feat: concise table/machine names, casino command shortcuts, remove payout video poker command

26 files changed, 336 insertions, 87 deletions

diff --git a/building_guide/video_poker.md b/building_guide/video_poker.md
index ca2ece7..0faf8f3 100644
--- a/building_guide/video_poker.md
+++ b/building_guide/video_poker.md
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 # Video poker cabinets
 
-Room 6192, east of Penny Reels (6118), contains exactly five single-seat
+The video poker hall east of Penny Reels (6118) is three rooms. The parlor
+(6192) runs low pay schedules, the high-limit room (6193) normal schedules, and
+the VIP room (6194) full pay schedules. Each holds the same five single-seat
 cabinets: Classic, Ultimate X Single Line, Ultimate X Multi-Hand, Super Times
 Pay, and Hot Roll. Choose a game **inside** a cabinet; schedules are not games.
 The shared table lifecycle adapter provides room routing, wallet settlement,
@@ -8,7 +10,7 @@ disconnect and eviction handling, so author cabinets under `casino_tables`:
 
 ```yaml
 casino_tables:
-- id: ultimate_x_multi
+- id: uxm
   game: video_poker
   max_players: 1
   video_poker:
@@ -17,16 +19,19 @@ casino_tables:
 ```
 
 `cabinet` accepts `classic`, `ultimate_x_single`, `ultimate_x_multi`,
-`super_times_pay`, `hot_roll`. `payout` accepts `low`, `normal`, `full`.
-Defaults are classic/full. Do not author variant/pay_table/feature/single_line;
-strict YAML validation rejects those obsolete fields. Do not use table wager
-limits to set coin denominations. Each cabinet has one occupant, but multiple
-cabinets may share a room and are addressed by ID.
+`super_times_pay`, `hot_roll`. `payout` accepts `low`, `normal`, `full` and is
+the house's setting: players cannot change it. Defaults are classic/full. Do
+not author variant/pay_table/feature/single_line; strict YAML validation
+rejects those obsolete fields. Do not use table wager limits to set coin
+denominations. Each cabinet has one occupant, but multiple cabinets may share a
+room and are addressed by ID. Short room ids (`vp`, `ux`, `uxm`, `stp`, `hr`)
+and cabinet aliases (`poker`, `ultimate_x`, `super_times`, `hot_roll`) keep
+`play` concise.
 
 ## Games and quality tiers
 
-Each row below lists **low / normal / full** schedules. Tier changes apply to
-all games on that cabinet; selecting a different game preserves the tier.
+Each row below lists **low / normal / full** schedules. The authored tier
+applies to all games on that cabinet; selecting a different game preserves it.
 These are published schedules, not interpolated payouts. The tier names rank
 the offered schedules within a game/cabinet; they do not imply equal RTP across
 games. Some classic full schedules exceed 100% with optimal play.
@@ -50,8 +55,7 @@ games. Some classic full schedules exceed 100% with optimal play.
   than inventing a third tier. Other omissions are deliberately conservative,
   not claims that no physical edition exists.
 
-The runtime tier selection persists across occupants of the live cabinet.
-A restart or authored configuration replacement restores the authored tier.
+The authored tier persists across occupants of the live cabinet.
 Multiplier banks for *all* tiers remain durable and separate.
 
 | Edition | Supported hands |
@@ -66,7 +70,11 @@ Multiplier banks for *all* tiers remain durable and separate.
 ## Controls and presentation
 
