Probably a dumb question, but...

[7come11]

Playing SDDB and dealt 4 A's with the Jack kicker.  50/cents max (1600 credits) good for $800.  I held them all and took the money and left.
 
A couple next to me said dump the J since I could get a 2,3,4 for $1000 or another face card and still be at $800.
 
While it's true, there's almost a 50/50 chance of another kicker - I told them If I get a 5-10, then I'm down to $400...didn't think the risk/reward was worth it for another $200 upside, stay the same or chance losing half.
 
They were swearing it was the right move, I poltely told them it was my money and was keeping it.
 
Would anyone else toss the J?  I thought it was a no-brainer.

[cddenver]

 
Would anyone else toss the J?  I thought it was a no-brainer.
 
I consider it a no-brainer as well.  I've had that happen once, and I did what you did - held the dealt kicker. 

[shadowman]

This one where you can do the math yourself quite easily. There are 47 cards left in the deck. You have 12 2-4 cards, 11 J-K cards and 24 5-10 cards. Therefore, the win for tossing the J is (24/47)*400 + (12/47)*1000 + (11/47)*800 which comes to $646.81. The win for holding the J is $800. Not only were you right, but tossing the J is a huge mistake.

[Eduardo]

It depends on how late it is though. If you are sleepy and have a hard time quitting while you're ahead, then you might just throw the Jack and get a good night's rest.

[cddenver]

It depends on how late it is though. If you are sleepy and have a hard time quitting while you're ahead, then you might just throw the Jack and get a good night's rest.
 
If you're sleepy enough, you might decide that a special play is in order.  Hold the Jack and suited Ace, to hit the big Royal. 

[Deloradeuces18]

Keep the Jack. Like they said, no-brainer here.

[faygo]

The people observing where the ones with no brains. 

[ginxxxx]

You made the correct move.  People next to you are really trying to help, but sometimes you know best from your practice and even from this site.Now here's a question:  Many years ago....back when the only game was Jacks or Better, I was playing next to this older guy   (older than me at the time) who kept pointing out how I should play, I drew a 0 hand with two 10s.  He put his hand over my screen and exclaimed "YOU NEVER HOLD THE TWO TENS - THAT'S THE WORST PLAY YOU CAN MAKE!" I wish I could report that after I held the two tens that I got two more of them, but it was a zero hand.  Shortly after that I lit up a cig and he left. I was wishing I was a cigar gal. I have had moments when I can't get that comment out of my head and it might still be influencing my play.I guess tens are not as scary as clowns or jokers.Any input?

[oej719]

I think he was making a pass at you ginxxx.

[7come11]

Thanks All for confirming my thoughts...these people claimed to have won many tournaments too!  LOL - if the point of the tourney was to do the worse, I guess they would win.  I was polite, but said thanks but no thanks.
Like Shadowman stated, I did the math (though not as elaborate) figuring 23 of 47 puts the odds in the houses favor.
 
ginxx - wish you had a cell then to get a shot and email the guy the photo of the quad!  I'm sure he'd have enjoyed that.
 
Thanks to all for confirming my thoughts...for when it happens again