Regarding optimal pick 'em poker strategy

Hello everyone!
My favorite video poker game is pick 'em poker (9s or better). However, every once in a while I'm not sure exactly how to apply optimal strategy to my gameplay due to the fact that the card you do not choose cannot be drawn again. One hand I was recently dealt is a good example:

6♦, 7♦ -- Pick between 8♦ or 9♦

Optimal strategy would have me select the 8♦; however, there is no chance of me getting the 9♦, which eliminates two out of the possible three ways in which I could attain a straight flush. Selecting the 9♦ completely eliminates the chance of getting a straight flush but gives me a high card.

Is the loss of two straight flush possibilities significant enough to warrant taking the same-suited high card instead?

Thank you!

http://www.vpgenius.com/video-poker/pick-em-poker-nines-or-better.aspx can answer this question, and many others.

One way to work out the correct answer by hand is that 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ usually has three straight flush possibilities, and 6♦ 7♦ 9♦ usually has two straight flush possibilities. Because of the penalty cards, 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ can make only one SF and 6♦ 7♦ 9♦ can make none. In other words, they both lose the same amount, two SF chances. 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ is usually better than 6♦ 7♦ 9♦, and they lose the same amount, so it's still better in the situation you give.

(That analysis is not 100% accurate, but it's pretty close.)

Quote: fivespot

http://www.vpgenius.com/video-poker/pick-em-poker-nines-or-better.aspx can answer this question, and many others.

One way to work out the correct answer by hand is that 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ usually has three straight flush possibilities, and 6♦ 7♦ 9♦ usually has two straight flush possibilities. Because of the penalty cards, 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ can make only one SF and 6♦ 7♦ 9♦ can make none. In other words, they both lose the same amount, two SF chances. 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ is usually better than 6♦ 7♦ 9♦, and they lose the same amount, so it's still better in the situation you give.

(That analysis is not 100% accurate, but it's pretty close.)

Thanks a bunch! That's a very handy link -- I'm sure it'll come in handy in getting more comfortable with the various Pick 'Em Poker nuances. :)

Where do you play full-pay PKP?

Quote: teddys

Where do you play full-pay PKP?

Ah, I play online at Aladdin's Gold Casino. PKP + special monthly loyalty deposit bonuses = positive expected value. :)

I live in Idaho, with the nearest B&M being an Indian casino called Fort Hall. It's quite a bit of fun, although there isn't much to do other than slots. They do have video poker (no pick-em though). They also have a video blackjack and video caribbean stud table.

I found the best-paying games as I was leaving (go figure). Full pay jacks or better and single-player blackjack with late surrender, 3:2 blackjacks.

Thanks again~