that must be met before winnings can be withdrawn. Furthermore, while a VeryWell free spins offer won’t apply to video poker, deposit match bonuses often can. Using a bonus on a high-RTP game like Jacks or Better is one of the smartest ways to extend your bankroll and increase your chances of coming out ahead.
Final Ranking and How to Get Started
For the best combination of high RTP and manageable strategy, 9/6 Jacks or Better is our top-ranked variant. It’s the perfect starting point for any player. Our final ranking is: 1) Full-Pay Deuces Wild, 2) 9/6 Jacks or Better, 3) Double Bonus Poker. To begin, we recommend practicing the perfect strategy for your chosen game using free online tools before playing for real money. Then, head over to verywell and claim a welcome offer to start your session with extra value, playing responsibly with a predetermined budget.