USA Poker 7/7 Strategy
USA Poker 7/7 returns 96.27% with perfect play at medium volatility. The pay table and numbers below are computed combinatorially, not estimated.
Pay table
| Hand | Pays (per coin) | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 800 | 1.92% |
| Straight Flush | 200 | 2.91% |
| Four Of A Kind | 40 | 9.07% |
| Straight | 7 | 30.60% |
| Three Of A Kind | 3 | 20.87% |
| Jacks Or Better | 1 | 30.90% |
Royal-flush payouts above show the per-coin value at max bet — always bet five coins to earn the full royal jackpot.
Key numbers
- Return with perfect play: 96.27%
- Royal flush: about 1 in 41,695 hands
- Hit frequency (paying hand or better): 42.5%
- Volatility: Medium
How strategy works
From the five cards you're dealt, the correct hold is the one with the highest expected value — the average coins it returns over the long run. The biggest payouts here are Royal Flush (800), Straight Flush (200), Four Of A Kind (40), which shape which draws are worth chasing. PerfectPLAY computes the optimal hold and its expected value for every possible hand, so you can learn the exact play rather than a rule of thumb.
You’re reading original analysis. Every hold and expected value here is calculated in-house by PerfectPLAY.vegas for this exact pay table — nothing aggregated, nothing taken from elsewhere. These are never generic charts copied from another site.
Hand-by-hand strategy
The optimal hold and its expected value for every key decision in Usa Poker 7/7, computed combinatorially by vpengine — not rules of thumb.
4 to a Royal Flush — over a made flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Royal Flush — EV 93.51 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight Flush — EV 52.12 coins (margin 41.39 coins). The optimal play discards a made flush (pays 35 coins).
4 to a Royal Flush — over a made straight
Optimal hold: 4 to a Royal Flush — EV 93.51 coins. The optimal play discards a made straight (pays 35 coins).
4 to a Royal Flush — vs 1 pair: Jacks or Better!
Optimal hold: 4 to a Royal Flush — EV 94.14 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 6.99 coins (margin 87.15 coins).
3 to a Royal Flush — vs 1 pair: 10s
Optimal hold: 3 to a Royal Flush — EV 6.94 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 3.42 coins (margin 3.52 coins).
3 to a Royal Flush — vs 1 pair: 2s thru 8s, 9s
Optimal hold: 3 to a Royal Flush — EV 6.97 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 3.42 coins (margin 3.55 coins).
3 to a Royal Flush — vs 1 pair: Jacks or Better!
Optimal hold: 3 to a Royal Flush — EV 7.80 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 6.99 coins (margin 0.81 coins).
3 to a Royal Flush — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 3 to a Royal Flush — EV 6.82 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 6.59 coins (margin 0.23 coins).
2 to a Royal Flush — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.31 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.01 coins).
2 to a Royal Flush — vs 2 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.76 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight — EV 2.43 coins (margin 0.33 coins).
2 to a Royal Flush — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.79 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 2.40 coins (margin 0.39 coins).
2 to a Royal Flush — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 3.18 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.16 coins (margin 0.02 coins).
4 to a Straight Flush — over a made flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight Flush — EV 51.48 coins. The optimal play discards a made flush (pays 35 coins).
4 to a Straight Flush — over a made straight
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight Flush — EV 51.48 coins. The optimal play discards a made straight (pays 35 coins).
4 to a Straight Flush — vs 1 pair: 10s, 2s thru 8s, 9s
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight Flush — EV 29.46 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 3.42 coins (margin 26.04 coins).
4 to a Straight Flush — vs 1 pair: Jacks or Better!
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight Flush — EV 29.68 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 6.99 coins (margin 22.69 coins).
4 to a Straight Flush — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight Flush — EV 29.46 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 6.27 coins (margin 23.19 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.18 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.88 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 1 pair: 10s
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 4.31 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 3.42 coins (margin 0.89 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 1 pair: 2s thru 8s, 9s
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 4.15 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 3.42 coins (margin 0.73 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.16 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 3.02 coins (margin 0.14 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 2 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.16 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight — EV 2.50 coins (margin 0.66 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.16 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 2.91 coins (margin 0.25 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.06 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 2.97 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
3 to a Straight Flush — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.19 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.66 coins (margin 1.53 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 6.70 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.28 coins (margin 4.42 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 1 pair: 10s, 2s thru 8s, 9s
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 6.70 coins. Next best: holding 1 Pair — EV 3.42 coins (margin 3.28 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 7.34 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.89 coins (margin 4.45 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 2 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 7.02 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight — EV 2.50 coins (margin 4.52 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 7.02 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 2.91 coins (margin 4.11 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 7.02 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 6.27 coins (margin 0.75 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 6.70 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 6.27 coins (margin 0.43 coins).
4 to a Flush — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 4 to a Flush — EV 6.70 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.66 coins (margin 5.04 coins).
4 to a Straight — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight — EV 2.97 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.31 coins (margin 0.66 coins).
4 to a Straight — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight — EV 3.29 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.98 coins (margin 0.31 coins).
4 to a Straight — vs 2 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight — EV 2.97 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 2.36 coins (margin 0.61 coins).
4 to a Straight — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight — EV 3.29 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 2.81 coins (margin 0.48 coins).
4 to a Straight — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight — EV 4.25 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 4.16 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
4 to a Straight — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 4 to a Straight — EV 2.97 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.66 coins (margin 1.31 coins).
