Calculator Inputs
Five Card Hold Analyzer
Type five cards. Use formats like As Kh Qd Jc Ts.
Suits are C, D, H, and S. Ranks are 2-9, T, J, Q, K, A.
Example Data Table
These examples show how paytable changes affect a simplified model. They are not promises of real play results.
| Example | Royal | Full House | Flush | Approx. RTP | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6 style sample | 800 | 9 | 6 | 99.50% | Full-pay practice comparison |
| 8/5 style sample | 800 | 8 | 5 | 97.25% | Lower paytable warning |
| Bonus estimate sample | 800 | 8 | 5 | Varies | Needs custom four-kind rows |
| Progressive sample | 900+ | 9 | 6 | Input based | Royal meter experiments |
Formula Used
Expected return: RTP = Σ(probability × payout per coin) × 100
Adjusted return: Adjusted RTP = RTP + cashback percentage
House edge: House Edge = 100 − Adjusted RTP
Expected session value: ((RTP / 100) − 1) × total wager + cashback value
Variance: Variance = Σ(probability × payout²) − expected payout²
Session deviation: Standard Deviation × bet size × √number of hands
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose a preset or enter your own paytable.
- Enter the probability model for each hand category.
- Add coin value, coins bet, hands per hour, and session length.
- Enter cashback or reward value as a percent of wager.
- Press calculate to show results above the form.
- Use the chart to see which hands drive total return.
- Download a CSV or PDF report for records.
- Use the hold analyzer to test five card starting hands.
Video Poker Odds Guide
Fixed Paytable Value
Video poker mixes poker hand ranks with a fixed paytable. That makes it different from many casino games. The draw is random, but every payout is known before play. This calculator helps you read that structure. It estimates return, house edge, hit frequency, volatility, and session value from editable inputs.
Return and Rewards
The return figure is the most important line. It compares total expected payout with total amount wagered. A return below one hundred percent has a negative expectation before rewards. A return above one hundred percent can happen only when paytable value and cashback overcome the base edge. The calculator also shows the breakeven reward rate. That helps compare club points, mail offers, and promotion rules.
Volatility and Risk
Volatility is the next key idea. A high royal flush prize can raise return, but it also creates larger swings. Standard deviation shows how far short sessions may drift from the average. It does not predict a specific outcome. It simply describes risk around the estimate. The session shortfall line uses a normal approximation. Use it as a planning guide, not a promise.
Best Hold Testing
The hand analyzer studies a five card starting hand. It checks every possible hold choice. Then it draws all possible replacement card groups from the remaining deck. Each final hand is scored against the active paytable. The highest average payout becomes the suggested hold. This makes the tool useful for practice hands and paytable experiments.
Input Quality
Good inputs matter. Probability rows should total one hundred percent. If they do not, the normalize option rescales them before calculation. That is helpful when you copy rounded figures. Paytable rows should show the credits paid for each coin wagered. Royal flush values often differ at maximum coins. Enter the value that matches your machine, stake, and coin setting. Always test small values before changing stakes.
Safe Interpretation
Use conservative assumptions when entering values. Real games may use special rules, wild cards, split four of a kind payouts, progressive meters, or local promotions. Those features can change the best hold. They can also change the final return. Treat this page as an educational calculator. Confirm machine rules before risking money. Set firm limits. Stop when the planned session ends.
FAQs
What does RTP mean?
RTP means return to player. It estimates the long-run payout compared with the amount wagered. A 99% RTP means the model returns 99 cents for each dollar wagered before rewards.
Does this calculator guarantee profit?
No. It only estimates mathematical expectation from your inputs. Short sessions can win or lose far more than the average. Randomness still controls each dealt hand.
Why does the royal payout matter so much?
The royal flush is rare, but its payout is very large. A higher royal value can raise total return and volatility at the same time.
Should probabilities total 100%?
Yes. If rounded probabilities do not total 100%, use the normalize option. It rescales the model so the expected return calculation remains consistent.
What is standard deviation?
Standard deviation measures swing size around the average result. Higher values mean session outcomes can move farther from expectation, especially with large jackpot payouts.
Can I use progressive jackpot values?
Yes. Enter the current royal flush payout per coin. Progressive meters can change return, but confirm all machine rules before using the result.
How does the hold analyzer work?
It tests every hold choice from the five starting cards. Then it evaluates all possible replacement card groups and ranks the average payout.
Is this suitable for wild card games?
Not directly. Wild card games need different hand categories and strategy rules. You can still use custom estimates, but exact analysis needs a special model.