Video Poker Glossary

The pay table displays the payout amounts for each winning poker hand combination. Different video poker machines offer different pay tables for the same hands. The pay table directly determines the game's return percentage. A single coin difference in payouts for a specific hand can significantly impact long-term returns. Comparing pay tables is fundamental to finding the best machines and most profitable games.

Return to Player is the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that players can expect to receive back over extended play with optimal strategy. Expressed as a percentage, RTP represents the inverse of the house edge. Video poker games often feature RTP percentages ranging from 95% to over 99% with perfect strategy, significantly better than many other casino games. Understanding RTP helps players identify games with favorable odds.

House edge represents the mathematical advantage the casino maintains over players, expressed as a percentage of the original bet. It's calculated as the inverse of RTP. For example, a game with 98% RTP has a 2% house edge. In video poker, optimal strategy can reduce the house edge to minimal levels. Understanding and minimizing house edge through strategy selection is crucial for long-term profitability.

Optimal strategy refers to the mathematically correct decision for every possible video poker hand situation. Strategy charts display which cards to hold and which to discard based on your current hand, maximizing expected value. Different pay tables require different strategies. Following optimal strategy precisely is essential for achieving the advertised RTP. Even small deviations from optimal play can increase the house edge significantly.

Expected value is the average amount a player expects to win or lose per hand when making a specific decision. EV calculations compare different playing options and determine which choice maximizes long-term returns. When multiple cards could be discarded, optimal strategy always selects the option with the highest positive expected value. Understanding EV principles helps players make mathematically sound decisions.

Volatility measures the variation in results around the expected average over short periods. High volatility games produce larger swings between wins and losses, while low volatility games generate more consistent results. Video poker games vary in volatility based on payout structure and hand probabilities. Understanding volatility helps players select games matching their bankroll and risk tolerance preferences.

The draw decision is the critical choice of which cards to hold and which to replace after viewing your initial five-card hand. This decision directly impacts your expected return. Video poker strategy charts provide explicit guidance for every possible hand. The draw decision is where player skill and knowledge make the biggest difference compared to random play or intuition-based decisions.

A kicker is an unpaired card accompanying a pair or other combination. In video poker, kicker strategy is important because holding high kickers with pairs can increase flush and straight draw possibilities. Strategy decisions often involve choosing between holding different kickers with the same primary hand. Understanding kicker value helps optimize draw decisions in various game scenarios.

A straight flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit, representing one of the highest-paying hands in video poker. Royal flush (ten through ace of the same suit) is the ultimate hand with maximum payouts. Regular straight flushes pay substantially but less than royals. Pay table variations significantly affect how much straight flushes pay, influencing strategy decisions.

An inside straight (or gutshot) is a four-card sequence missing one internal card. For example, 3-4-6-7 missing the 5. Inside straights are generally not worth pursuing in video poker unless combined with other draws or favorable kickers. Strategy typically recommends holding more promising combinations. The low probability of completing inside straights makes them generally unfavorable draws.

Bankroll management involves maintaining sufficient funds to weather the natural variance in video poker without running out of money. Proper bankroll sizing based on volatility and bet size prevents premature bust-outs. Expert players recommend maintaining 300-500 units for high-volatility games. Disciplined bankroll management protects against short-term losing streaks while pursuing long-term positive expectation.

Hand probability refers to the mathematical likelihood of completing specific hands in video poker. Understanding probabilities of making straights, flushes, and other combinations informs optimal strategy decisions. Different draw scenarios produce different probabilities for hitting target hands. Calculating hand probabilities helps determine which cards to hold and which to discard.

Payback percentage is essentially the same as RTP, indicating the percentage of wagered funds returned to players over time with optimal strategy. Casinos publish payback percentages for