Hold Better: Video Poker

Compare all 32 holds in 9/6 Jacks or Better and 8/5 Bonus Poker. Practice decisions, review exact expected values, and learn the math.

Learn which cards to hold in video poker and why.

Hold Better teaches conventional five-unit 9/6 Jacks or Better and 8/5 Bonus Poker strategy. Choose a hold, check your decision, and compare exact expected values across every possible draw.

PRACTICE YOUR PAYTABLE Switch between Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker. The analyzer, lessons, and training follow your selection, with separate progress for each variant. Start with guided decisions, move to mixed practice, or target a weak category. Try a five-hand Daily Drill.

COMPARE ALL 32 HOLDS Enter any five-card hand and rank every possible hold. See expected value, tied optimal choices, alternatives, and outcome probabilities. Compare two holds directly or send a hand into focused practice. Results use exact enumeration of the possible draws.

LEARN THE MATH Lessons cover paytables, hand rankings, expected value, the royal-flush premium, high-card choices, pairs versus draws, straights, flushes, variance, and responsible play. Interactive examples use the same strategy engine as training.

TRACK YOUR DECISIONS Review optimal and near-optimal rates, expected value retained, average loss per hand, trends, weak categories, and common mistakes.

OFFLINE AND LOCAL No ads or account required. No tracking across apps or websites. Hands, holds, and results stay on your device; anonymous usage analytics do not include them. Supports VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, dark mode, and Reduce Motion on iPhone and iPad.

Hold Better is an educational strategy trainer. No wagers, deposits, withdrawals, prizes, or in-app currency. No outcome is guaranteed.