Video poker / 4 min READ
The paytable is the game.
Why 9/6 and 8/5 Jacks or Better are very different propositions.
AtomicStorm editorialUpdated 2026-09-17Start with the full house and flush
In standard Jacks or Better, “9/6” describes a payout of 9 units for a full house and 6 for a flush. An “8/5” version pays less for both hands. The name on the machine can stay the same while the mathematics changes.
| Paytable | Full house | Flush | Theoretical return* | House edge* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6 | 9 | 6 | 99.54% | 0.46% |
| 8/6 | 8 | 6 | 98.39% | 1.61% |
| 8/5 | 8 | 5 | 97.30% | 2.70% |
*Rounded returns assume optimal strategy for each exact table, the standard remaining payouts, and an 800-for-1 royal flush payout at the qualifying wager. These are long-run figures, not session forecasts.
What the difference means
Using these rounded returns, $1,000 of total wagering has a theoretical cost of about $4.60 at 9/6 and $27 at 8/5. Total wagering includes money replayed after wins; it is not the same as your deposit. Actual outcomes can differ substantially.
Check the complete table
Confirm every payout, including the royal flush, at your selected denomination and number of credits. Use the strategy for that exact variant. A stronger table does not remove the house edge.
A bonus adds another layer: verify whether video poker is allowed and how much its wagers contribute. An attractive base return is not a substitute for reading the promotion’s terms.