Video Poker Glossary

Essential terms and concepts for understanding video poker optimal play, pay tables, and return percentages.

Fundamental Concepts

Expected Value (EV)

The average return a player can expect from a particular bet or decision over the long term. In video poker, calculating EV helps determine which hands to hold and which to discard. A positive EV means the decision favors the player statistically, while negative EV favors the house.

Return to Player (RTP)

The percentage of all wagered money that a video poker machine returns to players over an extended period. For example, a machine with 99.54% RTP returns approximately 99.54 dollars for every 100 dollars wagered. This metric varies significantly based on the pay table and optimal play strategy.

Pay Table

The schedule displayed on a video poker machine showing the payout for each winning hand combination. Pay tables vary between machines and directly impact the game's return percentage. A "full pay" table offers the highest returns when played with optimal strategy, while a "short pay" table reduces player returns.

House Edge

The mathematical advantage the casino maintains over players. It represents the percentage of each bet the house expects to retain long-term. In well-designed video poker games with optimal play, the house edge can be as low as 0.46%, making it one of the most favorable casino games for players.

Hand Rankings and Strategy

Royal Flush

The highest paying hand in video poker: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit. A Royal Flush typically pays 250 coins for a maximum bet (or 4000 coins on progressive machines). In optimal strategy, sometimes holding for a Royal Flush draw is more valuable than keeping a smaller paying hand.

Kicker

An unmatched card held alongside a pair or other hand component. In video poker strategy, decisions about which kickers to keep can significantly impact long-term returns. For example, keeping high kickers with pairs generally improves odds compared to low kickers.

Draw

The replacement cards dealt after discarding. The decision of which cards to discard and consequently what to draw is central to optimal video poker play. Strategic draw decisions are determined by calculating expected value for each possible holding.

Penalty Card

An undesirable card that reduces the value of a potential hand. For example, in Jacks or Better, holding a low card alongside high cards (like a deuce with three high cards) creates a penalty situation compared to holding just the high cards. Optimal strategy accounts for penalty card impacts.

{{ICON_CHIP}} Betting and Bankroll

Maximum Bet

Wagering the maximum coins per hand is critical in video poker because the top prize (Royal Flush) typically pays a disproportionately higher percentage when betting maximum. Many machines offer bonus multipliers only on max bets, making maximum waging essential for optimal returns.

Bankroll

The total amount of money allocated for video poker play. Proper bankroll management ensures players can withstand variance and play according to optimal strategy without running out of funds. A recommended bankroll should cover 300-400 times the maximum bet to handle typical variance.

Variance

The statistical measure of how much actual results fluctuate from expected value. Video poker has moderate variance compared to slots but higher variance than table games. Understanding variance helps players maintain discipline during losing streaks while still following optimal strategy.

Strategic Terms

Optimal Play

The mathematically correct decision for every possible hand dealt in video poker. Optimal play strategies are calculated using computer analysis to determine which cards to hold and which to discard based on expected value. Following a strategy chart ensures players minimize house edge and maximize long-term returns.

Strategy Chart

A reference guide showing the optimal play decision for every possible starting hand in video poker. Strategy charts are ranked by value—players compare their dealt hand against the chart to determine which cards to hold. Different game variations (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, etc.) require different strategy charts.

Full Pay vs Short Pay

Full pay machines offer maximum payouts according to the standard pay table for that game type, resulting in the highest RTP with optimal play. Short pay machines reduce payouts for certain hand combinations, increasing house edge. Learning to identify full pay machines is essential for maximizing returns over time.

Why Understand Video Poker Terminology?

Mastering the language of video poker is the foundation for developing sound strategy. These terms help players evaluate pay tables, understand return percentages, and make mathematically sound decisions. Whether analyzing expected value or identifying optimal holdings, understanding casino terminology enables informed, strategic play.

For comprehensive strategy charts and detailed analysis of specific pay tables, visit our Strategy Guide page.