1 pair: 10s — equal EV vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 10s — EV 3.61 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.61 coins (margin 0.00 coins).
Both holds have the same expected value, so either is a correct play.
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — equal EV vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.61 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.61 coins (margin 0.00 coins).
Both holds have the same expected value, so either is a correct play.
1 pair: 9s — equal EV vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 9s — EV 3.61 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.61 coins (margin 0.00 coins).
Both holds have the same expected value, so either is a correct play.
2 to a Straight Flush — equal EV vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.65 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.65 coins (margin 0.00 coins).
Both holds have the same expected value, so either is a correct play.
1 high card — vs 2 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 high card — EV 2.16 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.92 coins (margin 0.24 coins).
1 high card — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 1 high card — EV 2.17 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 1.80 coins (margin 0.37 coins).
1 high card — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 high card — EV 2.14 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 1.90 coins (margin 0.24 coins).
1 high card — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 1 high card — EV 2.18 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.57 coins (margin 0.61 coins).
1 pair: 10s — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 10s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 3.01 coins (margin 0.41 coins).
1 pair: 10s — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 10s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 2.81 coins (margin 0.61 coins).
1 pair: 10s — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 10s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 2.88 coins (margin 0.54 coins).
1 pair: 10s — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 10s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.19 coins (margin 0.23 coins).
1 pair: 10s — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 10s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 3.29 coins (margin 0.13 coins).
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 3.22 coins (margin 0.20 coins).
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — vs 2 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight — EV 2.50 coins (margin 0.92 coins).
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 2.81 coins (margin 0.61 coins).
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 2.91 coins (margin 0.51 coins).
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.19 coins (margin 0.23 coins).
1 pair: 2s thru 8s — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 2s thru 8s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 3.29 coins (margin 0.13 coins).
1 pair: 9s — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 9s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 3.08 coins (margin 0.34 coins).
1 pair: 9s — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 9s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 2.81 coins (margin 0.61 coins).
1 pair: 9s — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 9s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 3.19 coins (margin 0.23 coins).
1 pair: 9s — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: 9s — EV 3.42 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 3.29 coins (margin 0.13 coins).
1 pair: Jacks or Better! — vs 3 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: Jacks or Better! — EV 6.99 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Royal Flush — EV 6.76 coins (margin 0.23 coins).
1 pair: Jacks or Better! — vs 3 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: Jacks or Better! — EV 6.99 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight Flush — EV 6.42 coins (margin 0.57 coins).
1 pair: Jacks or Better! — vs 4 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 1 pair: Jacks or Better! — EV 6.99 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Flush — EV 6.91 coins (margin 0.08 coins).
1 pair: Jacks or Better! — vs 4 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 1 pair: Jacks or Better! — EV 6.99 coins. Next best: holding 4 to a Straight — EV 6.80 coins (margin 0.19 coins).
2 Pairs — vs 3 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 2 Pairs — EV 7.55 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Royal Flush — EV 7.07 coins (margin 0.48 coins).
2 to a Straight Flush — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 2.32 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.02 coins).
2 to a Straight Flush — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.85 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 1.81 coins (margin 0.04 coins).
2 to a Straight Flush — vs 3 to a Straight
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.92 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Straight — EV 1.91 coins (margin 0.01 coins).
2 to a Straight Flush — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.65 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.64 coins (margin 0.01 coins).
2 to a Straight — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight — EV 2.33 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.03 coins).
2 to a Straight — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight — EV 2.39 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
2 to a Straight — vs 2 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 2 to a Straight — EV 2.33 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 2.32 coins (margin 0.01 coins).
3 to a Flush — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 3 to a Flush — EV 2.30 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.19 coins (margin 0.11 coins).
3 to a Flush — vs 2 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 3 to a Flush — EV 1.81 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.72 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
3 to a Flush — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 3 to a Flush — EV 1.81 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.66 coins (margin 0.15 coins).
3 to a Straight — vs 1 high card
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight — EV 2.39 coins. Next best: holding 1 High Card — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
3 to a Straight — vs 2 to a Royal Flush
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight — EV 2.39 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Royal Flush — EV 2.30 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
3 to a Straight — vs 2 to a Straight Flush
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight — EV 1.91 coins. Next best: holding 2 to a Straight Flush — EV 1.82 coins (margin 0.09 coins).
3 to a Straight — vs 3 to a Flush
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight — EV 1.91 coins. Next best: holding 3 to a Flush — EV 1.81 coins (margin 0.10 coins).
3 to a Straight — vs Nothing
Optimal hold: 3 to a Straight — EV 1.91 coins. Next best: holding Nothing — EV 1.65 coins (margin 0.26 coins).
FAQ
- What's the most costly mistake to avoid in USA Poker 7/7?
- Keeping a made flush. When you hold 4 to a Royal Flush, the correct play is to break the flush and draw — that hold is worth 93.51 coins versus just 35 for the flush.
- What's the closest decision in USA Poker 7/7?
- 1 pair: 10s versus 3 to a Straight Flush — they tie exactly at 3.61 coins, so either is a correct play.
- Can I practice USA Poker 7/7 at PerfectPLAY.vegas?
- USA Poker 7/7 training is a PerfectPLAY.vegas membership feature. Bonus Poker 6/5 is free to try; join PerfectPLAY to practice USA Poker 7/7 with real-time, hand-by-hand feedback and the exact expected value of every hold.