Video Poker Glossary

A pay table displays the payout schedule for all winning hand combinations in a video poker machine. Different casinos and machines offer varying pay tables for the same game type. The pay table directly impacts the game's return to player percentage. Higher payouts for premium hands indicate a more favorable machine. Always examine the pay table before playing, as even small differences in payouts significantly affect long-term results and strategy decisions.

Return to Player percentage represents the theoretical amount of wagered money a video poker machine returns to players over an extended period. Expressed as a percentage, RTP is calculated using optimal strategy and perfect play. Most video poker games offer RTP between 95% and 101%, significantly higher than slot machines. RTP varies based on the specific game type, pay table structure, and coin denomination. Understanding RTP helps players identify which machines offer the best mathematical value.

Video poker hand rankings follow standard poker hierarchy. From lowest to highest: High Card, Pair, Two Pair, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. Royal Flush is the highest and typically offers the largest payout. Different video poker variants may weight these hands differently in their pay tables. Royal Flush usually requires betting maximum coins to achieve the full payout value.

Hold strategy determines which cards to keep after the initial deal and which to discard for replacement. Strategy charts provide mathematically optimal decisions based on the pay table and probability calculations. Proper hold strategy is essential for achieving the advertised RTP. Many video poker variants have published strategy charts that players can reference. Computer analysis has determined optimal decisions for virtually every possible hand combination.

Expected Value is the average amount a player can expect to win or lose per unit wagered over time. Calculated by multiplying probability by payout for each possible outcome, EV guides strategic decisions. Positive EV decisions increase long-term profits, while negative EV decisions decrease them. In video poker, optimal strategy maximizes positive EV by prioritizing hands with the highest expected return based on pay tables.

Variance describes the fluctuation in results around the expected value. High variance games have greater swings between winning and losing sessions. Video poker generally offers moderate variance compared to slots. Understanding variance helps players manage expectations and bankroll requirements. A higher variance game requires a larger bankroll to weather downswings while pursuing long-term RTP returns.

The most common video poker variant where the minimum winning hand is a pair of Jacks. This game establishes the baseline for video poker strategy and serves as the reference point for RTP calculations. Jacks or Better typically offers RTP between 99% and 99.5% with optimal play on full-pay machines.

In Deuces Wild, all four deuces act as wild cards, substituting for any card to complete winning hands. This variant dramatically increases the probability of forming premium hands. The pay table is adjusted accordingly, with lower payouts for common hands. Strategy differs significantly from Jacks or Better due to the wild card element.

Double Bonus Poker offers bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind combinations, particularly Aces and face cards. The pay table features enhanced rewards for these premium hands, requiring strategic adjustments. Players must carefully evaluate holding patterns to maximize bonus potential while maintaining overall RTP.

Coin denomination refers to the monetary value of each bet unit. Video poker machines commonly offer multiple denominations: penny, nickel, quarter, and dollar machines. Some progressive machines require maximum coin bets to qualify for the largest jackpot. Denomination affects both bankroll requirements and potential payout levels.

Bankroll management involves determining an appropriate total gambling budget and session limits. A proper bankroll should accommodate variance in the chosen game variant and denomination. Financial experts recommend never gambling with money designated for essential expenses and maintaining strict loss limits.