The table below gives a basic drawing strategy for a Jacks or Better machine . There is a perfect draw for every possible combination of cards dealt to you, but that strategy is far too complicated for this post and for the casual player.
You should hold any winning card combination. The only exception is if you are dealt four cards to a royal flush. Then you should always hold those four and try for the royal flush.
If you aren’t dealt a winning hand, look at the list below and, in descending order, select the first combo of cards that applies to the hand you are dealt, keep them, then draw for the remaining cards.
Four cards to a royal flush
Three cards to a royal flush
Four cards to a straight flush
Three cards to a straight flush
Four cards to a flush
A four card outside straight (four consecutive cards)
Jack, Queen, and either King or Ten if all the same suit
Three high cards (Jacks or Higher) of different suits
Low Pair (tens and lower)
Two high cards of the same suit
Two high cards of different suits
Single high card
If you have none of the above, then draw all five cards.
Print the above chart and refer to it while you play and you’ll always make the most optimum decisions.