 - `play <id>` seats you; `game` lists games; `game jacks` (or a full game name)
-  selects one. `payout low|normal|full` selects cabinet-wide quality.
+  selects one. The house sets the payout tier when the cabinet is authored in
+  YAML; players cannot change it.
+- While seated at any casino game, casino verbs may be shortened to an
+  unambiguous prefix: `b 1000` is `bet 1000`, and `be 1000` also works.
+  `stop` and `rules` must be typed in full.
 - `denom 1|10|50` / `denomination` sets credits per coin.
 - `hands` lists counts; `hands <count>` selects one.
 - `bet 1-4` **adds** coins, capped at five per hand. `bet max` loads five.
diff --git a/data/help/bonus_poker.yaml b/data/help/bonus_poker.yaml
index 65d949b..74c3fae 100644
--- a/data/help/bonus_poker.yaml
+++ b/data/help/bonus_poker.yaml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ description: |
   Four aces pay 80, four 2s-4s pay 40, and four 5s-Ks pay 25 per coin.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game bonus_poker.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/bonus_poker_deluxe.yaml b/data/help/bonus_poker_deluxe.yaml
index 40f5234..cd8e21a 100644
--- a/data/help/bonus_poker_deluxe.yaml
+++ b/data/help/bonus_poker_deluxe.yaml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ description: |
   pay 80 per coin; two pair pays only 1 per coin.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game bonus_poker_deluxe.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/deuces_wild.yaml b/data/help/deuces_wild.yaml
index 39725cb..e45343e 100644
--- a/data/help/deuces_wild.yaml
+++ b/data/help/deuces_wild.yaml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ description: |
   categories. Wild cards form the highest-paying hand on the selected table.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game deuces_wild.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/double_bonus.yaml b/data/help/double_bonus.yaml
index d09b373..3b606ae 100644
--- a/data/help/double_bonus.yaml
+++ b/data/help/double_bonus.yaml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ description: |
   Straight, full-house and flush rates depend on the selected schedule.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game double_bonus.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/double_double_bonus.yaml b/data/help/double_double_bonus.yaml
index 4365694..3b3a383 100644
--- a/data/help/double_double_bonus.yaml
+++ b/data/help/double_double_bonus.yaml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ description: |
   otherwise 80. Four 5s-Ks pay 50; two pair pays 1 per coin.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game double_double_bonus.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/hot_roll.yaml b/data/help/hot_roll.yaml
index 0e6f483..2e9d6a1 100644
--- a/data/help/hot_roll.yaml
+++ b/data/help/hot_roll.yaml
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ description: |
   Hot Roll
 
   Choose hands 3, 5 or 10. Games: jacks, ddb.
-  game lists games; game <name> selects one. payout low|normal|full sets
-  the same quality tier across games. paytable shows the exact schedule.
+  game lists games; game <name> selects one. The house sets the cabinet's
+  pay schedule; paytable shows the exact schedule.
 
   Feature ON adds five coins per hand to a five-coin base wager (10 total).
   Before dealing, a 1-in-6 trigger rolls two fair dice. Their sum multiplies
diff --git a/data/help/jacks_or_better.yaml b/data/help/jacks_or_better.yaml
index 4ece68d..941c98e 100644
--- a/data/help/jacks_or_better.yaml
+++ b/data/help/jacks_or_better.yaml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ description: |
   2 per coin; four of a kind pays 25. Natural royals pay 4000 at five coins.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game jacks_or_better.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/joker_poker.yaml b/data/help/joker_poker.yaml
index 8783507..7ea583a 100644
--- a/data/help/joker_poker.yaml
+++ b/data/help/joker_poker.yaml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ description: |
   possible. This is Kings or Better, not the Two Pair version.
 
   Select this game inside a compatible video poker cabinet with game joker_poker.
-  payout low|normal|full selects a published pay schedule, not a different game.
+  The house sets the cabinet's published pay schedule, not a different game.
   paytable shows exact returns and any next-hand multiplier awards.
   Type 531 or 1 3 5 to toggle holds, then draw or d. See help video poker
   for denominations, loading coins, supported hands and bonus cabinets.
diff --git a/data/help/super_times_pay.yaml b/data/help/super_times_pay.yaml
index 0d9f92b..10dd5c8 100644
--- a/data/help/super_times_pay.yaml
+++ b/data/help/super_times_pay.yaml
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ description: |
   Super Times Pay
 
   Choose hands 1, 3, 5 or 10. Games: jacks, bonus, double, ddb, deuces.
-  game lists games; game <name> selects one. payout low|normal|full sets
-  the same quality tier across games. paytable shows the exact schedule.
+  game lists games; game <name> selects one. The house sets the cabinet's
+  pay schedule; paytable shows the exact schedule.
 
   Feature ON adds one coin per hand to a five-coin base wager (6 total).
   Before dealing, a 1-in-15 trigger awards one multiplier for ALL lines.
diff --git a/data/help/ultimate_x_multi_hand.yaml b/data/help/ultimate_x_multi_hand.yaml
index cffdc33..6656647 100644
--- a/data/help/ultimate_x_multi_hand.yaml
+++ b/data/help/ultimate_x_multi_hand.yaml
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ description: |
   Ultimate X Multi-Hand
 
   Choose hands 3, 5 or 10. Games: jacks, deluxe, double, ddb, deuces, joker.
-  game lists games; game <name> selects one. payout low|normal|full sets
-  the same quality tier across games. paytable shows the exact schedule.
+  game lists games; game <name> selects one. The house sets the cabinet's
+  pay schedule; paytable shows the exact schedule.
 
