Core Concepts

Pay Table

A pay table displays the payout ratios for each winning hand combination in video poker. It shows how much money you'll receive for each coin wagered. Different machines offer different pay tables, which significantly impacts your expected return. For example, a "9/6" Jacks or Better machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush with a one-coin bet, while a "8/5" machine pays less. Always compare pay tables before playing, as they directly affect your return to player percentage.

Return to Player (RTP)

The Return to Player percentage represents the average amount a player can expect to receive back over an extended period of play. Video poker machines typically offer RTP percentages ranging from 95% to over 99%, depending on the game type and pay table. This statistical measurement assumes optimal play using correct strategy. Understanding RTP helps players evaluate machine value and make informed decisions about which games to play.

House Edge

House edge is the mathematical advantage the casino maintains over players, expressed as a percentage. It represents the difference between 100% and the RTP. For example, a machine with 98% RTP has a 2% house edge. Even with perfect strategy execution, this edge ensures casinos profit over time. Lower house edges are more favorable to players, making careful game selection important for maximizing your money's effectiveness during play sessions.

{{ICON_COINS}} Hand Rankings & Strategy Terms

Royal Flush

The highest-ranking hand in video poker, consisting of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 all of the same suit. This rare hand offers the largest payout and is the primary target when making strategic decisions. Many advanced strategy charts prioritize holding cards that could develop into a Royal Flush, as its significantly higher payout can substantially improve overall returns compared to other winning combinations.

Kicker

A kicker is a card that holds a lower rank than the primary cards in your hand but still contributes to the hand's value. In video poker strategy, deciding whether to keep or discard kickers is crucial. For example, when you have a pair, determining whether to hold a high kicker depends on the specific pay table and game variation. Optimal strategy charts provide precise guidance on when keeping kickers improves your expected value.

Draw

In video poker, a draw refers to discarding unwanted cards to receive replacements from the remaining deck. Strategic draws target hands with potential for improvement. Common draws include drawing three cards to a pair hoping for three-of-a-kind or a full house, or drawing one or two cards to incomplete high hands. The probability of successful draws and their expected payouts dictate optimal strategy in each situation.

Hold

To hold means to keep certain cards from your initial hand when drawing. Deciding which cards to hold is the core decision in video poker strategy. Optimal strategy tables specify exactly which cards should be held in each possible situation based on mathematical calculations of expected value. Mastering holds is essential for achieving the theoretical RTP percentage on any video poker machine.

Strategic Terminology

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management refers to disciplined money allocation for gaming sessions. It involves setting specific limits on how much you're willing to spend and adhering to those limits regardless of wins or losses. Effective bankroll management ensures entertainment value without financial stress. Professional approach involves dividing your bankroll into session amounts and never exceeding predetermined loss limits, protecting your financial wellbeing.

Variance

Variance measures the fluctuation in results around the theoretical average. Video poker experiences high variance due to the importance of rare high-paying hands like Royal Flushes. Even with optimal play and positive expected value, you may experience losing sessions. Understanding variance helps players maintain perspective during downswings and avoid making emotional decisions that deviate from proven strategy.

Expected Value (EV)

Expected value represents the average outcome of a decision based on mathematical probability. In video poker, each hold or draw option has an EV calculated from potential outcomes weighted by their probability. Optimal strategy always selects the action with the highest positive expected value. Understanding EV helps explain why certain seemingly unusual plays are actually correct according to mathematical analysis.

Game Variations

Jacks or Better

The most common and beginner-friendly video poker variation. The minimum winning hand is a pair of Jacks. This game's relatively straightforward pay table and strategy make it ideal for learning fundamental video poker concepts. The standard "9/6" pay table offers approximately 99.5% RTP with optimal play, providing some of the best odds available in video poker.

Deuces Wild

A variation where all 2s (deuces) act as wild cards, substituting for any other card. This significantly increases the frequency of winning hands and creates entirely different strategy requirements. Because deuces are wild, the game features different pay table structures and hand rankings. Natural hands (made without using wild cards) typically pay more than hands containing wild cards, rewarding skill in recognizing when to pursue natural combinations.

Double Bonus Poker

This variation offers bonus payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands, particularly those with specific card combinations. For example, four Aces may pay more than four Kings. The enhanced payouts for specific hands make Double Bonus Poker more volatile than standard games but can offer excellent returns with optimal play and suitable pay tables.