If you've ever stood in front of a row of video poker cabinets wondering which machine truly pays best, the term "Game King paytable" is the key to unlocking smarter choices. Game King is synonymous with multi-game video poker terminals found in many casinos; the paytable printed on each game determines how much each hand returns and ultimately drives your expected return. This guide explains how to read those paytables, what to look for in specific Game King titles, and practical tips to turn paytable knowledge into better decisions at the machine.
What a "Game King paytable" actually shows
A paytable is the rulebook for a video poker game written in numbers. It lists hand types (Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, etc.) and the payout for each if you cover them with a winning combination. For Game King machines you’ll typically see the table laid out in a compact grid, often with different payout columns for different bet sizes or hands-per-round options.
Important elements on a Game King paytable:
- Hand hierarchy and precise payouts for each rank.
- Special rules (wild cards, jokers, or deuces wild).
- Multipliers for maximum coins — many games reward a five-coin bet with a super-sized Royal payout.
- Multi-hand or bonus features indicated on multi-play versions (3-play, 10-play, 50-play).
Classic example: Reading a Jacks or Better Game King paytable
Jacks or Better is the most common video poker variant. A widely respected “full-pay” version is the 9/6 table. The numbers denote payouts for the full house and flush — in this case, 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush (for a one-coin scale these values are proportional). A standard 9/6 Jacks or Better paytable typically lists:
- Royal Flush — 250 (or 800 when betting five coins)
- Straight Flush — 50
- Four of a Kind — 25
- Full House — 9
- Flush — 6
- Straight — 4
- Three of a Kind — 3
- Two Pair — 2
- Jacks or Better — 1
Why 9/6 matters: small changes in the full house or flush payout drop the theoretical return significantly. Spotting 9/6 versus 8/5 on a Game King paytable can mean the difference between a player-favorable edge (with perfect play) and a sizable house advantage over time.
Common Game King variants and what their paytables tell you
Game King machines often offer several popular poker games. Here’s a practical breakdown of what to watch for in each:
- Jacks or Better — Look for 9/6 full-pay tables. Anything lower should be treated with caution unless you’re playing for entertainment.
- Deuces Wild — Paytables vary significantly. Some versions pay generously for four-of-a-kinds and better, while others reduce mid-range payouts. The best paytables keep wild-hand payouts elevated.
- Bonus Poker / Double Bonus — These focus on increasing payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. Observe the payout for quad Aces and other quads; higher quad payouts raise variance but can increase expected return.
- Joker Poker — With a joker as a wild, the paytable must be generous on high hands to offset the wild-card dynamics.
How to compare paytables quickly — a practical approach
When I first started, I’d pace the casino floor with a notepad, jotting numbers and mentally comparing tables. Over time I learned to scan paytables like a pro: look at the full house and flush values first for Jacks or Better; for wild games, check four-of-a-kind and five-kind payouts; for joker and bonus games, check the royal/straight flush multipliers.
A quick checklist to compare two Game King paytables:
- Which variant is it (Jacks, Deuces, Joker, Bonus)?
- Are the full house/flush values standard for the variant?
- Is the royal payout enhanced for maximum coin bets?
- Do special bonuses exist (e.g., double jackpots, progressive royals)?
Strategy and bankroll considerations tied to paytables
Knowing a paytable isn’t enough — optimal decisions depend on strategy charts built specifically for that paytable. For example, Jacks or Better strategy for a 9/6 table differs slightly from an 8/5 table. Here are actionable rules that have helped me avoid costly mistakes:
- Use published strategy charts or practice with a simulator for the exact Game King paytable you’re playing.
- Set a bankroll tuned to the game’s variance. Bonus games with large quad payouts are high-variance and need deeper pockets.
- When you find a strong Game King paytable, stick to consistent bet sizing that aligns with the coin-multiplier rewards — betting five coins on Jacks or Better is typically required to access the top royal payout.
Online vs. land-based paytables — what changes?
Game King cabinets dominate land casinos; online equivalents exist but are sometimes marketed under different skins. The core principle remains: paytables determine returns. Online sites may allow you to view full paytables and even practice play with free modes; use those to verify before wagering. When looking online, always confirm the exact paytable layout — a game named the same can have a different paytable and expected return.
Finding the best Game King paytable in the wild
Casinos rarely advertise which machines are “best” — you have to look. Here are proven tactics to find favorable tables quickly:
- Scan banks of machines during off-peak hours when staff are less likely to shuffle games; look for 9/6 tags and high quad/royal multipliers.
- Ask floor staff; a professional question like “Do you have any full-pay Jacks or Better Game King machines?” can sometimes yield direct guidance.
- Use smartphone photos to capture paytables and compare later — but be discreet and follow casino rules.
Using technology and training tools
There are many training apps and simulators designed to teach optimal play for specific paytables. A short practice session with the exact Game King paytable you plan to play reduces mistakes and increases expected return. When I switched from casual play to disciplined practice, my variance felt less punishing and I was able to extract more value from favorable paytables.
Where to learn more and verify paytable details
If you want a reference point to view sample Game King paytables or practice plays, reputable gaming guides and casino strategy sites are useful. You can also check interactive resources that display paytables side-by-side. For quick access to a resource while you're on the go, consider visiting Game King paytable for general comparisons and game descriptions. If you prefer a second source to cross-check specific paytable columns, return to the same link for a consistent reference: Game King paytable.
Final checklist before you play
- Confirm the exact Game King paytable numbers — small differences matter.
- Load the correct strategy for that paytable; practice first if possible.
- Bet to access maximum coin bonuses when it’s mathematically justified.
- Keep disciplined bankroll rules to manage variance.
Conclusion
Understanding the Game King paytable transforms video poker from a guessing game into an informed decision-making process. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a Royal or aiming for consistent, small wins, the paytable is your map. Spend time learning how to read it, practice optimal strategy for that table, and treat favorable paytables as opportunities rather than guarantees. With the right approach, you’ll know exactly when to play, when to walk away, and how to squeeze the most value from every session.
