Draw
The action of replacing unwanted cards with new cards from the deck. In video poker, you select which cards to discard, and the machine replaces them with new cards to complete your final hand.
Video Poker Glossary
A comprehensive guide to video poker terminology and casino gaming concepts. Master the language of optimal play and strategic decision-making.
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Video Poker Terminology
Essential terms used in video poker gameplay and analysis
Hold
To keep specific cards from the initial five-card hand dealt by the machine. Strategic hold decisions are fundamental to video poker optimal play, directly affecting your expected return.
Paytable
The display showing the payout schedule for each winning hand combination. Paytables vary significantly between machines and directly determine the return percentage. Always compare paytables before playing.
Return-to-Player (RTP)
Also called return percentage, this represents the percentage of all wagered money the machine returns to players over time. Higher RTP percentages indicate better value. Optimal play maximizes RTP potential.
Expected Value
The mathematical average return you can expect from each decision over thousands of hands. Understanding expected value helps you make optimal plays that maximize long-term returns.
Variance
The statistical measure of fluctuation in short-term results. High variance games have bigger swings between wins and losses. Understanding variance helps set realistic expectations for play sessions.
Hand Rankings & Payouts
Understanding video poker hand hierarchy and payout structures
Royal Flush
A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit. The highest-ranking hand in video poker, typically paying 800 to 4000 coins depending on the machine's paytable and bet amount.
Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit. Pays significantly less than a Royal Flush, typically 50-200 coins, but occurs more frequently and contributes substantially to overall returns.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank plus one kicker. Payout varies based on the rank of the four cards on loose paytables, making hand recognition crucial for optimal strategy.
Full House
Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. A key strategic hand where paytable variations significantly impact whether certain plays are mathematically correct.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit in any order. Flush payouts on paytables directly affect many strategic decisions, particularly when holding four to a flush or four to a straight.
Straight
Five consecutive cards of mixed suits. Understanding the value of open-ended versus inside straights is essential for optimal draw decisions and bankroll management.
{{ICON_COINS}} Strategy & Analysis Terms
Key concepts for understanding video poker mathematics and strategy
Pay Table Analysis
The systematic comparison of payout schedules across different machines to identify which offers superior expected value. Professional players evaluate paytables before playing to ensure they're on machines with optimal returns.
Optimal Play
Following mathematically correct decisions for each possible hand combination based on the specific paytable. Optimal play requires either memorizing strategy charts or using approved strategy cards while playing.
Bankroll Management
The disciplined approach to allocating gaming funds to withstand variance while maximizing opportunities. Proper bankroll sizing relative to bet amounts is crucial for sustainable, educational gaming sessions.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino maintains over players. Video poker features among the lowest house edges in casinos when played optimally, ranging from less than 1% on best paytables to 5% or higher on poor machines.
Volatility
The rate at which your bankroll fluctuates during play. Higher volatility machines may require larger bankrolls but can offer more exciting sessions. Understanding your machine's volatility helps set realistic expectations.
Strategy Chart
A hierarchical list of hand rankings that guides which cards to hold in any situation. Different video poker variants (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker) require different strategy charts for optimal play.