Video Poker Forum

Playing SDDB and dealt 4 A's with the Jack kicker.  50/cents max (1600 credits) good for $800.  I held them all and took the money and left.
 
A couple next to me said dump the J since I could get a 2,3,4 for $1000 or another face card and still be at $800.
 
While it's true, there's almost a 50/50 chance of another kicker - I told them If I get a 5-10, then I'm down to $400...didn't think the risk/reward was worth it for another $200 upside, stay the same or chance losing half.
 
They were swearing it was the right move, I poltely told them it was my money and was keeping it.
 
Would anyone else toss the J?  I thought it was a no-brainer.

 
Would anyone else toss the J?  I thought it was a no-brainer.
 
I consider it a no-brainer as well.  I've had that happen once, and I did what you did - held the dealt kicker. 

This one where you can do the math yourself quite easily. There are 47 cards left in the deck. You have 12 2-4 cards, 11 J-K cards and 24 5-10 cards. Therefore, the win for tossing the J is (24/47)*400 + (12/47)*1000 + (11/47)*800 which comes to $646.81. The win for holding the J is $800. Not only were you right, but tossing the J is a huge mistake.

It depends on how late it is though. If you are sleepy and have a hard time quitting while you're ahead, then you might just throw the Jack and get a good night's rest.

It depends on how late it is though. If you are sleepy and have a hard time quitting while you're ahead, then you might just throw the Jack and get a good night's rest.
 
If you're sleepy enough, you might decide that a special play is in order.  Hold the Jack and suited Ace, to hit the big Royal. 

Keep the Jack. Like they said, no-brainer here.

The people observing where the ones with no brains. 

You made the correct move.  People next to you are really trying to help, but sometimes you know best from your practice and even from this site.Now here's a question:  Many years ago....back when the only game was Jacks or Better, I was playing next to this older guy   (older than me at the time) who kept pointing out how I should play, I drew a 0 hand with two 10s.  He put his hand over my screen and exclaimed "YOU NEVER HOLD THE TWO TENS - THAT'S THE WORST PLAY YOU CAN MAKE!" I wish I could report that after I held the two tens that I got two more of them, but it was a zero hand.  Shortly after that I lit up a cig and he left. I was wishing I was a cigar gal. I have had moments when I can't get that comment out of my head and it might still be influencing my play.I guess tens are not as scary as clowns or jokers.Any input?

I think he was making a pass at you ginxxx.

Thanks All for confirming my thoughts...these people claimed to have won many tournaments too!  LOL - if the point of the tourney was to do the worse, I guess they would win.  I was polite, but said thanks but no thanks.
Like Shadowman stated, I did the math (though not as elaborate) figuring 23 of 47 puts the odds in the houses favor.
 
ginxx - wish you had a cell then to get a shot and email the guy the photo of the quad!  I'm sure he'd have enjoyed that.
 
Thanks to all for confirming my thoughts...for when it happens again