The Ultimate Double Bonus Video Poker Guide

Double Bonus Video Poker is a variation of video poker that’s similar to Jacks or Better, but with higher payouts for certain combinations, particularly for four of a kind hands. It often requires a different strategy compared to other video poker games due to these altered payouts, and players often need to adjust their gameplay accordingly.

Double Bonus Video Poker Guide

Few phrases excite video poker enthusiasts more than the mention of the word “bonus.” For these players, Double Bonus video poker is sweet music to their ears. Stemming from the popular Bonus video poker, Double Bonus is its successor, with both built upon the foundation of Jacks or Better. As with any Jacks or Better-style game, securing at least a pair of jacks is imperative to clinch a prize.

In Double Bonus, a pair of jacks is the minimum hand for a payout, offering an even-money reward (1 to 1). Likewise, two pairs fetch an even-money payout in this version. This distribution occurs because the payout for landing four of a kind is significantly higher, leading to a reduction in the payout for two pairs. But is this trade-off worthwhile? Enthusiasts of this variant would argue in favour, highlighting its potential for players to depart with more substantial winnings.

While Double Bonus might not be as prevalent across online casinos like King Billy Casino as its fans desire, there remain numerous land-based casinos where the game thrives. However, for those who engage in online video poker and cherish this variant, it’s as scarce as spotting a blue panda—essentially nonexistent, to the best of our knowledge here at Gamingzion.com. The full-pay iteration of Double Bonus, recognized as 10/7, holds significance that we’ll elaborate on shortly. Furthermore, we’ll delve into how players can achieve an anticipated return of 100.17% by employing optimal strategies in full-pay Double Bonus, detailing the process comprehensively.

Understanding Double Bonus Video Poker

As highlighted earlier, Double Bonus operates within the framework of a Jacks or Better-style game. This means that securing a pair of jacks stands as the absolute minimum requirement for a win. The poker game ensures a base payout starting at even money, ranging from one to five coins contingent upon your bet size.

Notably, the variant boasts a higher bonus payout for four aces, rewarding players with a lucrative 160 to 1. Additionally, achieving four of a kind with 2s, 3s, or 4s grants a substantial 80-1 payout, constituting the second bonus. Regarding payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, winnings extend beyond four identical cards. Any combination ranging from four 4s to kings yields a noteworthy 50-1 payout. It’s crucial to note that contrary to some expectations, two pairs yield an even-money payout rather than 2-1. We’ll delve deeper into the implications of these odds on the pay table shortly, ensuring clarity on these nuances.

What truly captivates players about Double Bonus is the tangible advantage it offers against the house. Most casino games typically bestow a discernible edge upon the house against the player; for instance, in double-zero roulette, the house edge is around 5.26%. However, in Double Bonus poker, payouts can soar as high as 100.17%, presenting you with an appealing proposition, especially if you’re seeking a game where the odds aren’t inherently stacked against them.

Choosing Your Bets

Similar to other video poker games, selecting your bets is integral in Double Bonus. Your betting range spans from one to five coins, allowing options of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 coins for gameplay. The maximum bet, often denoted as “BetMax” or “Max Bet” on machines, stands at five coins. It’s highly advisable to opt for the maximum bet of five coins, especially if aiming for the 4000-coin payout upon landing a royal flush.

When crafting your fundamental strategy for Double Bonus, prioritising the maximum coin bet is paramount. If the initial amount seems unfeasible because you’re trying to keep your bankroll unsullied, consider adjusting the bet and elevating the coin value to five. Once your bet and coins are selected, you can proceed to engage in the game.

The Deal

Initiate the game by pressing the “Deal” button situated at the bottom right of the screen. Your initial five cards become visible. In an ideal scenario, securing a royal flush or a favourable hand would automatically hold all five cards. Simply hit “Draw,” and your win will be bestowed. Conversely, if the first five cards don’t form the desired hand, manually retain the best cards (if the “Auto-hold” function hasn’t already done so) and proceed by pressing the draw button for your final hand.

