10JQKAROYALVideo Poker
Intermediate

Video Poker Progressives

Complete Advantage Play Strategy Guide

10JQKAROYAL
10JQKAROYAL

Video Poker

Quick Stats

Expected Edge

Varies (positive when meter high)

Bankroll Required

High ($3,000-5,000)

Time to Learn

2-3 weeks

Additional Metrics

typical Breakeven
Royal at $2,000-$2,500
royal Frequency
~40,000 hands
adjusted Strategy
Required

Overview

Video poker games where the royal flush jackpot increases with play. When the meter reaches certain thresholds, the game becomes positive expectation.

Strategy

Calculate breakeven point based on base pay table. Play only when progressive exceeds breakeven plus buffer for variance. Use strategy adjusted for progressive royal (play more aggressively for royal flush draws).

What to Look For

  • High royal flush meters
  • Good base pay tables
  • Lower denominations reduce bankroll requirements
  • Player tracking benefits
  • Multiple progressive machines (team opportunities)

Risks & Considerations

  • Royal cycle is 40,000-50,000 hands
  • Other players may get royal first
  • Base pay table often reduced on progressives
  • High variance even when +EV
  • Casino may reset meter or remove machines

Pro Tip

Always start with proper bankroll management. Even with an edge, variance can be brutal. Never risk more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single session, and ensure you have at least 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stakes.

Video Poker Pay Tables

Compare pay tables and RTP percentages for optimal play

RTP = Return to Player percentage with optimal strategy. Higher is better! Look for 9/6 Full Pay (99.54%).

9/6 Full Pay

Uncommon

EXCELLENT
99.54%
RTP
royal Flush
800
straight Flush
50
four Of Kind
25
full House
9
flush
6
straight
4
three Of Kind
3
two Pair
2
jacks Or Better
1
Variance
19.51
Std Dev
4.42
Volatility
Low
RECOMMENDED - SEEK THIS OUT!

8/5

AVOID
97.35%
RTP
royal Flush
800
straight Flush
50
four Of Kind
25
full House
8
flush
5
straight
4
three Of Kind
3
two Pair
2
jacks Or Better
1
Variance
19.51

Hand Frequencies (Optimal Play)

HandFrequencyPer 1000 HandsPercentage
royal Flush1 in 40,6010.0250.0025%
straight Flush1 in 9,1480.1090.011%
four Of Kind1 in 4232.3640.236%
full House1 in 86.8611.511.151%
flush1 in 90.7911.011.101%
straight1 in 89.0511.231.123%
three Of Kind1 in 13.5747.4%
two Pair1 in 812512.5%
jacks Or Better1 in 4.6217.421.74%

Pro Tips

  • • Always look for 9/6 machines (9 coins for full house, 6 for flush)
  • • Never play 6/5 or 8/5 - the house edge is too high
  • • Royal flush hits about once every 40,000 hands - be patient!
  • • Use optimal strategy - every mistake costs you money
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