Video Poker

KoH · #1 07-09-2007, 11:00 PM

While not a big fan of playing the machines, of late I have logged some time with 9/6 draw poker (JJ or better).

My question is this:

Which is better, to hold onto 2 single J or better cards in hopes of pairing, or keeping a small pair less than JJ (no-pay) and hope to make a set?

What about 1 J or better card vs a small pair?

At this point, we can assume that the payscale is 1x for a pair and a set is worth 3x.

1huskerfan · #2 07-10-2007, 02:26 AM

I am a bit tired to do the math tonite, but I would think that keeping the lower pair would be >EV. You are sacrificing one out and one draw card in exchange for 3x payout, but you also must consider the case where you pick up another small pair. If you are drawing to the big card, it does you no good, but if you are drawing to the small pair, you get paid off. Wiazard of odds should have the correct answer for you.

pzhon · #3 07-10-2007, 05:43 AM

A low pair (0.8237) is much better than QJs (0.6004), or even an open-ended straight draw other than KQJT.

http://wizardofodds.com/jacksorbetter

KoH · #4 07-10-2007, 09:38 PM

Thanks. Ya know when it comes to books on video poker and table games (blackjack and such), there should be a solid strategy without any debate since it's simple math (I'm just mathematically retarded). Despite this, ya know I cant pick up any two books on these subjects and have them agree with each other?

If I can figure out which authors are bought and paid for by the casinos and it'll be money. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

1huskerfan · #5 07-12-2007, 03:29 AM

They don't need to buy authors, they have a built in advantage. Buying authors would -EV for the casinos.

DarkMagus · #6 07-12-2007, 02:49 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks. Ya know when it comes to books on video poker and table games (blackjack and such), there should be a solid strategy without any debate since it's simple math (I'm just mathematically retarded). Despite this, ya know I cant pick up any two books on these subjects and have them agree with each other?

[/ QUOTE ]

Er, correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the highest EV strategy for video poker be to just not play it? At least for Jacks or Better anyway

KoH · #7 07-13-2007, 02:41 AM

Heh, well in general I'm not much for any game that stacks the odds against the player, i.e. just about every other game in the casino other than live poker. However, there are varying degrees and video poker apparently is pretty close to break even if played correctly...I've even heard claims that you can get a slight edge, although I find that claim somewhat dubious.

So which form of video poker would you recommend?