Video Poker comparison

9/6 vs 8/5 Jacks or Better

Compare two common Jacks or Better pay tables and why strategy must match. Includes assumptions, worked examples, and links to the relevant methodology.

Reviewed by Casino Calculated Editorial TeamPublished September 21, 2026Last reviewed September 21, 2026

The labels describe full-house and flush payouts. Reducing both payouts removes substantial return and can change close strategy decisions.

Pay-table item9/68/5
Full house9 for 18 for 1
Flush6 for 15 for 1
Optimal theoretical returnAbout 99.54%About 97.30%

Compare the cost, not only the label

Common denominatorExpected loss = total action × house edge

Keep wager volume and the edge denominator the same on both sides. If one figure uses only the initial wager and another uses all money ultimately at risk, convert them before drawing a conclusion.

For a $1,000 block of comparable action, each one percentage point of house edge represents $10 of theoretical loss. That is a long-run average, not a forecast for one session, but it makes small-looking rule differences easier to value.

How to use this comparison

Confirm that the posted rules match the assumptions above. A familiar game name does not override a different payout, dealer procedure, pay table, qualification rule, commission, or denominator. If one material rule differs, return to the full game guide and model that version separately.

Table-check procedure

  1. Photograph or write down the complete pay table and mandatory wagers.
  2. Identify which outcomes push, qualify, receive commission, or trigger bonus awards.
  3. Match the exact variant to a documented record or calculator.
  4. Compare expected cost at the amount of action you realistically expect to play.