[Gonzopozo]

Playing Bad Hands

Here’s some tips on playing a few of those “all too common” bad hands we get on video poker. These tips only apply to basic “full pay jacks or better” machines.

Dealt hand --- Correct play

2C-8H-10D-JD-QC --- Hold JD-QC

(Slightly better than 2 card Royal that contains a 10.)

8S-9S-10S-QD-AD --- Hold 8-9-10S

(Better than 2 card Royal even with 2 high cards.)

5D-9S-JD-QD-KC --- Hold JD-QD

(2 card Royal (without 10) better than inside straight and 3 high cards.)

6D-8C-9S-10D-AD --- Hold AD

(Single A better than A-10 Royal in regular Jacks or better. Not true with higher progressive Royal paytables.)


Note to players: We ALWAYS avoid 3-card straights and 4-card inside straights.

Thanks to Mr. Elliot Frome for this analysis.