The answer is probably obvious but I would like to know. In Beyond Counting the strategy for one known card In three card pokeris to play Q9 vs dealers Q, K9 vs K, A9 vs A. However if all you can catch is paint or non paint the strategy is QJ5 why is this? it seems that if Q9 is good enough to play against Q what difference would QJ5 make? Obviously if the dealers card was a jack you would have played anything anyway if it is a Q you would haave played Q9 and if it is a king you are dead either way ..Q9 or QJ5 are both losers against a K. does it have something to do with the effects of removal of certain cards. Please feel free to rag on me if nessacary (spelling? Don?). One other thing since I am asking about three card. I know the ace in the players hand is a 64% advantage ..what effect does an ace coupon have on this since it now makes a 53 card deck with 5 aces? Thanks in advance...SM