Double Bonus Poker is a popular variation of the classic video poker game, offering players exciting opportunities to win big. With its high payout potential and strategic gameplay, it’s no wonder that Double Bonus Poker has become a favorite among seasoned and new casino players alike. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the rules, strategies, payout tables, and tips for mastering Double Bonus Poker, whether you are just starting out or looking to enhance your gameplay.
What is Double Bonus Poker?
Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Jacks or Better, one of the most commonly played video poker games. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, and the goal is to form the best possible poker hand. In Double Bonus Poker, the payout structure is modified to offer higher rewards for four-of-a-kind hands, especially with Aces and other high-ranking cards. This means that players have the potential to win more significant payouts compared to traditional Jacks or Better, making it an attractive option for those seeking higher rewards.
The key difference between Double Bonus Poker and regular Jacks or Better is in the enhanced payouts for certain hands. Specifically, the game offers higher bonuses for four Aces, four 2s, 3s, or 4s (also called the "Double Bonus" hands), compared to traditional video poker payouts. This feature is what gives the game its name.
How to Play Double Bonus Poker
The gameplay in Double Bonus Poker is straightforward, especially for players who are familiar with video poker. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to play:
1. Choose Your Bet Size
As with most video poker games, the first step in Double Bonus Poker is to choose your bet size. You can select the number of coins you wish to bet per hand, typically ranging from 1 to 5 coins. Betting the maximum of 5 coins is recommended if you want to unlock the highest payout potential, especially for the jackpot hands like four Aces.
2. Deal the Cards
Once you have set your bet, click the "Deal" button to receive your five cards. The cards are dealt from a standard deck, and the goal is to make the best possible poker hand. The hands are ranked according to standard poker hand rankings, from high card to royal flush.
3. Decide Which Cards to Hold
After the cards are dealt, you’ll have the option to keep (hold) any number of cards in your hand. You can choose to hold none, some, or all of your cards, depending on the hand you want to build. For example, if you are dealt a pair of Jacks, you might choose to hold onto the Jacks and discard the other cards in hopes of drawing a better hand.
4. Draw New Cards
Once you’ve decided which cards to hold, click the "Draw" button. The discarded cards will be replaced with new ones from the deck. The goal is to complete the best possible hand using the cards you’ve held and drawn. The payout will be based on the hand you form.
5. Collect Your Winnings
If you’ve formed a winning hand, the payout will be credited to your account. Double Bonus Poker uses a paytable that outlines the payouts for different hands. The payout will depend on the strength of the hand you create, with higher payouts for more difficult-to- achieve hands like four-of-a-kind, straights, or royal flushes.
Double Bonus Poker Paytable
The paytable in Double Bonus Poker is one of the most crucial aspects of the game, as it dictates how much you can win based on the hand you form. Here is a typical paytable you may encounter in Double Bonus Poker:
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind (Aces) | 400 | 800 | 1,200 | 1,600 | 2,000 |
| Four of a Kind (2s, 3s, 4s) | 160 | 320 | 480 | 640 | 800 |
| Four of a Kind (Other) | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
As you can see, the highest payouts in Double Bonus Poker are for four-of-a-kind hands, especially for Aces, followed by four 2s, 3s, or 4s. To maximize your potential winnings, it's important to bet the maximum of 5 coins, as this unlocks the highest payout for the royal flush and other premium hands.
Double Bonus Poker Strategy
To maximize your chances of winning, it’s important to use the right strategy when playing Double Bonus Poker. While video poker is still a game of luck, employing the best possible strategy can significantly improve your expected return. Here are some general tips and strategies for playing Double Bonus Poker:
1. Always Bet the Maximum
Betting the maximum of 5 coins per hand is crucial if you want to unlock the highest payouts, especially for the royal flush and four-of-a-kind hands. While it may feel safer to bet fewer coins, you’ll be leaving a significant amount of potential winnings on the table by not betting the maximum.
2. Hold Four Aces or Four 2s, 3s, or 4s
One of the key strategies in Double Bonus Poker is to hold onto four Aces or four 2s, 3s, or 4s if you are dealt them, as these hands offer the highest payouts. Even if you have an incomplete straight or flush, it is almost always better to hold onto these valuable four-of-a-kind hands.
3. Always Hold a Pair of Jacks or Better
If you are dealt a pair of Jacks or higher, always hold the pair. It is unlikely you will draw a better hand, and holding the pair guarantees a payout. Avoid discarding high pairs in the hopes of drawing something better, as the odds are not in your favor.
4. Discard Low Cards
If you have low cards with no matching pairs or high-value cards, it’s typically best to discard them and try to draw a better hand. Holding onto low cards without a potential for improvement will likely result in a losing hand.
Conclusion
Double Bonus Poker offers exciting opportunities for players seeking high payouts, particularly for four-of-a-kind hands involving Aces and 2s, 3s, or 4s. By understanding the rules, strategies, and paytable, you can increase your chances of success while enjoying the thrill of video poker. Whether you’re a newcomer to casino games or an experienced player, Double Bonus Poker’s mix of strategy and luck makes it an engaging choice for any player looking to test their skills.
