Deuces Wild Video Poker Explained: Gameplay, Strategy, and More

Eddie Griffin

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated: Mon Dec 23, 2024, 16:56 PM

Read Time: 9 minutes

Deuces Wild is one of the most popular video poker variations, offering exciting gameplay and unique opportunities to win big. Along with Jacks or Better, it is one of the most popular video poker games to play at real money online casinos.

Here, we provide an overview of the game, explain its rules and paytable, outline the best strategies, and give you tips for maximizing your winnings. Also, we dive into the basics of playing online at sites at Lucky Red Casino and OnlineCasinoGames.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, you will find everything you need to know about Deuces Wild right here.

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What Is Deuces Wild?

Deuces Wild is a video poker game that uses a standard 52-card deck.

The twist is that all four deuces (2s) act as wild cards. This means they can substitute for any other card to complete a winning hand.

As a result, players can achieve hands that are impossible in standard poker, such as Five of a Kind. The inclusion of wild cards adds a layer of excitement and strategy to the game.

How to Play Deuces Wild

The gameplay in Deuces Wild is straightforward and follows the general rules of video poker.

  • Place Your Bet: Start by choosing your bet size. Most machines allow you to bet between 1 and 5 coins per hand. Betting the maximum of 5 coins is recommended to unlock the highest payouts for premium hands like the Natural Royal Flush.
  • Deal the Cards: After placing your bet, you will receive five cards face-up.
  • Choose Cards to Hold: Decide which cards to keep and which to discard. You can hold any number of cards from none to all five.
  • Draw New Cards: The cards you discard are replaced with new ones from the same deck. This results in your final hand.
  • Payout: If your final hand matches one of the winning combinations on the paytable, you receive a payout based on your hand’s rank and your bet size.

The Deuces Wild Paytable

In Deuces Wild, the paytable is slightly different from other video poker games due to the presence of the wild cards.

Below is an example of a common full-pay Deuces Wild paytable.

Hand Payout (per coin wagered)
Natural Royal Flush 250 (4000 for max coins)
Four Deuces 200
Wild Royal Flush 25
Five of a Kind 15
Straight Flush 9
Four of a Kind 5
Full House 3
Flush 2
Straight 2
Three of a Kind 1

A Natural Royal Flush is a royal flush without any wild cards, while a Wild Royal Flush is a royal flush that includes one or more deuces. Four deuces, meanwhile, is a hand containing all four deuces, and it is one of the highest-paying combinations in the game.

It is crucial to understand the paytable of the specific machine you’re playing, as payouts can vary.

Full-pay Deuces Wild machines offer the best odds, with a return to player (RTP) of up to 100.76% when played optimally. For players who think that the blackjack house edge represents a fairly favorable situation relative to other casino games, Deuces Wild could bring some serious thrills.

Winning Hand Rankings in Deuces Wild

Standard poker hand rankings come into play in Deuces Wild, but the presence of the wild cards adds a major twist on what you will see when playing Jacks or Better and other games.

Here’s how hands are ranked in Deuces Wild, from highest to lowest:

  1. Natural Royal Flush: 10-J-Q-K-A of the same suit, with no deuces.
  2. Four Deuces: All four deuces.
  3. Wild Royal Flush: A royal flush made with one or more deuces.
  4. Five of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank plus a deuce.
  5. Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
  6. Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
  7. Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair.
  8. Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
  9. Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.
  10. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.

Deuces Wild Strategy

Basic Deuces Wild Strategy

As is the case with blackjack, craps, Pai Gow Poker, and other casino games that are not solely based on luck, you need a solid strategy to play Deuces Wild successfully.

With that in mind, here are some basic rules to follow based on the number of deuces in your hand.

If You Have Four Deuces:

  • Hold all four deuces. This guarantees a winning hand with a high payout.

Three Deuces:

  • Hold the three deuces and draw two new cards, aiming for Four Deuces or a Wild Royal Flush.

Two Deuces:

  • Retain the two deuces and draw three new cards unless you’re close to a premium hand like a Wild Royal Flush or Five of a Kind.

One Deuce:

  • Hold the deuce along with any high-potential cards, such as four cards to a Wild Royal Flush or a Straight Flush.

No Deuces:

  • Focus on completing strong natural hands like a Straight Flush, Natural Royal Flush, or high-paying combinations.

Advanced Deuces Wild Strategies

For serious Deuces Wild players, detailed strategy charts are available that outline the best decisions for every possible hand.

These Deuces Wild strategy charts rank hands based on their expected value (EV), helping you make the optimal play in every situation.

