I have often heard it said that the old ones are the best and this somewhat early offering from the Microgaming drawing board has a lot to commend it. I have had plenty of cash taken from me by players with just a single pair and a lot of chutzpah but this game offers me a chance to get my own back even if it is only against a computer programme.

As is often the case, the name says it all and the “Jacks or Better” video poker game offers its players a paytable that extends, if not all the way to bottom pair, at least to any pair that is composed of Jacks or better. It also includes a reward for those who can amass a humble two pair however small they may prove to be and thus offers an edge over the average video poker paytable that normally closes the doors on all hands lower than three of a kind.

Although it’s not one of the latest video poker releases “Jacks or Better” displays all of the quality graphics and smooth performance normally associated with Microgaming products and its simple, totally intuitive controls should not tax any player’s patience.

Despite the lack of any wildcard, I managed quite a profitable session when playing this game. I was aided considerably by the extended rankings and found that I produced sufficient high pairs and two pair hands to keep me afloat, two full houses and a four of a kind left me comfortably ahead for my fifteen minute workout. I think at least some of my success was due to the fact that I declined to accept the invitation to double up on all but the smaller 5 and 10 credit wins. In my opinion I would describe the commonly offered double up option as nothing more than a sucker bet that is best avoided.

Upgrades to the basic game mean that it is now also available in 10 play, 50 play and 100 play power versions at selected venues.