Did I Mess Up My Video Poker Strategy with This Hand? 😅

[Planschkuh]

Alright, diving into this one with a bit of a sheepish grin. I usually stick to breaking down hockey games, slicing through stats like a skate on fresh ice, but last night I took a swing at video poker and... oof, I think I might’ve whiffed it. Thought I’d share the hand that’s got me second-guessing and see if you all can help me figure out where I went wrong.
So, I’m playing Jacks or Better, standard paytable, nothing fancy. I’m dealt 10 of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Queen of Hearts, 3 of Clubs, and 8 of Spades. My brain’s screaming “flush draw” because of those three hearts, right? I’m thinking, okay, hold the 10, Jack, Queen, and chase the flush. I toss the 3 and 8, hit draw, and end up with... a 2 of Diamonds and 7 of Clubs. Nada. Zilch. I’m sitting there staring at the screen like I just missed an open-net goal in overtime.
Now, here’s where I’m kicking myself. I keep replaying it, wondering if I should’ve held the Jack and Queen for the high pair potential or maybe even just the Jack to fish for a pair of Jacks or better. I know the odds of hitting a flush are like 1 in 4.2 or something when you’ve got three to a suit, but was I too greedy? Should I have played it safer, especially since I was betting a bit more than my usual hockey side wagers? I’m used to analyzing power play percentages, not poker probabilities, so I’m feeling out of my depth here.
If anyone’s got a take on this, I’d love to hear it. Was this just bad luck, or did I botch the strategy? I’m all ears for any tips to keep me from fumbling the next hand like a rookie on a breakaway.

 

[Ethnonym]

Alright, diving into this one with a bit of a sheepish grin. I usually stick to breaking down hockey games, slicing through stats like a skate on fresh ice, but last night I took a swing at video poker and... oof, I think I might’ve whiffed it. Thought I’d share the hand that’s got me second-guessing and see if you all can help me figure out where I went wrong.
So, I’m playing Jacks or Better, standard paytable, nothing fancy. I’m dealt 10 of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Queen of Hearts, 3 of Clubs, and 8 of Spades. My brain’s screaming “flush draw” because of those three hearts, right? I’m thinking, okay, hold the 10, Jack, Queen, and chase the flush. I toss the 3 and 8, hit draw, and end up with... a 2 of Diamonds and 7 of Clubs. Nada. Zilch. I’m sitting there staring at the screen like I just missed an open-net goal in overtime.
Now, here’s where I’m kicking myself. I keep replaying it, wondering if I should’ve held the Jack and Queen for the high pair potential or maybe even just the Jack to fish for a pair of Jacks or better. I know the odds of hitting a flush are like 1 in 4.2 or something when you’ve got three to a suit, but was I too greedy? Should I have played it safer, especially since I was betting a bit more than my usual hockey side wagers? I’m used to analyzing power play percentages, not poker probabilities, so I’m feeling out of my depth here.
If anyone’s got a take on this, I’d love to hear it. Was this just bad luck, or did I botch the strategy? I’m all ears for any tips to keep me from fumbling the next hand like a rookie on a breakaway.

Been mulling over your hand, and it’s got me thinking about the dance between instinct and math in games like these. Your flush chase with those three hearts wasn’t a bad call—1 in 4.2 odds, like you said, is tempting, especially when the heart’s pounding like you’re watching a Europa League penalty shootout. But here’s the rub: Jacks or Better rewards discipline, much like sticking to a game plan against a tricky opponent. Holding the Jack and Queen might’ve been the safer play, keeping you in the fight for a high pair or better, which hits more often than the flush. It’s like opting for a solid counterattack instead of an all-out press.

You didn’t botch it, though. The flush draw felt right in the moment, and sometimes you just get a bad bounce, like a deflected shot slipping past the keeper. If I were to lean philosophical, I’d say video poker’s a bit like life—calculated risks don’t always pay off, but they teach you how to read the next play. Next time, maybe lean toward the high cards and let the flush chase come when the board’s screaming for it. Keep at it, and you’ll find your rhythm.

 

[REJF]

Oof, I feel you on that hand, Planschkuh . Chasing that flush was like going all-in on a longshot parlay—heart-pounding, but risky! I’ve been there, staring at the screen like I just bet my VIP points on a coin flip. Holding the Jack-Queen might’ve been the steadier move, like banking on a sure thing for comps at the casino bar. Not a total fumble, just a swing and a miss. Next hand, maybe play it safe for those high pairs and save the flush chase for a juicier setup. Keep grinding, you’ll be racking up wins like loyalty perks in no time!