Video poker represents one of the most mathematically favorable casino games when played with optimal strategy. Unlike many casino games where house advantage is fixed, video poker return to player (RTP) percentages vary significantly based on the specific pay table offered by each machine. Understanding these variations is crucial for informed play.
The return percentage in video poker depends on three primary factors: the base pay table design, the specific hands achievable through optimal play, and the frequency of those hands appearing. A machine offering 9-6 pay tables (meaning nine coins for a full house and six coins for a flush) typically returns between 99-100% with perfect play. Conversely, machines with 8-5 or 7-5 pay tables reduce returns to approximately 97-98%, representing a significant mathematical disadvantage.
Optimal play strategy involves understanding which cards to hold and which to discard on the initial draw. This requires memorizing hand rankings in order of expected value rather than traditional poker hand rankings. For example, in optimal video poker strategy, keeping four cards to a flush is often superior to keeping three cards to a royal flush, depending on the specific circumstances and pay table structure.