Hold/draw is the video poker decision where the player chooses which dealt cards to keep and which cards to replace. It is the main skill step in video poker because the final hand depends on the cards held, the cards drawn, and the paytable being used.
Plain Talk
A video poker hand has two main moments: the deal and the draw.
After the first five cards, you press hold on the cards you want to keep. Then you press draw, and the machine replaces the cards you did not hold. The final five-card hand is compared with the Paytable.
This glossary page defines the term. For the full game context, read Video Poker and the Glossary.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Where it appears | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hold | Keep selected cards | Video poker hand | Protects useful cards |
| Draw | Replace unheld cards | Video poker hand | Creates the final result |
| Strategy chart | List of best holds | Video poker study | Reduces costly mistakes |
| Paytable | Payout schedule | Machine screen | Determines which holds have value |
Where You See It
You see hold/draw on every video poker hand. It also appears in strategy charts, training modes, mobile video poker, and game explanations for Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
Why It Matters
Hold/draw matters because video poker is not pure button pressing after the deal.
The same starting hand can have different correct holds depending on the paytable. A choice that is reasonable in Jacks or Better may be wrong in Deuces Wild. The best play is the one with the highest expected value, not the one that feels luckiest.
Example
You are dealt:
- Ace of hearts
- King of hearts
- Queen of hearts
- 9 of clubs
- 3 of diamonds
A beginner may keep only the ace because it is high. A strategy-aware player sees three suited royal cards and compares the expected value of that hold against other options for the specific game and paytable.
From the Casino Side:
From the casino side, hold/draw is the feature that separates video poker from ordinary slot play. The machine still uses regulated random card selection, but the player decision changes the final distribution of results.
Casinos know many players do not play perfect strategy. That gap between theoretical return and actual return can increase real-world hold.
Common Misunderstanding
The common mistake is holding cards by instinct: keep all high cards, always chase the royal, always keep any made hand, or always break low-paying hands.
Video poker strategy is conditional. The correct hold depends on the full hand, the game, and the paytable.
Hard Truth
The draw feels like luck, but the hold is where many players quietly leak money.
Related Terms
| Term | Difference | Best page to read next |
|---|---|---|
| Hand | The cards in play | Hand |
| Paytable | Determines payout values | Paytable |
| Expected Value | Math behind the best hold | Expected Value |
| Jacks or Better | Common non-wild video poker game | Jacks or Better |
| Deuces Wild | Wild-card video poker game | Deuces Wild |
FAQ
What does hold mean in video poker?
Hold means selecting cards from the initial deal that you want to keep.
What does draw mean in video poker?
Draw means replacing the unheld cards to complete the final hand.
Is hold/draw a skill decision?
Yes. The player cannot control the replacement cards, but the player can choose the hold that has the best expected value.
Should I always hold a paying hand?
No. Sometimes the correct play is to break a low-paying hand for a stronger draw, depending on the game and paytable.
Does the machine know what I held?
The machine resolves the draw according to its program and random selection process. The important player-side point is that your hold decision changes which outcomes remain possible.
Deeper Insight
Hold/draw is where expected value enters the player’s decision. A strategy chart ranks possible holds by average value, not by emotional appeal.
Formula / Calculation
| Metric | Formula | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hold EV | Sum of Possible Draw Outcomes × Payouts | Average value of one hold choice |
| Best Hold | Highest EV Available | The mathematically preferred decision |
| Expected Loss | Coin-In × House Edge | Long-run cost after strategy and paytable are considered |
Formula Explanation in Plain English
Every possible hold leaves a different set of draw outcomes. The correct hold is the one that pays the most on average over repeated play. It may lose this hand, but it is still the best decision by the math.
Related Reading
Start with Video Poker and then read Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Paytable, and Expected Value. For decision discipline, compare Variance and Session.