Video Poker Decision

Two suited high cards or a low pair?

Dealt A♠ K♠ 6♦ 6♥ 2♣ in 9/6 Jacks or Better. Here is the correct play and exactly what the alternative costs.

Hold the low pair
the low pair 0.82  vs  the two suited high cards 0.59
The other play costs 0.23 credits per coin in expected value. Small per hand, real over thousands of hands.
A low pair narrowly beats two suited high cards. Keep the pair.
Practice hands like this →

Related decisions

JT suited or a single ace?With two pair, do you hold both pairs?A low pair or a four-card straight?

Common questions

Two suited high cards or a low pair?
Hold the low pair, worth 0.82 per coin versus 0.59 for the alternative. A low pair narrowly beats two suited high cards. Keep the pair.
Is this the same on every machine?
These figures are 9/6 Jacks or Better. The order holds across most Jacks or Better tables; bonus and Deuces Wild games can change close calls. Match your machine on the strategy pages.