Video Poker is a game of chance and of decisions. For online video poker enthusiasts the most important aspect of video poker is to make decisions that optimise our chances of winning. The key problem is always one of balance. Payouts for rare hands are obviously high but the chances of winning them are low. When do we look for the big score and when do we hold out.

One of the classic cases of poor decision making is when a players is dealt three high cards including an Ace. So for example this could be Ace King Queen or Ace Queen Jack. In this case many players would keep these three cards believing their chance of hitting a straight is high. Unfortunately this would be a bad decision and we will show you why.

If holding an Ace you are removing the other end of a possible straight. For example with King Queen Jack you can pick up the King High straight (10 and a 9) or the Ace high straight (Ace and 10). With an Ace you can only hit the Ace high straight thus removing options.

So if you have three high cards with an Ace you should drop the ace and play with the two high cards. This leaves you with chances to hit four of a kind, a full house, a flush, a straight and increases your chances of hitting two pair and three of a kind. With the Ace in your hand you are drawing very thin and giving up your odds to the casino.