What Is the Difference Between Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker?

If you are a fan of video poker, you have probably come across two popular variations of the game – Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two that can affect your gameplay and strategy. In this article, we will dive into the details and explore what sets these two games apart.

The Basics

Jacks or Better is one of the most commonly played video poker games, and it is often used as a baseline for other variations. The goal of the game is to make a hand containing at least a pair of Jacks or higher.

The better your hand, the higher your payout will be. Bonus Poker, on the other hand, adds an extra layer of complexity by introducing bonus payouts for certain hands.

Hand Rankings

One of the main differences between Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker lies in their respective hand rankings. In Jacks or Better, the standard poker hand rankings apply – from highest to lowest: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair and Jacks or Better (a pair of jacks or higher). Bonus Poker follows the same basic ranking system but offers bonus payouts for certain Four-of-a-Kind hands.

PRO TIP:When playing video poker, Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker are two of the most popular variations of the game. The main difference between these two variations is in the payout for a Full House and Flush. In Jacks or Better, a Full House pays out 9 coins for each coin bet while in Bonus Poker, a Full House will pay out a bonus amount of 25 coins for each coin bet. Similarly, a Flush in Jacks or Better pays out 6 coins while in Bonus Poker it pays out 20 coins. Therefore, if you want to maximize your chances of winning higher payouts then you should opt for playing Bonus Poker instead of Jacks or Better.

Bonus Payouts

The added bonus payouts in Bonus Poker are what make it stand out from other video poker games. Specifically, you can earn more money for hitting Four-of-a-Kind hands with certain cards. For example:

  • Four Aces will earn you a 400-coin bonus (compared to 125 coins in Jacks or Better)
  • Four 2’s through 4’s will earn you a 40-coin bonus (compared to 25 coins in Jacks or Better)
  • Four 5’s through Kings will earn you an 80-coin bonus (compared to 25 coins in Jacks or Better)

Strategy

Because of the differences in hand rankings and bonus payouts, the strategy for playing Jacks or Better versus Bonus Poker can vary. In general, you will want to play a tighter game in Jacks or Better, as there are no extra bonus payouts to be gained. In Bonus Poker, you may want to take more risks and try to hit those high-paying Four-of-a-Kind hands.

Conclusion

In summary, while both Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker are video poker games with similar gameplay mechanics, they differ in their hand rankings and offer different bonus payouts. Understanding these differences can help you choose which game to play based on your personal preferences and playing style. Regardless of which game you choose, remember to always practice responsible gambling habits and have fun!