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Video poker represents one of the most mathematically transparent casino games available. Unlike many other gaming options, video poker outcomes depend entirely on the strength of your hand and the pay table offered by the machine. Success in video poker hinges on three critical factors: understanding the pay table, memorizing optimal strategy, and maintaining proper bankroll management.

Pay tables determine the prize structure for different hand rankings. Two machines offering the same game can have vastly different return percentages based solely on their pay tables. A "full pay" Jacks or Better machine returns approximately 99.54% to players who use optimal strategy, while a reduced pay version might only return 97%. This seemingly small difference compounds significantly over hundreds of hands played.

Optimal play strategy involves making the mathematically correct decision on every hand. Rather than relying on intuition or superstition, professional players use strategy charts that dictate which cards to hold and which to discard. These charts are derived from probability calculations and hundreds of thousands of simulated hands. By following these charts precisely, players minimize the house edge and maximize their return percentage.

Return percentage, often called "RTP" or return to player, represents the theoretical amount a player receives back from their wagers over an extended period. A game with 99% return means that for every $100 wagered, approximately $99 returns to players as winnings over thousands of hands. Understanding this concept helps players appreciate that short-term results vary, but long-term outcomes follow mathematical patterns.