Video Poker table

With no made pair or strong draw, the optimal Jacks or Better play is to hold the lone high card (Ks) and discard the rest, maximizing chances for a paying pair or better.

Holding the three kings maximizes expected value: it preserves a guaranteed three-of-a-kind payout while offering the best chance to draw the fourth king for four of a kind or pair the board for a full house. Holding the ace or three would reduce the number of draw combinations that improve the hand.

Holding Jh and Ah keeps a two-card royal flush draw in hearts and the best high-card pair potential; discarding the other three maximizes expected value.

Holding the pair of tens is the best play: it is a low pair with no four-card flush or straight available, and it gives the highest chance to improve to two pair, trips, or better.

Holding the low pair of 4s maximizes expected value; it offers the best chance to improve to two pair, three of a kind, full house, or four of a kind, and is superior to holding the unsuited high cards A and Q.

Holding the four clubs maximizes expected value by drawing one card to a flush, with extra chances to pair aces or jacks.

Holding the 3-4-5-6 open-ended straight draw gives eight outs to a paying straight, which has higher expected value than holding the lone jack or any other partial hand.

Holding the 8-9-10-J open-ended straight gives the best expected value, with eight straight outs plus three Jack pair outs. Discarding the 4 maximizes the chance at a paying straight.

Holding the pair of Kings is the optimal play: it already pays as a jacks-or-better hand and gives the best chance to improve to two pair, trips, or better. The other cards offer no flush or straight draw worth breaking the pair.

Holding the pair of queens alone maximizes expected value; discarding the ace and low kickers gives the best chance to improve to two pair, trips, or better while keeping the guaranteed paying pair.

Holding both pairs (7s and 9s) keeps a guaranteed two-pair payout and gives four outs to improve to a full house, which is the highest-EV hold for this dealt hand.

Holding the pair of nines is the highest-EV play; no four-card flush/straight or three-card royal is available, and low pairs beat speculative two-card straight-flush draws in 9/6 Jacks or Better.

Holding only the pair of queens maximizes expected value; drawing three cards gives the best chance to improve to trips, two pair, a full house, or four of a kind, while keeping kickers reduces improvement chances.

Holding both pairs (Aces and 2s) guarantees a two-pair payout and gives a chance to draw an Ace or 2 for a full house, maximizing expected value.

Holding the pair of tens is the optimal play: it is a low pair with the best chance to improve to trips, two pair, or a full house, while no other hold offers a stronger draw.