Resources like Wizard of Odds and specialized video poker training tools can provide these charts.

Additionally, practicing with video poker simulators can help you refine your skills and ensure you make the correct decisions during gameplay.

How to Play Deuces Wild Online

Playing Deuces Wild at online casinos such as Lucky Red Casino and OnlineCasinoGames is a convenient way to enjoy this exciting game from a convenient setting.

If you want to play online, what are some of the steps that you should take? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started if you are new to online gambling:

Choose a Reputable Casino

Select an online casino with a good reputation, proper licensing, and a variety of video poker games.

Our reviews of the best online casinos are a great resource for players looking for sites to try.

Sign Up, Deposit, and Choose a Welcome Bonus

Create an account and make a deposit using one of the available online casino payment methods.

If you are trying out a site for the first time, you will have the option to pick a welcome bonus. If you choose to use Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency to fund your account, you will have access to some of the best online casino bonuses, as many sites give players an additional bankroll boost for depositing with crypto.

Find Deuces Wild in the Game Lobby

After making your deposit and choosing a bonus, you may then navigate to the video poker section and choose Deuces Wild.

Online casinos such as Wild Casino, HighRoller Casino, and Super Slots Casino all have multiple Deuces Wild games courtesy of different game providers, so if you have multiple options, choose the one that appeals to you most.

Once you choose the game that you want to play, ensure you check the paytable before playing.

Set Your Bet and Enjoy the Game

After you have chosen your game, set your starting bet size. Betting max credits is the way to go if you want the maximum payouts to be in play but only do so if you are comfortable doing so.

Once you start playing the game, follow the same Deuces Wild gameplay steps as in land-based casinos: deal, hold, draw, and aim for winning hands.

While playing, keep a strategy chart handy to make optimal decisions and maximize your chances of success.

Benefits of Playing Online

Playing Deuces Wild and other popular casino games online has a lot of appeal for numerous reasons.

What are some of the reasons why playing Deuces Wild online is worth a try?

  • Convenience: Play anytime, anywhere.
  • Game Variety: Online casinos often offer multiple variations of Deuces Wild.
  • Bonuses and Rewards: Take advantage of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs.
  • Practice Modes: Many sites offer free versions of the game to practice without risking money. For example, Lucky Red Casino offers free practice versions of many of their available games.

Why Should You Play Deuces Wild?

Deuces Wild offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience thanks to its wild cards and altered hand rankings.

For players who enjoy strategy and the thrill of chasing high-value hands, it is one of the most rewarding video poker games available.

Additionally, the potential for a positive RTP makes it a favorite among savvy gamblers.

Conclusion

Deuces Wild is a thrilling video poker variant that combines strategy, luck, and the excitement of wild cards.

If you master rules and strategy and practice regularly, you can maximize your enjoyment and potential winnings.

Whether you are playing for fun or serious profit, Deuces Wild is a game that offers endless entertainment and opportunities for success.

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Deuces Wild FAQ

What is Deuces Wild video poker, and how does it differ from other video poker games?
Deuces Wild is a video poker variation where all four deuces (2s) are wild cards, meaning they can substitute for any other card to complete a winning hand. This unique feature allows for rare combinations, such as Five of a Kind, adding extra excitement and strategy compared to games like Jacks or Better.
Spoiler title
What is the optimal strategy for playing Deuces Wild video poker?
The strategy in Deuces Wild depends on the number of deuces in your hand. For instance, if you hold four deuces, keep them all for a guaranteed high payout. With fewer deuces, prioritize combinations leading to premium hands like a Wild Royal Flush or Five of a Kind while referring to strategy charts for optimal decision-making.
Can I play Deuces Wild video poker online?
Yes, Deuces Wild is available at many online casinos like Lucky Red Casino and Wild Casino. Playing online provides convenience, access to game variations, bonuses, and the option to practice for free. Many platforms also offer crypto bonuses for players depositing with Bitcoin or similar currencies.
What is a full-pay Deuces Wild video poker machine?
A full-pay Deuces Wild machine offers the best odds with a return to player (RTP) of up to 100.76% when played optimally. These machines have specific paytables that maximize payouts for certain hands, making them ideal for players seeking better chances of winning.
How does the Deuces Wild paytable affect gameplay?
The Deuces Wild paytable outlines payouts for each hand, and it differs from other video poker games due to the wild cards. For example, a Natural Royal Flush pays the highest, followed by Four Deuces and Wild Royal Flush. Understanding the paytable helps players focus on hands with the best payout potential.