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EXACT ANSWER · 9/6 JACKS OR BETTER

Low pair or 4 to a flush — which do you keep?

Keep the four to a flush. Exact EVs on 9/6 Jacks or Better: the flush draw is worth 1.2128 per coin vs 0.8237 for the low pair — a 0.389 difference, one of the largest everyday mistakes in video poker.

The exact numbers — 3♣ 3♦ 7♦ 9♦ K♦

HoldEV per coinvs best
4 to a flush (3♦ 7♦ 9♦ K♦)1.2128best
Low pair (3♣ 3♦)0.8237−0.3891
Pair + suited kicker (3♣ 3♦ 7♦)0.6753−0.5375

EVs are exact — every possible draw enumerated, not simulated — at max bet on 9/6 Jacks or Better. Check it yourself: the analyzer runs the same solver in your browser.

See all 32 holds of this hand ranked

Why

Nine cards complete the flush (paying 6), and the draw keeps live straight and high-card chances. The low pair's value is mostly two-pair and trips — real, but worth much less than a 19% shot at a 6-coin payout. Note the reversal below: against a STRAIGHT draw, the same pair wins.

Chart line #8 of 18 (4 to a flush) sits above line #9 (low pair) on the Simple+ chart. See the full solver-optimized strategy chart, or drill hands with exact-EV feedback until plays like this are automatic.

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