OK let's try the value of X Y Z

[Al_Capone_Junior]

If X Y Z makes three to a broadway str8, and none of your pair cards are out, it might be worth a call in a loose game, if it's not raised of course. If it's rainbow, it's not worth as much of course as if it's suited, or if it has at least a two flush. Generally, you shouldn't be LOOKING for a reason to play what's a very marginal hand unless you have some good reason to do so, i.e. you think you have enough of an edge to make the hand +EV. I've been playing stud for a long time, and I generally toss this hand, if that tells you anything. Sometimes I might play it, depending on the situation, and I'll certainly go for an ante steal with it. It also might be a raising hand if played in a tourney, if the circumstances were right.

al