Video Poker table

Holding the two unsuited high cards Qc and Ks maximizes expected value, slightly ahead of the 3-card spade flush draw.

Holding the pair of fours maximizes expected value in 9/6 Jacks or Better; it has higher EV than any straight draw or single-card hold, with chances to improve to trips, two pair, full house, or quads.

Holding the three 9s gives a guaranteed three-of-a-kind payout with chances to improve to four of a kind or a full house, which is the highest-EV hold for this deal.

With only a low pair and no strong straight or flush draw, holding the pair of sixes maximizes expected value by giving the best chance to improve to trips, two pair, or better.

Holding the low pair of 5s maximizes expected value, as it offers the best chances for three of a kind, full house, and two pair compared to alternative draws.

Holding the pair of 8s maximizes expected value (about 0.824 per credit), clearly beating the 3-card flush draw (about 0.412) and the 4-card inside straight draw (about 0.340).

Holding the low pair of sixes maximizes expected value; it is better than holding a high card or any straight draw in this 9/6 Jacks or Better hand.

Holding the lone Jack gives the highest expected value: it preserves a heart flush draw and four possible straights, while adding the Ace would reduce draws and eliminate flush potential, lowering EV.

Holding the pair of jacks is the optimal play: it already qualifies for a payout, and drawing three cards gives the best chance to improve to two pair, three of a kind, or better while discarding the low kickers.

Holding the pair of 7s gives the highest expected return among all hold patterns; it offers many improvements to two pair, three of a kind, full house, or four of a kind, while holding the Ace or other combinations is less valuable.

Hold the pair of nines, which is the highest-EV play with no flush or straight draw available. A low pair is stronger than holding a lone jack in 9/6 Jacks or Better.

With no made pair or strong draw, holding the two unsuited high cards (J and Q) maximizes the chance of pairing jacks-or-better and preserves straight possibilities.

The dealt hand has no paying pair, no high cards (J/Q/K/A), and no four-card flush or straight draw. Discarding all five maximizes expected value by giving a fresh draw from the 47-card deck.

Holding the two high cards (Q and A) is optimal in Jacks or Better when there is no pair, flush draw, or straight draw, as it maximizes the chance to make a paying pair or better.

Holding the pair of 4s maximizes expected value; it can improve to two pair or better, whereas the 4-card straight draw only pays on 8 outs.

Holding the pair of 7s is optimal; drawing three cards maximizes chances of improving to two pair, trips, full house, or quads, yielding the highest expected value.

Holding the pair of Kings maximizes expected value (about 7.85 credits) by guaranteeing at least a Jacks or Better payout and giving the best chance to improve to two pair, trips, or better, outperforming alternative holds like three-card flush draws or kicker holds.

No pair or draw to a straight/flush; holding the lone King is optimal in 9/6 Jacks or Better, as it gives a chance at a high pair and other paying hands.

Holding 8-9-T-J keeps an open-ended straight draw with eight immediate outs and is the highest-EV hold for this Jacks or Better deal.

Holding the three-card royal flush (Ah, Kh, Th) maximizes expected value by preserving strong chances at a royal flush, flush, straight, trips, two pair, and high pairs.

Holding both pairs (queens and tens) gives a guaranteed two-pair payout and a chance to improve to a full house by drawing one card, which is the optimal Jacks or Better play.

With no pair, no four-card flush, and no open straight draw, the best play is to keep the lone jack and draw four new cards, maximizing chances at a paying jacks-or-better pair or better.

Holding the three queens maximizes expected value, as drawing two cards gives the best chance to improve to four of a kind or a full house; keeping a kicker would reduce those improvement odds.

Holding 8-9-T-Q keeps a four-card inside straight draw with a high card Q; a J completes a straight and a Q makes a paying pair, giving the best expected value among the available holds.