Video Poker Frustrating small winning deals

[M_ILIS]

On my last trip I had a recurring phenomenon where many times I was dealt a winning high pair, but also three to a Royal. Example: Suited A-K-10, but then another K among the other two cards. I always kept the pair, but it almost felt like the machine was trying to entice me to bypass the pair and go for the Royal. It was also frustrating because it's always exciting to get dealt 3 or 4 to a Royal, but then that fun felt like it was taken away because I suspect keeping the pair is the correct play.

I'm not even sure why I'm posting this other than to vent a bit. Anyone else ever notice this? It's purely a fluke, right? Is holding the pair vs. 3 to a Royal the right play?

 

[mkcoroner]

...it depends on the 3 to the Royal. In DDB, KQJ suited is the only 3 to a Royal that you should keep over a high pair. In JOB, all high pairs are better than 3 to a Royal. What helps me is remembering that if I play perfect/basic strategy my chances are maximized--I can't go chasing "hunches" or "feelings." The same goes for basic strategy with BJ. I rather rely on the math than on my luck...because I'm usually not a very lucky person...