Video Poker Glossary

A display showing the payouts for each winning poker hand in a video poker machine. Different machines feature different pay tables for the same game variation. The pay table directly impacts the machine's return percentage to players. For example, "9/6 Jacks or Better" pays 9 credits for a Full House and 6 credits for a Flush, while "8/5 Jacks or Better" pays less, reducing your expected return significantly. Always examine the pay table before playing—it's crucial for making optimal decisions.

The percentage of all wagered money that a video poker machine returns to players over time. Expressed as a percentage, RTP reflects the mathematical expected value. For instance, a machine with 99.5% RTP means that over an extended play period, players can expect to receive approximately $99.50 back for every $100 wagered. Professional video poker players seek machines with the highest RTP percentages, typically 99% or above. The return percentage is calculated based on optimal play strategy—casual players will likely achieve lower actual returns.

The predetermined method for deciding which cards to keep (hold) and which to discard when playing video poker. Optimal hold strategy is mathematically calculated to maximize expected value for a specific pay table. Different pay tables require different strategies—the strategy that's optimal for one pay table may be suboptimal for another. Players use strategy charts that recommend specific holds based on the initial five-card hand dealt. Following correct hold strategy is essential for achieving the advertised return percentage.

The average amount a player can expect to win or lose per unit wagered over a large number of hands. Calculated by multiplying the probability of each outcome by its payoff and summing the results. In video poker, optimal play means always choosing the hold that produces the highest positive expected value. Even hands with the same current value may have different EV based on future winning possibilities. Understanding EV is fundamental to making mathematically sound decisions in video poker.

The highest-ranking hand in video poker, consisting of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit. The Royal Flush is the most valuable hand on any pay table and typically offers the jackpot prize. The odds of being dealt a Royal Flush in five-card video poker are approximately 1 in 649,740. In optimal play strategy, some hands should be held specifically for the possibility of drawing to a Royal Flush, even if the current hand would win.

An unpaired card that may affect the ranking or payoff value of a poker hand. In video poker, different pay tables may offer different payouts for hands with different kickers. For example, some machines pay more for three-of-a-kind with specific kickers. Understanding which kickers to keep is part of optimal hold strategy. The term comes from traditional poker where the kicker breaks ties between hands of the same rank.

A poker hand containing four cards of the same rank. In video poker, Quads are valuable hands that typically pay 25 to 125 credits depending on the game variation and pay table. The ranking among Quads varies—some pay tables offer different payouts for Deuces (four 2s), Threes, and so forth. Optimal strategy always calls for holding Quads when they appear, as they guarantee a win in most video poker games.

A potential straight where the missing card is in the middle rather than at either end. For example, holding 3-4-6-7 for a 5 creates an inside straight. The odds of completing an inside straight by drawing one card are approximately 8 to 1 against. In most video poker strategies, inside straights are held only in specific situations where the expected value justifies the poor odds. Understanding when to pursue inside straights versus other potential hands is crucial for optimal play.

A four-card hand of the same suit, needing one more card to complete a Flush. The odds of completing a flush draw are approximately 4 to 1 against. In video poker, the decision to hold a flush draw depends heavily on the current hand value and the pay table. Some hands with flush draw possibilities should be held, while others should be discarded in favor of drawing to higher-value hands. Optimal strategy charts specify when flush draws are worth pursuing.

The most popular video poker variation where the minimum qualifying hand is a pair of Jacks. This game serves as the foundation for learning video poker strategy. Different pay table configurations (9/6, 8/5, 8/6, etc.) significantly affect optimal play and return percentages. The first number represents the payout for a Full House, the second for a Flush. A 9/6 Jacks or Better machine with perfect play offers approximately 99.5% return, making it favorable for skilled players.

A video poker variant where all Deuces (2s) are wild cards, acting as any card needed to complete a hand. This game offers significantly higher