Video poker is one of the most mathematically transparent casino games available. Unlike many other casino offerings, video poker outcomes depend entirely on fixed probability mathematics and player decision-making. Optimal play refers to the mathematically correct decisions a player should make in every possible hand situation to maximize their expected return over time.
The foundation of video poker optimal play is understanding pay tables. Different video poker machines offer different payout schedules for winning hands. A machine that pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush is fundamentally different from one paying 8 coins and 5 coins respectively. These differences directly impact the machine's theoretical return percentage, which can range from 85% to over 99% depending on the specific pay table and whether the player executes optimal strategy.
Strategy charts are essential tools for video poker players. These charts specify exactly which cards to hold in every possible hand scenario. For example, when you're dealt a hand with both a flush draw and a pair, the chart tells you which option provides the higher expected value. Professional video poker players memorize these charts or reference them while playing, ensuring they never make a mathematically inferior decision.
Return percentages represent the theoretical amount a player will recover over an infinite number of hands when playing with perfect strategy. A 98% return percentage on a specific pay table means that mathematically, over thousands of hands, you'll return 98 cents for every dollar wagered. Understanding these percentages helps players identify which machines offer better long-term value and choose games aligned with their expectations.