   Feature ON adds five coins per hand to a five-coin base wager. Each winning
   line earns its own NEXT-hand multiplier. The NEXT X column changes with
diff --git a/data/help/ultimate_x_single_line.yaml b/data/help/ultimate_x_single_line.yaml
index 139fe2a..5a9c821 100644
--- a/data/help/ultimate_x_single_line.yaml
+++ b/data/help/ultimate_x_single_line.yaml
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ description: |
   Ultimate X Single Line
 
   One hand. Games: jacks, bonus, deluxe, double, ddb, deuces, joker.
-  game lists games; game <name> selects one. payout low|normal|full sets
-  the same quality tier across games. paytable shows the exact schedule.
+  game lists games; game <name> selects one. The house sets the cabinet's
+  pay schedule; paytable shows the exact schedule.
 
   Feature ON adds five coins to a five-coin wager. Winning hands earn the NEXT
   hand's multiplier; current multipliers never multiply new awards. The NEXT X
diff --git a/data/help/video_poker.yaml b/data/help/video_poker.yaml
index 5cd8c77..808edd2 100644
--- a/data/help/video_poker.yaml
+++ b/data/help/video_poker.yaml
@@ -5,16 +5,19 @@ related: [casino, ultimate x single line, ultimate x multi hand, super times pay
 description: |
   Video Poker — five cabinet types
 
-  The lounge east of Penny Reels has Classic Video Poker, Ultimate X Single
-  Line, Ultimate X Multi-Hand, Super Times Pay and Hot Roll. Each has one seat.
-  play lists cabinets; play <id> seats you. game lists its supported games.
+  The video poker hall east of Penny Reels is three rooms. The parlor runs low
+  pay schedules, the high-limit room normal schedules, and the VIP room full
+  pay schedules. Each holds Classic Video Poker, Ultimate X Single Line,
+  Ultimate X Multi-Hand, Super Times Pay and Hot Roll. Each cabinet has one
+  seat. play lists cabinets; play <id> seats you. Short cabinet names are vp,
+  ux, uxm, stp and hr. game lists its supported games.
   game jacks selects Jacks or Better. Other short names: bonus, deluxe,
   double, ddb, deuces, joker. Full game names and underscore names also work.
   Not every feature supports every game. Joker Poker is Kings or Better.
 
-  payout low|normal|full sets the cabinet-wide pay quality for ALL its games.
-  These select published schedules, not different games or guaranteed RTPs.
-  paytable shows the selected game, schedule and exact coin payouts.
+  The house sets each cabinet's pay schedule (low, normal or full) when it is
+  placed; these are published schedules, not different games or guaranteed
+  RTPs. paytable shows the selected game, schedule and exact coin payouts.
   hands lists supported counts; hands <count> selects one between rounds.
   Classic Jacks supports 1/3/5/10/25/50/100 hands; other classic games use 1.
   Ultimate X Single uses 1, Ultimate X Multi and Hot Roll 3/5/10,
@@ -25,6 +28,8 @@ description: |
   Bare bet repeats your previous selection, or five initially, without
   reprinting the pay table. Explicit bets reprint it with a red coin column.
   Loading coins does not charge money or reveal cards. deal pays and deals.
+  While seated at any casino game, casino verbs accept an unambiguous prefix:
+  b 1000 and be 1000 both mean bet 1000; stop and rules need the full word.
 
