Everything You Need to Know About Double Bonus Poker Video Poker: Rules, Winning Hands, Strategy, and More

Eddie Griffin

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated:

Read Time: 11 minutes

Double Bonus Poker stands as one of the most popular video poker variations in both land-based and online casinos across the United States.

This variant offers players enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands compared to traditional Jacks or Better. That makes it particularly attractive to players seeking bigger potential wins.

While the game maintains the familiar feel of standard video poker, its unique pay table and strategic considerations set it apart as a distinctive and engaging option for both newcomers and experienced players.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every aspect of Double Bonus Poker that players need to master the game.

We will begin by breaking down the fundamental rules and gameplay mechanics, ensuring you understand how this variant differs from other video poker games. You will learn about the complete pay table structure, including the enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands that make this game so exciting.

We will also dive deep into optimal strategy considerations, providing both basic and advanced techniques to help maximize your chances of winning.

For players interested in the mathematical side of the game, we will examine the Return to Player (RTP) percentages and explain how to identify the most favorable pay tables. You will discover essential bankroll management techniques specifically tailored for Double Bonus Poker’s higher variance nature.

Finally, we’ll explore the landscape of online play for U.S. players, including tips for finding reputable platforms and maximizing your online gaming experience.

Are you a newcomer to video poker? Are you an experienced player looking to master this specific variant? No matter your experience level, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies needed for success playing Double Bonus Poker at traditional casinos and the best online casinos.

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What Is Double Bonus Poker?

Double Bonus Poker follows the core principles of video poker but introduces significant modifications to the pay table, particularly for four-of-a-kind hands. The game uses a standard 52-card deck, and players aim to create the best possible five-card poker hand after a single draw.

What sets Double Bonus Poker apart from other video poker games such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker is its generous payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially those consisting of aces, which can pay up to 800 coins with a maximum bet.

The trade-off for these enhanced four-of-a-kind payouts comes in the form of reduced returns for two pair hands. Those typically pay only 1:1 instead of the 2:1 found in Jacks or Better. This adjustment significantly impacts both the game’s variance and the optimal strategy players should employ.

Double Bonus Poker Rules and Gameplay

The gameplay in Double Bonus Poker follows a straightforward sequence. Players begin by placing their bet, typically between one and five coins, with a strong recommendation to always bet the maximum five coins to qualify for the enhanced royal flush payout.

After receiving their initial five cards, players must decide which cards to hold and which to discard. The discarded cards are then replaced with new ones from the same deck, and the final hand determines the payout according to the pay table.

One crucial aspect of Double Bonus Poker is the importance of proper bankroll management, which is crucial aspect of responsible gambling. The game’s higher variance, resulting from the modified pay table, means players should maintain a larger bankroll relative to their bet size compared to what they might need for traditional Jacks or Better games.

Winning Hands and Payouts in Double Bonus Poker

The standard poker hand hierarchy applies in Double Bonus Poker, but the payouts differ significantly from other video poker variants.

Here is the complete list of winning hands in order from highest to lowest, with typical payouts for a maximum five-coin bet:

  • Royal Flush: 4,000 coins (A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit)
  • Straight Flush: 250 coins (Five sequential cards of the same suit)
  • Four Aces: 800 coins (Four aces with any kicker)
  • Four 2s, 3s, or 4s: 400 coins
  • Four 5s through Kings: 250 coins
  • Full House: 50 coins (Three of a kind plus a pair)
  • Flush: 35 coins (Five cards of the same suit)
  • Straight: 25 coins (Five sequential cards of any suit)
  • Three of a Kind: 15 coins
  • Two Pair: 5 coins
  • Jacks or Better: 5 coins (A pair of jacks, queens, kings, or aces)

Royal Flush, which represents the highest possible win in the game, occurs roughly once in every 40,000 hands.

The payouts listed assume a full-pay version of the game. Some machines offer reduced payouts, particularly for full houses (9 coins instead of 10) and flushes (6 coins instead of 7), which significantly impacts the game’s overall return to player percentage.

Return to Player (RTP) and Optimal Play

With optimal play, Double Bonus Poker can offer an RTP (Return to Player) of up to 100.17% on full-pay machines. That makes it one of the most favorable video poker variants available.

However, this theoretical return is only achievable with perfect strategy and on machines offering the most generous pay tables. More commonly, players will encounter variations with RTPs ranging from 97% to 99%.

The full-pay version of Double Bonus Poker is often referred to as a 10/7/5 game. That indicates the payouts for a full house (10), flush (7), and straight (5) respectively. These numbers serve as a quick reference for players to identify the most favorable machines.

Advanced Strategy Considerations for Double Bonus Poker

Success in Double Bonus Poker requires a more nuanced strategy than simpler video poker variants. The modified pay table creates situations where traditional video poker strategy must be adjusted.

The enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, particularly aces, fundamentally change the way players should approach many common situations.

When holding three of a kind, players should always keep them rather than drawing to a royal flush or straight flush, unlike in some other variants. This is due to the significant potential payout for hitting four of a kind, especially with aces.

Even when holding two pair, players should consider breaking them up if they have three cards to a royal flush, as the potential 4,000-coin payout justifies the risk.

The strategy for handling ace-heavy hands is particularly unique in Double Bonus Poker. When dealt three aces, players should always hold them, discarding any other pair or potential straight/flush draws. This is because the 800-coin payout for four aces makes this play more profitable in the long run than pursuing other combinations.

