Video poker stands apart from many casino games because it combines elements of chance with player decision-making that directly impacts return percentages. Unlike slot machines, video poker offers players the opportunity to influence outcomes through strategic card selection, making it one of the most mathematically rewarding games when played optimally.
Understanding Pay Tables
The pay table is the foundation of video poker strategy. Each machine displays the payout for winning hands, and variations in these tables significantly affect the game's return to player percentage. A royal flush might pay 800 coins on one machine and 1,000 coins on another for the same bet. This seemingly small difference can mean a 1-2% variance in overall return percentage. Understanding how to read and evaluate pay tables is essential before playing any video poker machine.
Pay tables typically list payouts for hands including: royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, and pair of jacks or higher. Higher-paying tables typically return 97-99% to skilled players, while lower-paying variants may return only 95% or less.
Return Percentages Explained
Return percentage (also called Return to Player or RTP) represents the theoretical amount a player receives back from their wagers over an extended period. A 98% return percentage means that for every $100 wagered, approximately $98 returns to players as winnings, with the remaining $2 representing the house edge. This percentage is calculated assuming optimal play with perfect strategy.
Return percentages vary based on: the pay table being used, the specific variant of video poker played, and most importantly, the player's adherence to optimal strategy. New players often achieve returns of 90-95% due to suboptimal decisions, while experienced players using strategy charts can approach the theoretical maximum.
Optimal Play Strategy
Video poker optimal play involves knowing exactly which cards to hold and which to discard based on your initial five-card hand. Strategy charts rank all possible hand combinations in order of expected value. For example, when dealt a low pair and a high card, the strategy chart will indicate whether to hold the pair or pursue a flush or straight draw based on mathematical probability and the specific pay table.
The key to optimal play is understanding hand hierarchy and expected value calculations. A pair of jacks or higher is typically always kept, while decisions about lower pairs, straights, flushes, and high cards depend on the number of cards needed to complete a winning hand and the resulting pay table values. Using strategy charts removes emotion and personal preference from decisions, replacing them with mathematically optimal choices.
Bankroll Management
Even with optimal strategy, video poker involves variance. Proper bankroll management ensures players can withstand losing streaks. Financial experts recommend maintaining a bankroll of at least 250-300 times your expected maximum bet to reduce the risk of ruin. This prudent approach allows players to continue playing long enough to approach theoretical return percentages.