   Type 531, 1 3 5, or hold 531 to TOGGLE those cards. Type a number again
   to release it. Repeated digits in one command toggle only once.
diff --git a/data/rooms/casino/6192.yaml b/data/rooms/casino/6192.yaml
index 76635eb..2f47b9e 100644
--- a/data/rooms/casino/6192.yaml
+++ b/data/rooms/casino/6192.yaml
@@ -1,40 +1,47 @@
-name: Video Poker Lounge
-description: Five single-seat poker cabinets glow blue beneath yellow pay-table borders. Each offers a choice of poker games; the selected coin column shines red. Classic poker, two Ultimate X editions, Super Times Pay and Hot Roll stand side by side.
+name: Video Poker Parlor
+description: A row of low-limit single-seat poker cabinets glows blue beneath yellow pay-table borders.
+  Classic poker, two Ultimate X editions, Super Times Pay and Hot Roll stand side by side. The high-limit
+  room waits north; the reels are back west.
 exits:
   west:
     room: 6118
+  north:
+    room: 6193
 casino_tables:
-- id: poker
+- id: vp
   game: video_poker
   max_players: 1
   video_poker:
     cabinet: classic
-    payout: full
-- id: ultimate_x_single
+    payout: low
+- id: ux
   game: video_poker
   max_players: 1
   video_poker:
     cabinet: ultimate_x_single
-    payout: full
-- id: ultimate_x_multi
+    payout: low
+- id: uxm
   game: video_poker
   max_players: 1
   video_poker:
     cabinet: ultimate_x_multi
-    payout: full
-- id: super_times_pay
+    payout: low
+- id: stp
   game: video_poker
   max_players: 1
   video_poker:
     cabinet: super_times_pay
-    payout: full
-- id: hot_roll
+    payout: low
+- id: hr
   game: video_poker
   max_players: 1
   video_poker:
     cabinet: hot_roll
-    payout: full
+    payout: low
 objects:
 - name: poker plaque
-  description: 'Use play to list cabinets, then play <id>. game lists the games inside a cabinet; game jacks selects Jacks or Better. payout low|normal|full sets its pay quality across games. denom 1|10|50 sets credits per coin. bet max loads five coins; deal pays and deals. 531 toggles holds 1, 3 and 5; draw or d finishes. Ultimate X multipliers stay on the machine for the next player. rules explains your cabinet; paytable shows exact payouts.'
+  description: 'Use play to list cabinets, then play vp, ux, uxm, stp or hr. game lists the games inside
+    a cabinet; game jacks selects Jacks or Better. denom 1|10|50 sets credits per coin. bet max loads five
+    coins; deal pays and deals. 531 toggles holds 1, 3 and 5; draw or d finishes. The house sets each
+    cabinet''s pay schedule. rules explains your cabinet; paytable shows exact payouts.'
   inroom_description: A brass poker plaque explains the five cabinets.
diff --git a/data/rooms/casino/6193.yaml b/data/rooms/casino/6193.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f07db50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/data/rooms/casino/6193.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+name: High Limit Video Poker
+description: The pace slows among mid-limit single-seat cabinets, each with a normal pay schedule and
+  a higher ceiling. The VIP room waits north; the low-limit parlor is back south.
+exits:
+  south:
+    room: 6192
+  north:
+    room: 6194
+casino_tables:
+- id: vp
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: classic
+    payout: normal
+- id: ux
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: ultimate_x_single
+    payout: normal
+- id: uxm
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: ultimate_x_multi
+    payout: normal
+- id: stp
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: super_times_pay
+    payout: normal
+- id: hr
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: hot_roll
+    payout: normal
+objects:
+- name: poker plaque
+  description: 'Use play to list cabinets, then play vp, ux, uxm, stp or hr. game lists the games inside
+    a cabinet; game jacks selects Jacks or Better. denom 1|10|50 sets credits per coin. bet max loads five
+    coins; deal pays and deals. 531 toggles holds 1, 3 and 5; draw or d finishes. The house sets each
+    cabinet''s pay schedule. rules explains your cabinet; paytable shows exact payouts.'
+  inroom_description: A brass poker plaque explains the five cabinets.
diff --git a/data/rooms/casino/6194.yaml b/data/rooms/casino/6194.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18426a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/data/rooms/casino/6194.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+name: VIP Video Poker
+description: Behind a velvet rope, five full-pay single-seat cabinets run at the house's best schedules.
+  This is the quiet end of the video poker hall; the high-limit room is back south.
+exits:
+  south:
+    room: 6193
+casino_tables:
+- id: vp
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: classic
+    payout: full
+- id: ux
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: ultimate_x_single
+    payout: full
+- id: uxm
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: ultimate_x_multi
+    payout: full
+- id: stp
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: super_times_pay
+    payout: full
+- id: hr
+  game: video_poker
+  max_players: 1
+  video_poker:
+    cabinet: hot_roll
+    payout: full
+objects:
+- name: poker plaque
+  description: 'Use play to list cabinets, then play vp, ux, uxm, stp or hr. game lists the games inside
+    a cabinet; game jacks selects Jacks or Better. denom 1|10|50 sets credits per coin. bet max loads five
+    coins; deal pays and deals. 531 toggles holds 1, 3 and 5; draw or d finishes. The house sets each
+    cabinet''s pay schedule, and these are the best in the house. rules explains your cabinet; paytable
+    shows exact payouts.'
+  inroom_description: A brass poker plaque explains the five cabinets.
diff --git a/internal/casino/video_poker.go b/internal/casino/video_poker.go
index 36fdc35..8c9f66c 100644
--- a/internal/casino/video_poker.go
+++ b/internal/casino/video_poker.go
@@ -128,7 +128,6 @@ func (t *videoPokerTable) hintsLocked(name string) []MenuCommand {
 	} else {
 		commands = append(commands,
 			MenuCommand{Command: "game <name>", Desc: t.settings.GameChoices()},
-			MenuCommand{Command: "payout low|normal|full", Desc: "Set the cabinet-wide pay quality"},
 			MenuCommand{Command: "denom <1|10|50>", Desc: "Credits per coin"},
 			MenuCommand{Command: "hands <count>", Desc: "Supported hand counts are announced by hands"},
 		)
@@ -406,24 +405,6 @@ func (t *videoPokerTable) action(name, action string) []Event {
 		p.config, p.variant, p.hands = cfg, variant, CabinetHandCounts(cfg.Cabinet, variant)[0]
 		p.next, p.current, p.lines, p.remaining, p.result = nil, nil, nil, nil, ""
 		return t.statusLocked(name, true)
-	case "payout":
-		if len(fields) != 2 {
-			break
-		}
-		tier := strings.ToLower(fields[1])
-		if tier != "low" && tier != "normal" && tier != "full" {
-			break
-		}
-		cfg := (VideoPokerConfig{Cabinet: p.config.Cabinet, Payout: tier, Variant: p.variant}).Normalize()
-		if err := cfg.Validate(); err != nil {
-			return []Event{t.private(name, err.Error())}
-		}
-		t.settings.Payout = tier
-		t.settings.PayTable = ""
-		t.settings = t.settings.Normalize()
-		p.config = cfg
-		p.next, p.current, p.lines, p.remaining, p.result = nil, nil, nil, nil, ""
-		return t.statusLocked(name, true)
 	case "feature":
 		if len(fields) != 2 || cabinetFeature(t.settings.Cabinet) == "" || fields[1] != "on" && fields[1] != "off" {
 			break
@@ -431,7 +412,7 @@ func (t *videoPokerTable) action(name, action string) []Event {
 		p.featureOn = fields[1] == "on"
 		return t.statusLocked(name, false)
 	}
-	return []Event{t.private(name, "Use bet [1-4|max], deal, game <name>, payout low|normal|full, denom 1|10|50, hands <count>, paytable, or feature on|off on a bonus cabinet.")}
+	return []Event{t.private(name, "Use bet [1-4|max], deal, game <name>, denom 1|10|50, hands <count>, paytable, or feature on|off on a bonus cabinet.")}
 }
 
