Video poker is a computerized version of five-card draw poker that allows players to make strategic decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard. The game's return percentage depends critically on three factors: the pay table, the game variant, and most importantly, the player's strategy.
Pay tables vary significantly between machines and casinos. Some machines return 99%+ with perfect play, while others pay only 95% or less. Understanding how to read and compare pay tables is essential for any serious player. The difference between a "full pay" and "short pay" machine of the same game type can represent thousands of dollars in expected value over extended play.
Optimal play strategy charts have been developed through computer analysis of millions of possible game situations. These charts tell you the mathematically correct decision for every possible hand you might receive. Following basic strategy alone can improve your returns by 2-3%, while mastering advanced strategy can push returns even higher.