Return to Player is the percentage of all wagered money that a video poker machine pays back to players over an extended period. For example, a machine with 99.5% RTP will theoretically return $99.50 for every $100 wagered. RTP varies significantly based on pay tables and machine type. Understanding RTP is fundamental to identifying favorable machines, as higher RTP percentages indicate better long-term value. RTP calculations assume perfect play using optimal strategy.

Optimal strategy refers to the mathematically correct decisions to make on every possible hand dealt in video poker. These decisions are calculated using computer analysis to determine which cards to hold and discard to maximize expected value. Strategy charts vary depending on the specific pay table, machine variation, and betting scenario. Deviating from optimal strategy increases the house edge. Professional players memorize strategy charts to ensure consistent, mathematically sound decision-making during gameplay.

A pay table displays the payout schedule for all winning hand combinations. Each machine has its unique pay table showing what each hand rank wins in credits or coins. Pay tables can vary significantly between machines even within the same video poker category. Favorable pay tables offer better payouts for premium hands like Royal Flushes and Full Houses. Comparing pay tables is essential for selecting machines with higher RTP percentages. The difference between a good pay table and poor pay table can affect RTP by several percentage points.

Expected Value is the average amount a player can expect to win or lose per unit wagered over many hands. It's calculated by multiplying the probability of each outcome by its associated payout. Positive EV means the player has a mathematical advantage, while negative EV indicates the house has an edge. Using optimal strategy in video poker creates negative but minimized EV, lowering the house advantage. Understanding EV helps players make mathematically sound decisions about hand selection.

House Edge represents the mathematical advantage the casino holds over players, expressed as a percentage. It's calculated as the complement of RTP. For instance, if RTP is 99%, house edge is 1%. Lower house edges indicate better player value. In video poker, optimal play significantly reduces the house edge compared to casual play. House edge varies based on pay table quality and strategy adherence. Different machines offer dramatically different house edges, making machine selection crucial for optimizing play.

Variance describes the fluctuation in results around the expected value. High variance machines experience larger swings between wins and losses but potentially larger payouts. Low variance machines offer more consistent results. Understanding variance helps players prepare adequate bankroll for their playing style. Video poker machines typically have moderate to high variance due to the possibility of hitting rare hand combinations. Variance doesn't affect long-term RTP but significantly impacts short-term session results and required bankroll depth.