Deuces Wild Appendix 2

In full-pay deuces wild video poker, when players face the decision of keeping either (1) a single deuce or (2) three cards suited to a royal flush, including a deuce and an ace, without any penalty cards for flushes or straights, the optimal move is to pursue the royal flush. For illustration, consider this hand:

Typically, in scenarios like this, holding onto the deuce, queen, and ace would be wise. However, this instance serves as a notable exception. The complete list of such exceptions is organized first by whether the two discarded cards are suited, followed by the high card that suits the ace. Pairs of discards that qualify as exceptions are compiled here.

• 10: none.
• Jack: 3/4.
• Queen: 3/4, 3/5, 3/6.
• King: 3/4, 3/5, 3/6, 3/7, 3/9, 4/5, 4/6.

• 10: 3/4.
• Jack: 3/4, 3/5.
• Queen: 3/4, 3/5, 3/6, 4/5.
• King: 3/4, 3/5, 3/6, 3/7, 3/8, 3/9, 4/5, 4/6.

There exists an additional exception that suggests a contrary strategy. With the hand 2/A/J/10/7, where the ace is suited to either the jack or the ten and the other two cards are of different suits compared to the royal flush cards, retaining the 3 to the wild royal is preferable, despite having a penalty card. Being aware of this exception could save you a cent for every $392,584.27 wagered on the machine.