Video Poker Forum

I am playing five play 9/6 Double Double Bonus and I am dealt:AdAcKdJd4cDo I keep AA or AdKdJd?

AA

While 3 to the royal is always tempting, quad aces is not bad in this game either. In fact, holding the kicker 4 as well has a better expected return than the 3 to a royal. But optimal play is the pair of aces.

Also keep in mind that holding any high pair is better than going for an ace high 3RF. Only KQJ and QJT are better plays than a pair of Js, Qs or Ks.

That used to mess me up a lot, because I think of the high value of aces and for some reason think of them as better for a royal flush, when they are really worse than a J or Q simply because you can hit fewer straights if you miss the royal.

I have thrown away A's and kept 3 to the royal and caught the royal....I know.....bad move to throw A's....but I had a hunch!!! :)Of course this was on single hand DDB.....

I have thrown away A's and kept 3 to the royal and caught the royal....
I know.....bad move to throw A's....but I had a hunch!!!
Of course this was on single hand DDB.....


Regardless of hunches and suspicions, still the wrong move and you're gonna find yourself in the negative column a majority of the time. Sure, occasionally one is going to get THAT hit they were hoping for but thousands of hands of research were played to get a formula that would give the VP player an advantage in their outcome. Keep in mind that DDB payouts are less often due to its variance and is a tougher game to learn compared to BP or JoB. I've played and won on hunches too but also have learned to not deviate. Stick to your gameplan and it will become less of a gamble.

I don't think there is anything wrong with taking a gamble in a casino.
 
There are lots of stupid bets out there that can pay off big if you happen to get lucky. If that's what you are after, I say go for it. But don't be a fool and tell everyone that your play was "smarter" and that everyone should do it, because most of the rest will likely lose on the same bet. Lucky is lucky, not "smart."
 
I'll stick to a perfect strategy almost all the time and take my luck when it's dealt to me.

With a Ah As Ks Qs Ts (ie 4RF with a pair of aces), you are FAR better off throwing away the pair of aces.  But with three to the royal, you are way better off holding the aces.
 
I think everyone knew that already according to the "flavor" of the posts here including the guy who originally posted the play.

I agree with the majority, but it is fun to chance it once in a while.  I've thrown the As and hit the Royal, but it is a bad gamble!!