Some initial calculations: For the non-dealer, across all hands containing at least one odd card (1,3,5,7,9) the average pegging points is 1.694. Across all hands containing at least one even card (2,4,6,8,X), the average pegging points is 1.684, so slightly less. For the dealer, across all hands containing at least one odd card, the average pegging points is 2.81; for even cards, 2.70. This was just a few quick calculations based on some existing data I have. To give a more confident answer, some rigor would be needed. But in the meantime, based on some rudimentary findings, there may be something to your theory

Good question. Revisiting my original data, on the surface there doesn't appear to be any discernible patterns among the small percentage of hands, but a quick analysis shows the most commonly occurring card values to be 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. For certain hands, the optimal discard might be pretty apparent. For example: 5-5-5-5-6-7... for both dealer and non-dealer, the optimal discard is 6-7 for obvious reasons of keeping four 5's in hand. Other hands might be a bit more nuanced; for example: 3-7-7-7-8-9... the optimal discard for both dealer and non-dealer is 3-9 which breaks the double-run but ultimately results in the most net points. As dealer, some folks might be inclined to keep the 7-7-8-9 and discard 3-7 to their own crib, and while not a bad play (as I would argue 7-7-8-9 is a better pegging hand than 7-7-7-8), 7-7-7-8 has a slightly higher average hand value. Here's another: 3-4-4-4-5-8... is the optimal discard 4-8 or 5-8? According to the math, as dealer, it's 5-8 but only by a small margin - close enough that I wouldn't fault anyone for discarding 4-8 but mathematically 5-8 is better, even though it breaks the double-run. Here's a neat discarding resource that could be helpful: cliambrown.com/cribbage/?data=3H4C4D4S5H8DY. There's also the Myers book that I did I video on. Both excellent resources for discarding but perhaps not so practical while actually playing. I'll dig a bit more into this. In the meantime thanks for watching

@@Cribbage_with_J Interesting. So mostly middle cards it seems, which makes sense. Thanks for the reply! I appreciate the resources too. I just found your channel yesterday btw and watched all your videos, they're all very informative and I like the way you present the information! I think the trickiest part about it all is how to practically apply it in-game. Of course there's a lot of math and certain ways to calculate optimal discards, but it's not like you can go through it all while playing. But that's part of what makes the game fun, I think! I know it's been awhile since your last video but if you get around to it, I'd also love to see a video that focuses on pegging strategies. Like which cards are best for it, what to do in certain situations, setups, best practices and things to avoid, etc.

Here's another resource: www.cribbageforum.com/SchellDiscard.htm . Depending on your level of ambition, the addition method might be something to consider. Personally, I find that noting specific tricky hands I get dealt and looking up the optimal discard after the game (either on C. Liam Brown's site or via the discarding book) reveals patterns that, over time, can be learned and then applying that knowledge when a similar hand appears in the future. Pegging strategies - my last video started to delve into some of that, and I had some ideas I wanted to try to explore. But I don't know if I've been beaten to the punch: www.amazon.com/dp/1086039858/. I should check this out. Thanks for watching and for the kind words.