I always hear a lot about 4 aces and a kicker. Is there a kicker in every game, or does that only apply to certain games like Double Double Bonus where the paytable lists 4 aces and 4 aces with a 2,3,4.

For instance, Jacks or Better does not have this kicker right?

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Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

Just in situations where the paytable lists the kicker. For example, in DDB, SDB, and TDB. If there's no kicker listed, then there's no kicker.

Usually, games offering a kicker take something away from a lower paying hand to make up for the kicker. In TDB, for example, the kicker payout is great, but you lose on three of a kind to make up for it.

Kicker rules vary from game to game. In DDB, I would suggest that you don't hold kickers. In TDB, where the payout is so high, it makes sense to hold your kickers.

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"Coffee is for closers." -- Glengarry GlenRoss

So does that mean that you should hold 3 aces and a kicker instead of drawing 2 cards to try and get the 4th ace?

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Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

In TDB, it's best if you hold the kicker with 3 cards. It pays $2000 for a 2,3,or 4 with a kicker and $4000 for an ace with kicker, so it makes good sense to hold onto the kicker.

In DDB, you don't want to hold the kicker.

A lot of pros claim that this is the way to go. That you're leaving a lot of money on the table if you're only playing for a Royal Flush. They suggest that you start with DB, then move up to DDB and TDB.

__________________
"Coffee is for closers." -- Glengarry GlenRoss