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Video poker pay tables are the foundation of optimal play strategy. Unlike slot machines, video poker outcomes are determined by poker hand rankings, and the payout structure directly influences player return percentages. Understanding how pay tables work is essential for making mathematically sound decisions.

A typical video poker pay table displays payouts for each possible hand ranking, starting from high card (usually pays nothing) up to royal flush (the maximum payout). The return percentage, also known as RTP (Return to Player), is calculated by multiplying each hand's probability by its payout, then summing all expected values. For example, a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine (9 coins for Full House, 6 coins for Flush) typically offers around 99.5% return with perfect play.

The most important distinction in video poker is between "bonus" machines and standard machines. Bonus Poker variants offer enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands with specific card values, which significantly alters optimal strategy. A 10/7 Double Bonus machine can exceed 100% theoretical return with flawless play, making it one of the most favorable games available.

Key Pay Table Comparisons

• 9/6 Jacks or Better: 99.55% return - The industry standard for full pay machines
• 8/5 Jacks or Better: 97.3% return - Common but lower return than full pay
• 10/7 Double Bonus: 100.17% return - Requires precise strategy adjustments
• 9/6 Double Double Bonus: 98.98% return - More volatile, requires specific hand prioritization

Optimal video poker strategy involves ranking all possible five-card hands you can create from your initial deal, then discarding cards to maximize expected value. This differs fundamentally from live poker, where you play against opponents and bluffing matters.

The Strategic Hierarchy

Professional video poker players follow a strict hand ranking system based on expected value calculations. The general priority order for Jacks or Better is:

1. Dealt royal flush (never break for anything)
2. Dealt straight flush
3. Four of a kind
4. Full house
5. Flush
6. Straight
7. Three of a kind
8. Four-card royal (critical decision point)
9. Two pair
10. One pair (Jacks or higher)
11. Four-card straight flush
12. Four-card flush
13. Low pair
14. Four-card straight

However, this hierarchy shifts depending on the specific pay table. For example, in Double Bonus machines where Four-of-a-Kind bonuses are substantial, you might keep four-card combos targeting quad aces over certain made hands.

Video poker return percentages are calculated using probability theory and hand rankings. Each five-card combination has a specific probability of occurring, and each hand has a defined payout value based on the pay table.

How RTP is Calculated

The formula for theoretical return is: Total Expected Payout ÷ Total Bet = RTP. For every possible poker hand that can be dealt, there's a precise mathematical probability. The game cycles through all 2,598,960 possible five-card combinations from a standard deck.

For instance, in a 9/6 Jacks or Better game:

• Royal Flush (4 combinations): Pays 800 coins for 5-coin bet
• Straight Flush (36 combinations): Pays 250 coins for 5-coin bet
• Four of a Kind (624 combinations): Pays 125 coins for 5-coin bet
• Full House (3,744 combinations): Pays 45 coins for 5-coin bet
• Flush (5,108 combinations): Pays 30 coins for 5-coin bet

These calculations are performed with optimal play strategy applied, not casual or random play. The difference between optimal and casual play can be 3-5 percentage points, making strategy knowledge incredibly valuable.