I've played mandoline and tenor banjo a long time. I've always played basically DUD DUD, with occasional variations for special effects. But I've always been a dance player and like rhythm. I think if you want the more modern fluid style (and very high speed) DUD UDU will be better, but for punch give me DUD DUD every time. For Mexican jigs, by the way, always DUD UDU, so you can get the 3 against 6 effects easily.