 func (t *videoPokerTable) drawLocked(name string, p *pokerPlayer) []Event {
diff --git a/internal/casino/video_poker_config.go b/internal/casino/video_poker_config.go
index 78a772d..8d67252 100644
--- a/internal/casino/video_poker_config.go
+++ b/internal/casino/video_poker_config.go
@@ -145,6 +145,24 @@ func (c VideoPokerConfig) CabinetName() string {
 	return "Classic Video Poker"
 }
 
+// CabinetAliases lists the single-token names that address this cabinet type
+// in the play menu, beyond the room's own table id. "video poker" itself means
+// the classic cabinet so a lone lounge stays reachable without a specific
+// machine name.
+func (c VideoPokerConfig) CabinetAliases() []string {
+	switch c.Normalize().Cabinet {
+	case CabinetUXSingle:
+		return []string{"ux", "ultimate_x", "ultimate_x_single"}
+	case CabinetUXMulti:
+		return []string{"uxm", "ultimate_x_multi", "ultimate_x_multi_hand"}
+	case CabinetSuperTimesPay:
+		return []string{"stp", "super_times", "super_times_pay"}
+	case CabinetHotRoll:
+		return []string{"hr", "hot_roll"}
+	}
+	return []string{"vp", "poker", "classic", "video_poker"}
+}
+
 func (c VideoPokerConfig) CabinetLabel() string {
 	c = c.Normalize()
 	return c.CabinetName() + " / " + c.Payout + " pay"
diff --git a/internal/casino/video_poker_lifecycle_test.go b/internal/casino/video_poker_lifecycle_test.go
index 3107a93..f817225 100644
--- a/internal/casino/video_poker_lifecycle_test.go
+++ b/internal/casino/video_poker_lifecycle_test.go
@@ -199,20 +199,20 @@ func TestPokerHoldToggleAndMultiHand(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal("seat not released")
 	}
 }
-func TestPokerGameAndPayoutSwitching(t *testing.T) {
-	table, w, _ := pokerTestCabinet(t, VideoPokerConfig{Cabinet: CabinetClassic})
+func TestPokerGameSwitching(t *testing.T) {
+	table, w, _ := pokerTestCabinet(t, VideoPokerConfig{Cabinet: CabinetClassic, Payout: "low"})
 	p := table.players["alice"]
+	// Payout is house-owned: the retired verb no longer changes the schedule.
+	if !table.action("alice", "payout full")[0].MessageStarts("Use bet") || p.config.Payout != "low" {
+		t.Fatal("payout action still changes the schedule")
+	}
 	if !table.action("alice", "game jacks")[0].Snapshot.(*VideoPokerSnapshot).ShowPayTable {
 		t.Fatal("explicit switch did not show the pay table")
 	}
 	table.action("alice", "game ddb")
-	if p.config.Variant != "double_double_bonus" || p.config.PayTable != "10/6" {
+	if p.config.Variant != "double_double_bonus" || p.config.PayTable != "8/5" {
 		t.Fatalf("alias switch: %+v", p.config)
 	}
-	table.action("alice", "payout low")
-	if p.config.PayTable != "8/5" {
-		t.Fatalf("tier not applied to the current game: %+v", p.config)
-	}
 	table.action("alice", "game joker")
 	if p.config.PayTable != "50/15/7/5/3" {
 		t.Fatalf("tier lost switching to joker: %+v", p.config)
diff --git a/internal/casino/video_poker_regression_test.go b/internal/casino/video_poker_regression_test.go
index 634ebc9..90caf91 100644
--- a/internal/casino/video_poker_regression_test.go
+++ b/internal/casino/video_poker_regression_test.go
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@ import (
 
