Experienced players can hit 800 or even 1,000 hands an hour. It feels like skill. On most machines, it's just a faster way to pay the casino's edge.
The math
Your hourly cost is hands per hour × bet per hand × the edge. Speed is one of three numbers multiplied together, so doubling it doubles the cost.
Quarter 8/5 Jacks or Better at five coins:
- 400 hands an hour: about $13.50 an hour on average
- 800 hands an hour: about $27 an hour on average
Nothing about the game changed. You just played twice as much of it.
Speed also costs accuracy
Most mistakes happen on close decisions, and close decisions are exactly what fast players rush. A pace that adds errors costs you twice: more hands, and worse holds.
When speed helps
Cashback and points are paid per dollar played, so faster play earns them faster too. On a strong pay table with good cashback, that can matter.
On a game that returns more than 100% with perfect play, speed is how you earn faster. These are rare, and only worth chasing if your play is near perfect.
A comfortable pace
Play at the speed where you never feel rushed on a hard hand. Take a breath on anything unusual. Your bankroll lasts longer, and your play gets better.
