Video Poker Decision

Four to a straight flush or a high pair?

Dealt 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠ J♦ in 9/6 Jacks or Better. Here is the correct play and exactly what the alternative costs.

Hold four to the straight flush
four to the straight flush 3.57  vs  the pair of jacks 1.54
The other play costs 2.04 credits per coin in expected value. Small per hand, real over thousands of hands.
Four to a straight flush is a premium draw that beats a high pair. Keep the draw.
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Common questions

Four to a straight flush or a high pair?
Hold four to the straight flush, worth 3.57 per coin versus 1.54 for the alternative. Four to a straight flush is a premium draw that beats a high pair. Keep the draw.
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.