 func TestPokerEveryCabinetTierGameAndAward(t *testing.T) {
 	for cabinet, games := range cabinetGames {
-		table, _, _ := pokerTestCabinet(t, VideoPokerConfig{Cabinet: cabinet})
 		for _, tier := range []string{"low", "normal", "full"} {
-			table.action("alice", "payout "+tier)
+			table, _, _ := pokerTestCabinet(t, VideoPokerConfig{Cabinet: cabinet, Payout: tier})
 			for _, variant := range games {
 				events := table.action("alice", "game "+variant)
 				p := table.players["alice"]
@@ -32,12 +31,13 @@ func TestPokerEveryCabinetTierGameAndAward(t *testing.T) {
 					}
 				}
 			}
-		}
-		table.action("alice", "payout low")
-		table.leave("alice")
-		table.join("bob")
-		if table.players["bob"].config.Payout != "low" {
-			t.Fatal("machine tier changed with occupant")
+			// The authored tier is machine state, not a player setting: a new
+			// occupant inherits it unchanged.
+			table.leave("alice")
+			table.join("bob")
+			if table.players["bob"].config.Payout != tier {
+				t.Fatalf("%s/%s: tier changed with occupant", cabinet, tier)
+			}
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/game/casino_ux.go b/internal/game/casino_ux.go
index 750d05d..fc37e7d 100644
--- a/internal/game/casino_ux.go
+++ b/internal/game/casino_ux.go
@@ -69,7 +69,8 @@ func (g *Game) casinoChoices(roomID int) []casinoChoice {
 	var choices []casinoChoice
 	for _, c := range room.CasinoTables {
 		if c.Game == casino.GameVideoPoker {
-			choices = append(choices, casinoChoice{address: c.ID, names: []string{c.ID, "video_poker", "vp", c.VideoPoker.Normalize().Variant}, table: true})
+			names := append([]string{c.ID}, c.VideoPoker.CabinetAliases()...)
+			choices = append(choices, casinoChoice{address: c.ID, names: names, table: true})
 			continue
 		}
 		names := []string{string(c.Game)}
diff --git a/internal/game/casino_ux_test.go b/internal/game/casino_ux_test.go
index aa98c87..89363b0 100644
--- a/internal/game/casino_ux_test.go
+++ b/internal/game/casino_ux_test.go
@@ -47,6 +47,80 @@ func uxCasinoGame(t *testing.T) (*Game, *net.Session, *casinoTestConn) {
 	return g, sess, sess.Conn.(*casinoTestConn)
 }
 
