Jacks or Better Strategy Question

[sammypup]

If I draw an unsuited AKJ, do I only hold the KJ? Obviously assuming that I have nothing else, I am just holding the high cards. On my strategy chart, I see that I should hold KQJ high cards, but it does not address AKJ. thanks so much!

[Jing-Baba]

do as I, go gold and use training mode, you will smile

[New2vp]

Your strategy card probably does not address holdings that are never held.  So, drop down to the KJ (same idea with AKQ unsuited; hold the KQ).There are some odd games (e.g., Double Bonus) when you hold all AKJ unsuited once in a while, but those are usually games which pay 5 for 1 for straights.  Even then it is a close play with the KJ; often the KJ is worse only if you also have a 9 in the hand.

[FloridaPhil]

The training software says to throw away the ace and keep the KJ in JB.  My wife always keeps all three and she swears by it.  On the other hand, I play DDB and I keep the aces.  The correct play is different for every game.  On the other hand "There are no bad hands if you win!".    In all honesty, the best way to learn is with training software.  I believe Gold status of this website provides this.  I use Dancer's Video Poker for winners.  I like it because you can change the denomination on the fly.

[BobDancer]

The reason you hold KQJ but  KQ from AKQ, KJ from AKJ, and QJ from AQJ (assuming all cards unsuited) has to do with the number of straights possible. From KQJ, you could draw an AKQJT or KQJT9 straight. From any of the others, the only straight you can draw in KQJT9.The extra chances for a straight make for the difference in plays.This is more obvious to some people than others. If you'd like the "why" of every play explained, consider getting the Dancer/Daily Winner's Guide for whatever game you are considering. Those who have said you should practice on computer software are correct. It corrects these mistakes quickly.I disagree strongly with "there are no bad hands if you win." Today's score is essentially irrelevant. What is more important is how you are doing over a year --- or over a career. Both good and bad players will experience good days and bad. But good players will end up ahead and bad players won't. The most important factor in "skill" is only playing on a machine where you have the advantage. If you do that, you'll do fine over time.Bob 

[DaBurglar]

The most important factor in "skill" is only playing on a machine where you have the advantage. If you do that, you'll do fine over time.Bob

Can you clarify what you mean by this Bon?    When you say 'advantage'  are you simply talking paytable(s), or do you mean the player has an 'advantage' because they are proficient enough at that specific game to play expert/no errors over the course of time?  Or is it the combination of these two factors?I only ask because I assume, when it comes to players who read and interact on this forum,  that everyone always chooses the "BEST" paytable available within the casino (and market/location in general) that they happen to be in.....with that said, when you apply the word 'advantage' to a player it must surely mean someone who knows the perfect strategy and can implement it for whatever game he/she is choosing to play at that particular time.....also, when you say you'll do "fine", do you mean turn a profit, break even or simply lose a small amount that will be offset by comps?for example, as it applies to myself, I am proficient at the "expert /perfect strategy" level for the games JOB, Bonus poker, and (almost) Double Bonus and Double-Double Bonus......I say (almost) only because I have not played much of the DB and DDB games in the past four years and therefore consider myself somewhat rusty at those two games, to the point where i cannot guarantee I will always play error free, but pretty close to it.    In Atlantic City  I have played the vast majority of my games over the past 4 years at Bonus Poker (8/5 BP, a theoretical return of 99.17%), with a solid and significant minority of my play going to 9/6 JOB (99.5%, AND UP, as many of which have been progressives.)Anyway, thanks for the insightful reply to the original post and thanks in advance for responding to my question

[Tedlark]

  DaBurglar if you refer to your posting titled "latest AC Fiasco" you might see that Bob explains to you what you are seeking here.

[FloridaPhil]

If I we only played video poker with 100% plus games,  we would never play at all.  Where are such machines?  I have never seen one and I've been playing video poker for 10 years.   Maybe Bob can find them playing $100 a hand, but in my world they don't exist.  No offence, just stating the facts.

[Vman96]

If I we only played video poker with 100% plus games,  we would never play at all.  Where are such machines?  I have never seen one and I've been playing video poker for 10 years.   Maybe Bob can find them playing $100 a hand, but in my world they don't exist.  No offence, just stating the facts.

Time for you to visit Vegas, Phil.   

More fun place anyway, imo.

[FloridaPhil]

Can anyone give me an example of a 100% plus single line quarter VP game in Vegas?   I would go there and play it just so I could say I did...