Jacks or Better is similar to most standard poker games, with the ranking of the hands the same as in normal poker. The objective is to get the best-paying hand, a winning hand.

As the game begins, a five card hand is dealt, and you may keep or throw away as many cards as you like. After selecting the card(s) you want to hold or get rid of, the cards you didn't want to keep are replaced with new cards. If the new hand consists of a winning set of cards, you win.

Pay tables go according to standard winning poker hands, with the Jacks or Better hand being the only addition. To get Jacks or Better, you need to be holding a hand with a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces.

Jacks or Better Strategy:

When playing jacks or better, review your hand very carefully, then follow the guidelines below, to increase your chances of winning.

Hold all paying hands you're dealt, but break up a lesser paying hand if you get four cards that could go to a royal flush (see winning hands section).

If you are dealt a non-paying hand, try the following:

Hold any four cards that could go to a straight flush.

Hold any three cards that could go to a royal flush.

Hold any four cards that could go to a flush.

Hold any low pair (tens or lower).

Hold any four-card consecutive straight.

Hold any two high cards of the same suit.

Hold any three cards that could go to a straight flush.

Hold J, Q, and K of different suites.

Hold any two high cards of different suites.

Hold J, Q or K with a Ten of the same suit.

Hold any single high card.

If you didn't get dealt any of the above, draw five new cards.