Video poker strategy questions

13 September 2025

By Jerry Stickman

From Ray in Illinois.

Hi Jerry,

As always, I enjoy your articles on best play for VP hands.

I have a comment on a recent one, where you have 3 to a royal, 4 to a flush and a high pair.

My general strategy, which I keep reminding my wife of, is when you have 4 to a flush (but not 4 to a royal) and a pair, toss the pair if it's a low pair and go for the flush, but keep the pair if it's a high pair (already a winner). Is that always correct?

Also, would the strategy of keeping the pair change if the 3 to a royal was without the Ace? since you can also get a straight flush? Similarly, if the 3 to a royal included 4 to a straight flush, would THAT change the strategy?

Thanks, as always,

Ray from Illinois

Hi Ray,

Thank you for your questions. It looks like you really want to make me work coming up with your reply. Just kidding.

These are some very good questions. Let me start from the top and work through each of them.

However, first, for other readers, here is a link to the article being referenced: Four of a Flush or Three of a Royal?

With the three of a royal flush containing an ace and a 10, holding a high pair is the proper move. However, in a 9/6 jacks or better game, with the same three of a royal and four of a straight flush, if there is a low pair, hold the three of a royal flush, not four of a flush. The results are close, but the return for holding the three cards of the royal flush is the best hold.

On to your second question. If the three cards of a royal flush are the king, queen, and 10 with a suited low card (no ace this time), and an off-suit king, hold the high pair. With a low pair rather than a high pair, hold the three cards of a royal flush – not the four cards of a flush. Again, it is close, but the three cards of a royal flush have a higher average return.

Finally, you asked about three cards of a royal flush with four cards of a straight flush versus a high or low pair. Should you be dealt that hand, always save the four cards of a straight flush.
Please keep in mind that the information shown is based on a full-pay (9/6) game.

In general, a high pair outranks any non-paying hand except a four-card straight flush (which includes, by definition, a royal flush).

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and tiny.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines and 888casino.com. He authored the video poker section of Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker! You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com