+func TestPayoutCommandRemoved(t *testing.T) {
+	if class := classifyCommand("payout"); class != ClassUnknown {
+		t.Fatalf("payout is still registered as %v", class)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestPlaySoleChoiceNeedsNoName(t *testing.T) {
+	g, sess, _ := casinoCrapsGame(t, "name: Solo\ncasino_tables:\n  - id: solo\n    game: blackjack\n    min_bet: 1\n    max_bet: 100\n")
+	g.executePlay(sess, nil, "play")
+	table, ok := g.Casino.Participation("alice")
+	if !ok || table == nil || table.Config.ID != "solo" {
+		t.Fatal("play with a sole choice did not seat the player")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestVideoPokerConciseAliases(t *testing.T) {
+	room := "name: Parlor\ncasino_tables:\n" +
+		"- id: vp\n  game: video_poker\n  max_players: 1\n  video_poker: {cabinet: classic, payout: low}\n" +
+		"- id: ux\n  game: video_poker\n  max_players: 1\n  video_poker: {cabinet: ultimate_x_single, payout: low}\n" +
+		"- id: uxm\n  game: video_poker\n  max_players: 1\n  video_poker: {cabinet: ultimate_x_multi, payout: low}\n" +
+		"- id: stp\n  game: video_poker\n  max_players: 1\n  video_poker: {cabinet: super_times_pay, payout: low}\n" +
+		"- id: hr\n  game: video_poker\n  max_players: 1\n  video_poker: {cabinet: hot_roll, payout: low}\n"
+	g, _, _ := casinoCrapsGame(t, room)
+	choices := g.casinoChoices(1)
+	for input, want := range map[string]string{
+		"vp": "vp", "poker": "vp", "classic": "vp", "video_poker": "vp",
+		"ux": "ux", "ultimate_x": "ux", "ultimate_x_single": "ux",
+		"uxm": "uxm", "ultimate_x_multi": "uxm", "ultimate_x_multi_hand": "uxm",
+		"stp": "stp", "super_times": "stp", "super_times_pay": "stp",
+		"hr": "hr", "hot_roll": "hr",
+	} {
+		choice, ok := resolveCasinoChoice(choices, input)
+		if !ok || choice.address != want {
+			t.Fatalf("play %s resolved to %q (ok=%v), want %q", input, choice.address, ok, want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestCasinoCommandAbbreviations(t *testing.T) {
+	g, sess, _ := uxCasinoGame(t)
+	// Unseated players get no casino shortcuts.
+	if got, ok := g.casinoAbbreviation(sess, "b"); ok {
+		t.Fatalf("unseated abbreviation resolved to %q", got)
+	}
+	g.executePlay(sess, []string{"bj"}, "play bj")
+	for input, want := range map[string]string{
+		"b": "bet", "be": "bet", "spl": "split", "su": "surrender",
+		"ins": "insurance", "ro": "roll", "wa": "watch", "ta": "table",
+		"li": "list", "ga": "game",
+	} {
+		got, ok := g.casinoAbbreviation(sess, input)
+		if !ok || got != want {
+			t.Fatalf("%q resolved to %q (ok=%v), want %q", input, got, ok, want)
+		}
+	}
+	// stop and rules are full-word only, and movement keeps its own keys.
+	for _, input := range []string{"sto", "r", "ru", "n", "s"} {
+		if got, ok := g.casinoAbbreviation(sess, input); ok {
+			t.Fatalf("%q unexpectedly abbreviated to %q", input, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAbbreviatedCasinoCommandReachesQueue(t *testing.T) {
+	g, sess, _ := uxCasinoGame(t)
+	g.queue = NewCommandQueue()
+	g.executePlay(sess, []string{"bj", "10"}, "play bj 10")
+	g.handleGameCommand(sess, "b 25")
+	qc, ok := g.queue.PeekActive("alice")
+	if !ok || qc.Command != "bet" || qc.Args != "25" {
+		t.Fatalf("b 25 queued %+v (ok=%v), want bet 25", qc, ok)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestPlayAliasesJoinGames(t *testing.T) {
 	for input, game := range map[string]string{"bj": "blackjack", "black": "blackjack", "bac": "baccarat", "baccarat": "baccarat"} {
 		g, sess, conn := uxCasinoGame(t)
diff --git a/internal/game/cmd_registry.go b/internal/game/cmd_registry.go
index d7b808b..fbb401c 100644
--- a/internal/game/cmd_registry.go
+++ b/internal/game/cmd_registry.go
@@ -54,9 +54,6 @@ var commandRegistry = map[string]commandDef{
 	"game": {func(g *Game, s *net.Session, args []string, _ string) {
 		g.executeTableAction(s, "game "+strings.Join(args, " "))
 	}, ClassInstant},
-	"payout": {func(g *Game, s *net.Session, args []string, _ string) {
-		g.executeTableAction(s, "payout "+strings.Join(args, " "))
-	}, ClassInstant},
 	"roll":     {func(g *Game, s *net.Session, _ []string, _ string) { g.executeTableAction(s, "roll") }, ClassActive},
 	"autoroll": {func(g *Game, s *net.Session, _ []string, _ string) { g.executeTableAction(s, "autoroll") }, ClassInstant},
 	"unbet": {func(g *Game, s *net.Session, args []string, _ string) {
@@ -241,6 +238,42 @@ func classifyCommand(cmd string) CommandClass {
 	return ClassUnknown
 }
 
+// casinoShortVerbs are the casino verbs a seated player may abbreviate to an
+// unambiguous prefix. "stop" and "rules" are deliberately absent: their
+// prefixes (st, r, ru) would otherwise shadow stand and movement, so those two
+// commands must be typed in full.
+var casinoShortVerbs = []string{
+	"bet", "deal", "draw", "hold", "paytable", "denom", "denomination",
+	"hands", "feature", "game", "roll", "autoroll", "unbet", "table",
+	"status", "list", "watch", "sitout", "decline", "hit", "stand",
+	"double", "split", "insurance", "surrender", "spin", "autobet",
+	"autospin", "rebet",
+}
+
+// casinoAbbreviation resolves a seated casino player's unambiguous command
+// prefix to its full verb. An exact command (including the h/st/dd/sp aliases
+// and video poker's d) always wins, so a prefix never shadows a real command;
+// an ambiguous prefix resolves to nothing and falls through unchanged.
+func (g *Game) casinoAbbreviation(sess *net.Session, cmd string) (string, bool) {
+	if sess == nil || sess.Player == nil || cmd == "" || !g.inCasinoGame(sess.Player.Name) {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	if _, ok := commandRegistry[cmd]; ok {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	match := ""
+	for _, verb := range casinoShortVerbs {
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(verb, cmd) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if match != "" {
+			return "", false
+		}
+		match = verb
+	}
+	return match, match != ""
+}
+
 func (g *Game) executeCommand(sess *net.Session, cmd string, args []string, rawInput string) {
 	p := sess.Player
 
