I've been wondering about these. I can believe they are better/as good as (in terms of EV) 0-gappers because
1) easier to get away from
2) IF they make a straight, it's more hidden than a 0-gapper straight (say you have 54 or 53, would a flop of 32A be more scary to opponents, or 42A? the first one, I'm thinking), so would be more profitable if played right
3) Again, if it makes a straight, it tends to spoil the upper end of the straight for others. For example you have 54s, and land 876, a single 9 held elsewhere or a turn/river of a 9 or T easily ruins your hand, - not so much so with 53s and 764
Check the EV stats for 10 players on
http://www.pokerroom.com/games/evsta...php?players=10
- this shows in the main the EV for 1-gappers is a little lower, but it's how you play em, isn't it!