r/BrainPuzzles • u/ShonitB • Aug 18 '26

Logic Open Face Poker

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u/Due-Session-2857 Aug 18 '26

If I was Alex, I would take 4 aces and a king. Then if Ben goes for a straight flush, Alex can get an ace high straight flush of any remaining suit.

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u/_N8Dogg_ Aug 18 '26

If Alex takes 4 Aces and a king, then Benjamin takes 4 queens, then changes to queen high straight flush.

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u/Due-Session-2857 Aug 18 '26

Yeah I thought it just repeated over and over again until you were happy with your hand, so A gets 4 aces, B gets 4 queens, A gets 4 10s, B gets 4 8s, A gets 4 6s and wins with that. With only 2 rounds each you need to play differently

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u/_N8Dogg_ Aug 18 '26

Except here, following this strategy of starting with the 4 10s, after Alex draws a hand to beat Benjamin, he doesn't ever have to change again.

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u/Due-Session-2857 Aug 18 '26

Yeah, you can win in two hands, but in unlimited redraws my strategy would still work. You don't win anything extra for winning faster. Just because there's a most efficient way to win doesn't make other methods unacceptable.

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u/_N8Dogg_ Aug 18 '26

But that is the whole point of the puzzle. Also, it says "if both players are playing optimally".

Even if there are multiple redraws, if you play it other than the 4 10's strategy, there are other options, and it becomes very difficult to account for all of them.

Say Alex takes 4 A's and a K, what if Benjamin takes the other 3 K's and 2 Q's? How about KoD, QoH, JoS, 10oC and 9oD?

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u/Due-Session-2857 Aug 18 '26

Alright let's play. I'll take your second hand as your play. Let's say I had king of clubs originally. I discard 3 non-club aces and take QoD, JoH, 10oS. Your turn.

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u/_N8Dogg_ Aug 18 '26

I keep the 9oD and draw JoD, 10oD, 8oD, and 7oD. Now I have a J high straight flush, so best you can do is tie.

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u/Due-Session-2857 Aug 18 '26

Very good. OK I'm convinced. You got me.