Essential Terms and Concepts for Understanding Optimal Play
Master the terminology used in video poker strategy, pay tables, and mathematical analysis. This comprehensive glossary explains key concepts that will enhance your understanding of optimal video poker play and return percentages.
The schedule of payouts displayed on a video poker machine that shows how much each hand combination wins. Pay tables vary significantly between machines and directly determine the game's return to player percentage. A higher pay table translates to better long-term returns for skilled players.
The theoretical percentage of all wagered money a video poker machine returns to players over an extended period. Expressed as a percentage, it indicates the house edge. Professional video poker players seek games with RTP above 99% when played with optimal strategy, representing nearly break-even gameplay.
The cards you choose to keep from your initial five-card hand. After selecting which cards to hold, the remaining cards are discarded and replaced with new ones from the deck to form your final hand. Deciding which cards to hold is the fundamental decision point in video poker strategy.
The process of receiving replacement cards for any cards you didn't hold. The number of cards you draw depends entirely on your hold decision. Drawing the right cards at the right probability is what makes video poker statistically advantageous for educated players.
The measure of fluctuation in results over time. Video poker games with high variance have greater short-term swings in outcomes but may offer higher overall returns. Understanding variance helps players manage bankroll expectations and weather losing streaks.
Similar to variance, this describes how much results deviate from expected averages. Low volatility games produce consistent small wins, while high volatility games include rare large payouts. Game volatility should align with your bankroll management strategy.
The highest-ranking hand in video poker: A-K-Q-J-10 all of the same suit. This hand typically pays 800 to 1000 coins on maximum bet, making it the primary focus of bankroll growth. Optimal strategy often involves pursuing royal flush possibilities over other winning combinations.
Five consecutive cards of the same suit, second only to the royal flush in ranking. Payouts typically range from 50 to 200 coins depending on the pay table. Strategy decisions often compare the probability of achieving a straight flush versus other hand possibilities.
Four cards of the same rank, such as four sevens. Payout values vary significantly by rank and pay table, ranging from 25 to 125 coins. This hand requires recognizing which cards can develop into four of a kind during the draw phase.
Three cards of one rank plus two cards of another rank. Traditional pay tables pay 9 coins for a full house, though this varies. Full house payouts significantly impact overall return percentages and are key decision points in optimal strategy.
The mathematical average outcome of a decision calculated using probabilities and potential payouts. Optimal video poker strategy involves choosing holds that maximize expected value on each hand. Positive expected value decisions compound over thousands of hands.
A prioritized list showing which cards to hold for every possible initial hand. Different pay tables require different strategy charts. Using the correct strategy chart for your specific game is essential for achieving the advertised return percentage.
The total amount of money dedicated to video poker play. Professional players maintain bankrolls based on game volatility and bet sizes. A proper bankroll protects against short-term variance while pursuing long-term positive return strategies.