An ace looks valuable, but a useful hold is a combination rather than a collection of individually impressive ranks. This archive question centers on that distinction, asking when retaining the ace helps or hinders the possible draws in the specified game.
The wider question
A useful hand comparison starts with the exact variant and its complete payout schedule. A familiar game name is not enough to identify every rule. When reading a historical strategy discussion, keep its assumptions attached to the example; a different schedule or extra feature may call for a different comparison.
This is an original editorial reading note on the topic of a Jerry Stickman column, not a reproduction of the full article. The date above belongs to the original publication. Read the linked column for the author’s complete account and conclusions.
In Video Poker Should I Hold an Ace with Two Unsuited High Cards?
Jerry Stickman · Jan 18, 2025
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