Straight Flushes

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Straight Flushes

           A few months ago, I wrote a column that discussed the value (or lack there of?) of a Suited Hand.  It started by discussing the relative value of a suited pocket hand in Texas Hold'em vs. an unsuited hand.  It then touched on the topics of 3-Card Flush and 2-Card Royals in video poker.  The former is quite unplayable and the latter is just barely playable due to the 800 for 1 payout of the Royal and the added value of the High Cards you would be holding.  It also glanced over the 3-Card Straight Flush.  The black sheep of video poker hands.

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A Sure Thing

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A Sure Thing

            Several weeks ago, I wrote about a friend who texted me late one night looking for some video poker advice.  I wound up taking a picture of a strategy chart and texting him back.  Just to be clear, this was a good personal friend.  Please don't send me e-mails expecting immediate turnaround!  This past week, he needed more help and call this time.  He was a dealt a 4-Card Straight Flush which was also a Straight and wanted to know what the right play was.  Just to make sure I gave him the right answer, I looked it up and told him the correct play and what the expected values of each hand was.

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