Video Poker Optimal Play Strategy

Video poker return percentages represent the theoretical long-term payback of a machine based on its pay table and optimal play strategy. Unlike slots, video poker outcomes are determined by standard 52-card deck mathematics, making precise calculations possible. A machine with a 99.5% RTP means that for every dollar wagered, players can expect to win approximately 99.5 cents over an infinite number of hands.

Return percentages vary significantly based on pay table construction. Jacks or Better machines typically range from 95% to 99.5%, depending on how payouts are distributed across different hand rankings. Premium machines offering 9-for-1 on a full house and 6-for-1 on a flush (called 9-6 machines) provide substantially better returns than 8-5 variants.

The correlation between pay tables and strategy becomes evident when analyzing specific hand values. A machine paying 50 coins for four aces versus 40 coins fundamentally changes the optimal play decisions for early hands. Understanding these relationships separates casual players from those making mathematically sound decisions.

Hierarchy of Decision Making

Video poker strategy operates through a strict hierarchy of decisions. Professional players evaluate hands based on expected value calculations rather than intuition. When dealt five cards, the decision isn't about what "looks good" but which discard combination produces the highest expected payout.

High Pair Protocol: If you hold a high pair (tens or better), this almost always justifies keeping the pair. The probability of improvement typically justifies holding rather than pursuing straights or flushes. The exception involves certain royal flush possibilities with four-card royal flushes already present.

Four-Card Straight Analysis: Holding four cards toward a straight requires probability assessment. Open-ended four-card straights offer eight possible completion cards. Gutshot straights offer only four. The difference determines whether pursuit of the straight exceeds expected value of splitting the hand for other opportunities.

Flush Drawing Logic: Four-card flush holdings depend heavily on whether they include high cards and their relationship to other opportunities. A four-card flush with three high cards presents different mathematics than a four-card flush with only one high card.

Advanced Strategic Considerations

Optimal play becomes more nuanced when considering secondary factors. Holding three of a kind while considering a four-card flush requires understanding the specific probabilities involved. Similarly, kicker values in three-card combinations affect holding decisions in ways many recreational players never consider.

Machine volatility also influences strategy on a macro level. Higher volatility machines require larger bankrolls but offer premium payouts. Strategy remains mathematically identical, but bankroll management becomes critical.

Implementing perfect strategy means nothing without adequate bankroll. Video poker session variance demands sufficient capital to weather inevitable downswings. Professional analysts recommend maintaining 300-500 times your average bet as a working bankroll for sessions.

Optimal play strategy assumes the ability to play every hand mathematically correct without the pressure of limited funds forcing compromised decisions. This reality separates serious advantage players from casual enthusiasts. Your bankroll size directly determines the machine denominations you can profitably play.

Understanding your specific machine's variance helps establish appropriate bankroll requirements. Higher paying machines typically display greater volatility, meaning you'll experience larger swings before the theoretical RTP materializes.