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Common Terms Used in Video Poker

Video Poker is obviously a rip off of the very popular card game Poker. Since it is an entirely new concept, it would be helpful to start on the common terminologies used in the game before you even think about playing. This list could help you loads in understanding Video Poker in general and some of the game's rules in particular.

Average Payback. This pertains to the average pot you could win if you have already played that hand repeatedly. If you like playing a specific hand more than once, it would be ideal to choose an impressive Average Payback.

Bonus Poker. This is a kind of Video Poker machine which offers a larger payout to a few big hands.

Cash Out. This is a button on the Video Poker machine that is used to release the coins you currently have. This is pushed once a player decides to draw out of the game.

Comps. This term pertains to the casino rewards awarded to regular players. Comps can be in the form of a free meal, a free room, and other perks. When playing Video Poker online, Comps could be in a different form of bonuses.

Credits. This is the amount in the player's account. Credits include the player's deposits as well as winning, if there are.

Cycle. This term is about the predicted number of hands in a royal flush. A cycle may contain several Royal Flushes or none at all.

Deuces Wild. This is another different version of Video Poker machine that has a different game concept. Wild cards in this kind of game are considered deuces.

Flat Top. This is another kind of Video Poker machine which does not offer progressive jackpots, hence the name.

Garbage Hand. This is obviously a losing hand. Players who get a Garbage Hand will be forced to discard all their cards and draw a fresh set.

Hand. This term is used in different applications. It can mean the collection of cards or the different ways the cards are played.

High Card. This pertains to the cards valued from 10 and up, the Aces, the Jacks, the Queens, and the Kings included.

Hold/Discard Button. This is a button found on the Video Poker machine that is placed under each card. Pressing it on will switch the function from hold to discard and back.

Jackpot. This term is used on the specific hand gives out the biggest payoff. The Jackpot depends on the Video Poker game variety.

Jack or Better. This is one of the earliest form of Video Poker that is still being enjoyed today. A Full House in this game pays off 9-1 while a Flush pays 6-1.

Joker Poker. This Video Poker version uses the Joker as a wild card.

Pat Hand. This is a term for an initial hand that can make for a win. There are cases, however, where players who get a Pat Hand choose to discard some of the cards to enjoy a chance at a better payoff.

Payoff Table. This is the grid that shows the paying scheme in a game.

Progressive Jackpot. This means that a prize pot increases with every game.

Suit. This term pertains to the classification of a deck of cards - Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades.

Video Poker Machine. This is the apparatus used in a Video Poker game. It looks a lot like a slot machine and is made in different variations, depending on the kind of game at play.

Winning Hand. This term pertains to a hand that constitutes a payoff.