Ever stroll through the casino floor and wonder which video poker machine will give you the best bang for your buck? The answer lies in finding a full pay machine. These hidden gems offer the best returns and can turn an ordinary game into a winning spree.
What is a Full Pay Machine?
Full pay machines are the cream of the crop in the video poker world. They offer the highest possible payouts for each winning hand, giving you the best chance of maximizing your returns. Think of them as the gold standard for video poker – if you can find one, you’re in for a sweet ride.
Why It Matters: Playing on a full pay machine significantly lowers the house edge, meaning more of your money stays in your pocket. Over the long run, full pay machines can make a huge difference in your overall winnings.
Key Characteristics of Full Pay Machines
To spot a full pay machine, you need to know what to look for. Here’s a breakdown of the essential characteristics and how to identify them.
1. Paytable Payouts
The paytable is your roadmap to finding a full pay machine. It lists the payouts for each possible hand, and understanding these numbers is crucial. Let’s use “Jacks or Better” as our go-to example, since it’s one of the most common video poker games.
Full Pay “Jacks or Better” Paytable:
| Coins | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four-of-a-Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks of Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Key Numbers to Look For:
Full House: Pays 9 coins for 1 coin bet (known as 9/6).
Flush: Pays 6 coins for 1 coin bet.
Machines that pay these amounts are considered full pay. If you see lower payouts, like 8/5 or 7/5, move on – those are not full pay machines.
2. Game Variants and Their Paytables
Different video poker games have their own standards for full pay. Here are a few popular ones:
“Deuces Wild” Full Pay:
- Four Deuces: 1,000 coins for max bet
- Royal Flush: 4,000 coins for max bet
- Wild Royal Flush: 125 coins
- Five of a Kind: 75 coins
- Straight Flush: 45 coins
“Double Bonus Poker” Full Pay:
- Four Aces: 160 coins for 1 coin bet
- Four 2s, 3s, or 4s: 80 coins
- Four 5s through Kings: 50 coins
- Full House: 10 coins (10/7 for full house and flush)
Pro Tip: Always check the paytable before you start playing. Compare it to the standard full pay values for that game to ensure you’re getting the best payouts.
Full pay machines often have a higher payback percentage – the theoretical return to the player over time. For example:
9/6 Jacks or Better: Offers a payback percentage of about 99.54% with optimal play.
Full Pay Deuces Wild: Can offer a payback percentage up to 100.76% with perfect strategy, meaning it’s possible to have a slight edge over the house!
These high percentages mean that full pay machines offer some of the best returns in the casino, making them highly sought after by savvy players.
4. Machine Labels and Casino Guides
Sometimes, casinos label their full pay machines or provide guides to help players find them. Look for signs or ask casino staff where the best video poker machines are located. Some casinos even have dedicated areas for their full pay machines.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, don’t be shy – ask the staff! They can often point you in the direction of the best machines.
Why Full Pay Machines Are Worth the Hunt
1. Better Returns: Full pay machines offer the best payouts, reducing the house edge and increasing your potential returns. Over time, this can add up to significant savings and more money in your pocket.
2. More Fun: Knowing you’re playing the best possible version of the game adds to the enjoyment. You’re getting the most value for your bets, making every hand a bit more exciting.
3. Skill Pays Off: Full pay machines reward players who use optimal strategy. If you’ve taken the time to learn the best plays, full pay machines give you the best opportunity to leverage your skills.
Think of full pay machines as the VIP section of video poker. Why settle for less when you can play with the high rollers?
Go for the Gold with Full Pay Machines
Finding a full pay machine can be like discovering a hidden treasure on the casino floor. Armed with the knowledge of what to look for – from paytables to payback percentages – you’re ready to hunt down these gems and maximize your winnings. So next time you’re in the casino, keep your eyes peeled for those full pay paytables and get ready to play like a pro. Remember, the best payouts are waiting for those who know where to look.
Got a tip on spotting full pay machines or a story about your video poker adventures? Share it in the comments below! We love hearing about your casino insights and experiences.
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