Strategic Adjustments in Double Bonus Poker

Strategic adjustments in Double Bonus Poker include the following:

  • Never breaking up four-of-a-kind hands, regardless of the potential for a royal flush
  • Being more aggressive in pursuing four-of-a-kind hands, especially with aces
  • Carefully considering whether to break up two pair when holding three cards to a royal flush
  • Always holding three aces, regardless of other potential hands
  • Breaking up flushes when holding four cards to a royal flush
  • Never breaking up a paying hand for a low pair, even in ace-heavy situations
  • Being more willing to break up straight draws when holding high pairs

When dealing with multiple high cards of the same suit, players must carefully evaluate their drawing opportunities.

For instance, holding K-Q-J of hearts with two low cards presents a decision between keeping all three suited high cards or just the K-Q for the royal flush draw. The correct play often depends on the specific cards and their relationship to the pay table.

Low pairs should be handled differently in Double Bonus Poker compared to other variants. The reduced payout for two pair means players should be more willing to break up low pairs when holding three cards to a royal flush or straight flush.

However, when holding a low pair with three cards to a flush, keeping the pair is usually the better play due to the potential for four of a kind.

Tips for Double Bonus Poker Success

Mastering Double Bonus Poker requires dedication to proper strategy and disciplined play. Players should always use a strategy chart or trainer when learning the game, as the optimal plays can be counterintuitive.

Focusing on games with favorable pay tables is crucial, as even small differences in payouts can significantly impact long-term returns.

Bankroll management becomes especially important due to the game’s higher variance. Players should maintain a bankroll of at least 400 times their average bet to withstand the natural swings in this game. Playing at a measured pace also helps maintain focus and reduces the likelihood of strategic errors.

Playing Double Bonus Poker Online

For U.S. players, online Double Bonus Poker offers several advantages over land-based versions. Games at real money online casinos often provide better pay tables and lower minimum bets, allowing players to practice optimal strategy with less risk.

Many online platforms also offer free-play options, perfect for learning the game without financial risk. For example, Lucky Red Casino, OnlineCasinoGames, and Slots Ninja Casino all offer the ability to practice Double Bonus Poker for free before jumping into real money play.

When playing online, it’s essential to choose reputable casinos licensed in jurisdictions that serve U.S. players. Players should verify the specific pay tables offered and ensure the platform provides fair, randomly generated results through certified random number generators.

Online casino bonuses are a key consideration for many players when playing Double Bonus Poker at their favorite gambling sites.

Being swayed by the best online casino bonuses is understandable, but it is important to be aware of any terms and conditions and the breakdown of bonus play percentages before you pick a promo.

Also, thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to sit at a computer to play Double Bonus Poker. You will not have to look hard to find numerous mobile casinos that provide Double Bonus Poker games for players who wish to play from the comfort of their home or on the go.

Conclusion

Double Bonus Poker offers an exciting twist on traditional video poker that can be highly rewarding for players who master its unique characteristics. The enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, particularly the lucrative 800-coin reward for four aces, create compelling opportunities for substantial wins.

However, success in this variant requires a careful balance of strategic knowledge, disciplined bankroll management, and an understanding of the game’s higher variance nature.

As you begin your Double Bonus Poker journey, remember that the path to proficiency starts with mastering the basic strategy before progressing to more advanced concepts.

Take advantage of free-play options online to practice without risk. Also, always seek out machines with the most favorable pay tables. While the reduced payout for two pair hands might seem disadvantageous at first, the potential for larger wins through four-of-a-kind combinations more than makes up for this adjustment in the long run.

Whether you’re playing in land-based casinos or at top gambling sites like Wild Casino and DuckyLuck Casino, maintaining a sufficient bankroll and adhering to optimal strategy will be crucial to your success.

Don’t be discouraged by the initial complexity of the strategy adjustments required – with practice and patience, the unique decision points in Double Bonus Poker will become second nature.

By applying the principles and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize your enjoyment and potential returns from this engaging video poker variant.

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Double Bonus Poker Video Poker FAQ

What makes Double Bonus Poker different from regular video poker?
Double Bonus Poker offers significantly higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, particularly four aces, while reducing the payout for two pair to even money. This creates a higher variance game with the potential for larger wins.
Is Double Bonus Poker better than Jacks or Better?
Neither game is inherently better. Double Bonus Poker offers higher potential payouts but with greater variance, while Jacks or Better provides more consistent returns and is generally better for beginners learning video poker.
What is the optimal bankroll for Double Bonus Poker?
Players should maintain a bankroll of at least 400 times their average bet due to the game’s higher variance. For $1.25 max-bet games, this means a minimum bankroll of $500.
Why should I always bet five coins in Double Bonus Poker?
Betting five coins qualifies you for the enhanced royal flush payout of 4,000 coins instead of the proportionally lower 800 coins per coin bet when betting less than maximum.
How important is it to find full-pay Double Bonus Poker games?
Finding full-pay machines is crucial as they can offer an RTP of over 100% with perfect play, while lower-paying variations can reduce the RTP by several percentage points, significantly impacting long-term results.
What is the most common strategic mistake to make in Double Bonus Poker?
The most common mistake is applying standard Jacks or Better strategy to Double Bonus Poker. The modified pay table requires different approaches, particularly when deciding whether to break up paying hands for four-of-a-kind opportunities.