Four to a Straight Flush

A straight flush is a very strong hand. It is best when we are “open-ended” such that we have 2 ways to hit it. For example, Ac 2c 3c 4c only gives us one way to hit – the 5c.

EXAMPLE 1 – Keep a low pair or go for straight flush draw in Jacks or Better?

We are dealt 7c, 8c, 9c, Tc, 7d. Do we keep the pair of sevens or do we discard the 7d? Below, you will find the EV of the two alternatives:

First Choice – Keep 4 to a flush.

Video Poker Example

Jacks or Better – Expected Value (ev) for holding Tc 9c 8c 7c and discarding 7d

Based on inserting 5 coins (max coins)

By videopokertrainer.org version 0.8 beta.

Non-Qualifying: (32/47)*0 = 0.00 ev
Straight: (6/47)*20 = 2.55 ev
Flush: (7/47)*25 = 3.72 ev
Straight Flush: (2/47)*250 = 10.64 ev
Total: 16.91 ev

We inserted 5 coins and we expect to get back 16.91 so this hand has positive value.

For entertainment only. Use your own math for real money.

Second Choice – Keep the low pair.

Video Poker Example

Jacks or Better – Expected Value (ev) for holding 7c 7d and discarding Tc 9c 8c

Based on inserting 5 coins (max coins)

By videopokertrainer.org version 0.8 beta.

Non-Qualifying: (11559/16215)*0 = 0.00 ev
Two Pair: (2592/16215)*10 = 1.60 ev
3 of a kind: (1854/16215)*15 = 1.72 ev
Full House: (165/16215)*30 = 0.31 ev
4 of a kind: (45/16215)*125 = 0.35 ev
Total: 3.97 ev

We inserted 5 coins and we expect to get back 3.97 so this hand has negative value.

For entertainment only. Use your own math for real money.

The math conveys we should hold onto the 7c, 8c, 9c, and Tc and draw one card.

EXAMPLE 2 – Only 1 out for the straight flush in Jacks or Better.

We are dealt 9d 8d 6d 5d 2s and we discard the 2s.

Video Poker Example

Jacks or Better – Expected Value (ev) for holding 9d 8d 6d 5d and discarding 2s

Based on inserting 5 coins (max coins)

By videopokertrainer.org version 0.8.

Non-Qualifying: (35/47)*0 = 0.00 ev
Straight: (3/47)*20 = 1.28 ev
Flush: (8/47)*25 = 4.26 ev
Straight Flush: (1/47)*250 = 5.32 ev
Total: 10.85 ev

We inserted 5 coins and we expect to get back 10.85 so this hand has positive value.

For entertainment only. Use your own math for real money.