Should You Hold a Low Pair in Video Poker?

If you are a video poker enthusiast, you must be aware of the importance of holding the right cards. Knowing which cards to hold and which ones to discard can make all the difference between winning and losing.

One of the most common conundrums that players face is whether to hold a low pair or not. In this article, we’ll discuss whether you should hold a low pair in video poker or not.

Firstly, let’s define what a low pair is. In video poker, a low pair refers to any pair that is lower than Jacks (i.e., any pair of 10s or lower).

If you are dealt a hand with one of these pairs, you may be confused about what to do next. Should you keep the pair and hope for another one? Or should you discard it and hope for something better?

The answer to this question depends on various factors such as the type of video poker game being played, the payout table, and your overall strategy. However, in most cases, it’s best not to keep a low pair.

Here are some reasons why:

1) Low pairs have lower payouts – In most video poker games, low pairs have lower payouts than other hands such as flushes or straights. For example, in Jacks or Better Video Poker game, holding onto a low pair will only pay out even money while two pairs pay out 2:1.

2) The odds are against you – The odds of getting another card that will improve your hand after holding onto a low pair are significantly lower than other hands like flushes or straights. Holding onto one pays off only about 21% of the time on average.

3) There are better hands – When discarding your cards after receiving your initial five cards, there is always a chance that you may get better hands like flushes or straights if you don’t hold onto your low pair. These hands pay out much more than low pairs.

4) Strategy is key – In video poker, strategy is everything. Knowing which cards to hold and which ones to discard can make all the difference in the outcome of the game. Holding onto a low pair may not always be the best decision, especially if it’s not part of your overall strategy.

However, there are some exceptions where holding onto a low pair may be the right move. For instance, in video poker games like Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker, holding onto a low pair can result in higher payouts as they have different payout tables than Jacks or Better.

PRO TIP:When playing video poker, it is generally recommended that you hold a low pair (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, etc.) if your other cards are not strong enough to create a flush or straight. Low pairs can provide a higher payout than high cards and can be the foundation of a full house or four of a kind.

In conclusion, whether or not you should hold a low pair in video poker depends on various factors. However, in most cases, it’s best to discard it and hope for better cards. Remember that strategy is key when playing video poker and knowing when to hold and when to fold is crucial for success.