Confused about JOB strategy

Post by **nikkitoni** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 6:32 pm

I've been playing Bob Dancer's Video Poker for Winners for a couple of days now and overall, I like the program. However, I'm confused about some of the strategies the program suggests.

I don't understand why you would hold a KQJ of different suits, but you wouldn't hold a AKQ of different suits. Why does the game suggest that you always forgo the Ace when you have three or more high cards?

Also, I don't understand why you would hold a Jack and 10 of the same suit and a Queen and 10 of the same suit, but not a King or Ace and 10 of the same suit. Can someone please explain this to me?

Post by **faygo** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:04 pm

Your first question "KQJ vs AKQ" involves the number of available straights.
From AKQ only one straight is possible, from KQJ two are possible.

You second question " why J,10 & Q,10 Suited vs A, 10 & K,10 suited"
First K,10 is a proper hold unless there is another card of the same suit(2-9). Then the K only is the correct hold. Secondly A, 10 would require filling 3 insides for any straight or straight flush(including the Royal) and once again the Ace blocks one straight possibility.
The difference between A,10 & A alone is .0173 of EV.
You will find BD plays in such a manner that no difference is too small for him. By adding up all these small differences you will find that they will turn into big differences.
VPW allows you to analyze any hand providing the expected return .
Some reading for you from one of BD's columns.

http://www.casinogaming.com/columnists/ ... /0925.html

Guys jump in here if I missed some salient points.

Post by **shadowman** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:16 pm

I think you got it covered. The key for the future is to use the analyze hand feature and see the actual winning combinations. I would suggest going back and doing this for the hands above. You will the differences mentioned by Faygo. Once you get the hang of it it all becomes easier.

Post by **nikkitoni** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 8:31 pm

That makes sense. Thank you so much for your response and for the link!

Post by **concreature** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 1:50 pm

Only small flaw I find is that from holding KT you would only hold K alone if there is BOTH a flush penalty and a 9 penalty.

Post by **faygo** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 3:03 pm

Only small flaw I find is that from holding KT you would only hold K alone if there is BOTH a flush penalty and a 9 penalty.

Right you are. The difference in EV is .0077. I, myself, choose to ignore this one.

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Confused about JOB strategy