diff --git a/internal/game/game.go b/internal/game/game.go
index 6066179..f1855dc 100644
--- a/internal/game/game.go
+++ b/internal/game/game.go
@@ -615,6 +615,15 @@ func (g *Game) handleGameCommand(sess *net.Session, input string) {
 	}
 	cmd := parts[0]
 
+	// Seated casino players may shorten any casino verb to an unambiguous
+	// prefix (b 1000 -> bet 1000). Exact commands always win, so movement and
+	// the existing short aliases are never shadowed.
+	if canon, ok := g.casinoAbbreviation(sess, cmd); ok {
+		cmd = canon
+		parts[0] = canon
+		input = strings.Join(parts, " ")
+	}
+
 	if len(parts) == 1 {
 		switch cmd {
 		case "equip", "eq", "equipment", "wear", "wield":
diff --git a/internal/game/vesta_world_test.go b/internal/game/vesta_world_test.go
index b719e24..3a2e320 100644
--- a/internal/game/vesta_world_test.go
+++ b/internal/game/vesta_world_test.go
@@ -293,7 +293,8 @@ func TestVestaCasinoFloorsAndVariants(t *testing.T) {
 			future++
 		}
 		count := len(r.CasinoTables) + len(r.CasinoMachines)
-		// Individually addressed video-poker cabinets share a lounge.
+		// Individually addressed video-poker cabinets share their lounge;
+		// the parlor, high-limit and VIP rooms each hold the cabinet set.
 		// Multiplayer games still require their own salons.
 		for _, cfg := range r.CasinoTables {
 			if cfg.Game == casino.GameVideoPoker {
@@ -320,7 +321,7 @@ func TestVestaCasinoFloorsAndVariants(t *testing.T) {
 			classic = classic || machine.Variant == ""
 		}
 	}
-	if games["blackjack"] != 5 || games["baccarat"] != 3 || games["roulette"] != 3 || games["craps"] != 7 || games["slots"] != 5 || games["video_poker"] != 5 || !soft17 || !surrender || !singleDeck || !huff || !classic {
+	if games["blackjack"] != 5 || games["baccarat"] != 3 || games["roulette"] != 3 || games["craps"] != 7 || games["slots"] != 5 || games["video_poker"] != 15 || !soft17 || !surrender || !singleDeck || !huff || !classic {
 		t.Errorf("casino variant coverage lost: %v", games)
 	}
 	if future != 0 {
diff --git a/internal/game/video_poker_cabinet_test.go b/internal/game/video_poker_cabinet_test.go
index a327bce..0e46c82 100644
--- a/internal/game/video_poker_cabinet_test.go
+++ b/internal/game/video_poker_cabinet_test.go
@@ -120,6 +120,27 @@ func TestPokerCorruptBankRefusesDeal(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// TestVestaVideoPokerPayoutTiers pins the authored tiering: the parlor, high-limit
+// and VIP rooms each hold the full cabinet set at one house-set payout, and no
+// player command can change it.
+func TestVestaVideoPokerPayoutTiers(t *testing.T) {
+	_, rooms, _ := loadVesta(t)
+	for id, tier := range map[int]string{6192: "low", 6193: "normal", 6194: "full"} {
+		r, ok := rooms[id]
+		if !ok {
+			t.Fatalf("missing video poker room %d", id)
+		}
+		if len(r.CasinoTables) != 5 {
+			t.Fatalf("room %d has %d cabinets, want the full set of 5", id, len(r.CasinoTables))
+		}
+		for _, cfg := range r.CasinoTables {
+			if cfg.Game != casino.GameVideoPoker || cfg.VideoPoker.Payout != tier {
+				t.Fatalf("room %d/%s = %s/%s, want video_poker/%s", id, cfg.ID, cfg.Game, cfg.VideoPoker.Payout, tier)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
 func TestPokerInterruptedTransactionRecovery(t *testing.T) {
 	g, sess, _ := casinoCrapsGame(t, uxTestRoom)
 	g.DataDir = t.TempDir()