Does this depend on the pay table?

These values are for 9/6 Jacks or Better. The ranking holds for most Jacks or Better tables; bonus and Double Bonus games can shift close calls, so use the strategy page for your exact game.

Video Poker Decision

With two pair, do you hold both pairs?

Dealt J♠ J♥ 4♦ 4♣ 9♠ in 9/6 Jacks or Better. Here is the correct play and exactly what the alternative costs.

Hold both pairs

both pairs 2.60 vs just the high pair 1.54

The other play costs 1.06 credits per coin in expected value. Small per hand, real over thousands of hands.

Always hold both pairs and draw one card for the full house. Never break two pair.

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Related decisions

Common questions

With two pair, do you hold both pairs?

Hold both pairs, worth 2.60 per coin versus 1.54 for the alternative. Always hold both pairs and draw one card for the full house. Never break two 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.