[randomstumbl]

Optimal strategy is probably pretty tough in this game. Anytime you're dealt AA, KK or QQ it's pretty easy. Other hands are tougher though.

With small pairs, he will usually be able to get close to a coinflip (and he has the advantage of knowing about dead cards). Sometimes, he'll get you at a 4:1 disadvantage too.

When you pick two high cards, he won't ever be an enourmous dog either.

I think you have the advantage, but it's not as big as it seems. Most of the value of this game is waiting for the few times when you'll have a big advantage and bet the max. If you don't do that, I could see players being bad enough to lose even with the advantage.