Video poker represents one of the most mathematically favorable games available in modern casinos. Unlike traditional poker, video poker is played against a machine that follows predetermined pay tables, removing the psychological element and allowing for pure mathematical optimization. Understanding optimal play requires knowledge of pay tables, return percentages, and strategic decision-making.
The foundation of video poker strategy begins with comprehending pay tables. Pay tables display the payout structure for each possible hand ranking, from high card through royal flush. Different machines offer dramatically different pay tables for identical hand rankings. A "full pay" machine might offer 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush, while a "short pay" machine reduces these to 8 and 5 respectively. This seemingly minor difference translates to approximately 0.5% variance in overall return percentage, making pay table selection crucial for long-term play.
Return percentages, also known as return-to-player (RTP) or payout percentages, represent the theoretical long-term average percentage of money returned to players. Standard video poker machines typically range from 95% to 99.5% return, depending on pay table quality and optimal play execution. This means that with perfect play on a 99.5% machine, players can expect to lose only 0.5% of their wagered amount over infinite plays. For context, this significantly exceeds most other casino games where house edges often range from 2% to 5%.
Optimal play strategy requires memorizing hand rankings and the relative value of each possible draw decision. Players must evaluate whether keeping certain cards or discarding for a fresh draw offers better expected value. For example, holding a single high card while discarding four cards offers approximately 1:5 odds of completing a high pair. These probabilistic calculations form the basis of decision trees used in strategy charts.
Strategy charts organize all possible dealt hands into categories and provide the optimal action—which cards to hold or discard. Professional players reference these charts to eliminate decision errors that cost money. The difference between optimal play and casual play can reduce machine payback by 2-4%, essentially erasing the mathematical advantage video poker provides over other games.
Hand progression strategy involves understanding that certain hands have greater intrinsic value than others. A dealt low pair is statistically superior to four cards to a flush because the pair guarantees at least a winning hand, while the flush draw requires specific cards. Similarly, three cards to a royal flush often outweigh a dealt paying hand, given the royal's exceptional payout multiplier.