I also have two comments: Optimal play holds have the highest theoretical value & expected return, but they do not guarantee the highest return. I think that's what was being referred to; and, it is not required to tip on handpays. In fact, I've saved five figures by never doing it in my career.
From: "alan3262" <alan3262@yahoo.com>
I don't play Double Double Bonus (I live in NY and they only have 9/6 DDB in AC, so I play 9/6 Jacks or Better), but I checked the strategy and if my understanding is correct, it looks like you made the correct decision in going for the royal flush rather than keeping 4 to a flush. I'm just concerned that by saying "deciding to go for it", it implies that you are deviating from optimal strategy by making some decisions on your own as opposed to always making the decision that produces the highest expected return. Hopefully this isn't true (although of course everyone is entitled to play however they want).
I've had that experience playing quarter 9/6 Jacks or Better and winning $1,000 for a royal flush. The bells don't go off and no one comes by to congratulate you like when you play dollars and win $4,000, and you can't really yell as loud when you hit it, even though the difficulty in getting it is the same regardless of denomination. The good thing is that it doesn't get reported to the IRS and you don't have to tip the slot attendant for a hand pay.
