Aces and Faces Video Poker
Aces and Faces is just as clear-cut and enjoyable to play as other online video poker games. This game is based on Jacks or Better, but what makes it different is the increased payout for all Four of a Kind “Faces and Aces” combinations (J, Q, K, and A). The game uses the same standard 52-card deck as Jacks or Better and payouts start as low as Jacks or better.
Aces and Faces Hand Rankings
The hand ranking below shows the winning hands staring with the highest paying hand to the lowest paying hand which is a pair of Jacks or Better.
- Royal Flush
- Four of a Kind Aces
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind Js, Qs, and Ks
- Four of a Kind 2s through 10s
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- Pair of Jacks or Better
How to Apply Aces and Faces Strategy
The following list of recommended hands is specific to Aces and Faces video poker. This is the standard school of thought used by video poker pros to play for the best possible paying hand. Starting from the best possible hand to the lowest paying hand, follow this Aces and Faces strategy to keep the odds in your favor.
- Always go for the Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush first, when possible.
- If those hands are not possible, hold four cards to a Royal Flush.
- Your next best options are a Full House, Flush, or Straight. Then Three of a Kind.
- Next up is four cards to a Straight Flush. Dump the fifth for a chance at a winning hand.
- Two Pair is a good four-card hand to hold onto. Chances are your draw could land you a Full House.
- Always keep high Pairs (Jacks through Aces).
- Keep three cards to a Royal Flush.
- Hang onto four cards to a Flush.
- Keep unsuited K/Q/J/10.
- Further down the list is the low Pair (2s through 10s). Hold the Pair and re-deal three new cards.
- Hold four cards to an outside Straight.
- You’ll want to hold three cards to a Straight Flush and dump the other two (except with Ace low) when you have either no gaps and no high cards, one gap and one or two high cards, or two gaps and two high cards.
- Hold A/K/Q/J unsuited.
- Keep two suited high cards and go for the Royal Flush.
- Keep four of your cards when you are heading towards a Straight with three high cards even with a gap).
- Hold K/Q/J unsuited, Q/J unsuited, K/Q unsuited, or K/J unsuited.
- Keep three cards to a Straight Flush when you have either one gap, two gaps and one high card or Ace low.
- Hold suited J/10 and suited Q/10.
- Keep two unsuited high cards.
- Hold one high card.
- Hang on to three cards to a Straight Flush.
- Discard and re-deal all five cards.
Also, as a rule of thumb, keep a pair of high cards, but discard low pairs. The new cards will offer you a better chance of getting Three of a Kind or better.
The Scoop on Aces and Faces Video Poker
While there are riskier video poker variants out there, Aces and Faces offers a bit more for those looking to step it up a bit from the more common Jacks or Better or Tens or Better. If you find yourself growing bored, move over to Aces and Faces to challenge your skills just a bit more. Once you master it, your payouts will also improve.
