Patrick Spins Video Poker Variants Ranked

Video poker offers a unique blend of slot machine simplicity and strategic decision-making, making it a favorite for players who like to influence the outcome. At Patrick Spins casino, the selection is diverse, but not all games are created equal. This is a practical, no-nonsense ranking of the video poker variants available, focusing on RTP (Return to Player), strategic depth, and overall value for your bankroll. We’ll cut through the hype to help you choose the right game for your style and goals.

1. Understanding Video Poker Paytables and RTP

Before ranking the games, you must know how to evaluate them. The key is the paytable, which dictates the payouts for each hand and, ultimately, the game’s RTP. A full-pay Jacks or Better game, for instance, offers a 9/6 paytable—meaning it pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 for a Flush. This configuration results in a 99.54% RTP with perfect play. Always check the paytable before playing any variant at Patrick Spins. A 8/5 Jacks or Better (96.15% RTP) is significantly worse than a 9/6 game. Your first step should always be to locate the games with the most favorable paytables.

2. Top Tier: Deuces Wild and Bonus Poker

The highest RTP games are typically found in the Deuces Wild category. A full-pay “Not So Ugly Ducks” Deuces Wild game can offer an RTP of over 99.7% with optimal strategy, making it one of the best bets in the entire casino. The catch is that the strategy is complex; all four deuces are wild, drastically changing hand values. Bonus Poker is another strong contender, often featuring an RTP around 99.6% for its full-pay version. It adds enhanced payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands, rewarding players who hit those less common combinations. These games are your best choice for maximizing theoretical returns.

3. Mid Tier: Jacks or Better and Double Double Bonus

This tier contains the most popular and widely available variants. Classic 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54% RTP) is the industry standard for a reason: its strategy is easier to learn and it provides a solid return. Double Double Bonus Poker is also prevalent, offering excitingly high payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands with Aces. However, its RTP is usually slightly lower than Jacks or Better (around 98.98% for a full-pay version), and the strategy is more volatile. Your bankroll will experience bigger swings. These games offer a great balance of entertainment and value.

4. Low Tier: Joker Poker and Tens or Better

Be cautious with these variants. Joker Poker introduces a joker as a wild card, but the paytables are often adjusted downward, resulting in an RTP that frequently falls between 97% and 98%. Similarly, Tens or Better changes the qualifying hand from a pair of Jacks to a pair of Tens, which sounds appealing but is always accompanied by reduced payouts elsewhere on the table, leading to a lower overall RTP. While they can be fun for a change of pace, they are statistically less favorable for the player seeking long-term value. Always check the specific paytable before committing.

5. Using Bonuses and Playing Strategically

To get the most out of your session, consider how you fund it. Using a Patrick Spins bonus can give your bankroll a crucial boost. However, read the terms carefully: video poker playthrough contributions can be lower than slots, often around 10-20%. This means a 35x wagering requirement effectively becomes a much more manageable 3.5x to 7x on your bonus amount. A Patrick Spins no deposit offer or Patrick Spins free spins on other games can be a good way to test the platform before depositing. Remember, no bonus outweighs the importance of playing with a strategy card for your chosen variant to minimize the house edge.

6. Final Verdict and How to Get Started

For new players, we recommend starting with 9/6 Jacks or Better due to its straightforward strategy and high RTP. As you gain experience, venture into Bonus Poker or Deuces Wild to pursue even better returns. Your action plan is simple:

1. Find the game’s paytable and confirm its RTP.
2. Use a strategy chart specific to that variant and paytable.
3. Consider using a Patrick Spins promo code on your first deposit to secure a matched bonus, giving you more hands to play.
4. Set win/loss limits and stick to them.

Ultimately, the best variant is the one you enjoy that also offers a fair return. For a great selection of these games, you can visit Patrick Spins and put this ranking to the test.