The Pay Table

When exploring the pay table, we strongly suggest that you are prepared to invest ample time in studying its details. This will significantly aid you in understanding which hands yield the highest payouts. Crafting a strategy is crucial in video poker, and familiarising yourself with the pay table stands as an initial and vital step in this process. Recall our prior mention of the significance of playing on a full-pay table in Double Bonus. The most advantageous pay table in this game is often referred to as 10/7, where the 10 represents the payout for a full house, and the 7 signifies the payout for a flush.

Online gambling news in the US suggests that opting for the full-pay table empowers players to secure a slight edge of 0.17% over the house. While seemingly marginal, seasoned video poker enthusiasts grasp the pivotal nature of this advantage in achieving wins. Any edge a player can attain against the casino should be seized eagerly! Considering the typical presence of a house edge in most casino games, having even a slight advantage becomes a reason for contentment.

Analysing The Pay Table

Below, we present the complete full-pay Double Bonus table:

• Royal Flush: 800 to 1
• Straight Flush: 50 to 1
• Four Aces: 160 to 1
• Four Deuces, 3s, or 4s: 80 to 1
• Any Other Four of a Kind: 50 to 1
• Full House: 10 to 1
• Flush: 7 to 1
• Straight: 5 to 1
• Three of a Kind: 3 to 1
• Two Pairs: 1 to 1
• Pair of Jacks or Higher: 1 to 1

As evident from the displayed pay table, the pinnacle payout in Double Bonus occurs with the royal flush, rewarding players at odds of 800 to 1, leading to the maximum payout of 4000 coins. However, to clinch this substantial sum, initiating gameplay with five coins is imperative, underscoring the significance of always opting for the maximum coin bet. Descending to the lower end of the table, the threshold for winnings starts with a pair of jacks or better, offering an even-money payout. Surprisingly, two pairs, commonly rewarding 2 to 1 in most Jacks or Better games, also yield an even-money payout. The scale progresses with three of a kind at 3 to 1, a straight at 5 to 1, a flush at 7 to 1, and a full house at 10 to 1.

Glancing back at the upper echelons of the table, the larger payouts come into focus. Notably, four-of-a-kind hands deliver varied rewards: a straight fetches odds of 50-1, while any combination from four 4s to kings earns 50-1. However, landing four deuces, 3s, or 4s reaps an even more lucrative reward at 80-1. The ultimate four-aces combination boasts an astonishingly high 160-1 payout, an enticing prospect for players. Delving into the intricacies of the pay table forms a pivotal aspect of comprehending Double Bonus strategy.

Double Bonus Video Poker Strategy

Developing a tailored strategy for the specific variant of video poker you engage in holds paramount importance. Strategies inherently vary based on the type of video poker, considering probabilities of hand formation, payout structures, and more. For instance, in some versions like Joker Poker, the inclusion of an extra card (the joker) alters gameplay due to the 53-card deck, necessitating distinct considerations compared to standard 52-card deck games. Notably, in Double Bonus, the absence of an extra card eliminates wild cards, removing the element of surprise combinations or the potential to complete a hand with a wild card. Strategy in Double Bonus revolves around referencing a chart, which we’ll elaborate on in the subsequent breakdown.

Understanding The Double Bonus Strategy Chart

The strategy chart functions as a guide for navigating your hand during gameplay. Its instructions are straightforward, making it accessible even for novices in video poker. The chart arranges the hand strengths in a top-to-bottom ranking, presenting the best hands at the chart’s outset and progressively descending to the weaker holdings. Utilising the strategy chart involves these simple steps:

• Begin by comparing your hand with the top line of the chart.
• If your hand doesn’t align with the top line, move down the chart until you find a matching hand.
• Once you identify the corresponding hand on the chart, retain those cards and proceed by selecting “Draw.”
• If your hand doesn’t match any listed on the chart after reviewing it entirely, opt for a draw.

Double Bonus Strategy Chart

Simply follow the instructions above and match your hand to those below.

• Royal flush or straight flush or four of a kind
• Any four cards to a royal flush
• Three aces
• Straight or flush or full house
• Any three of a kind (excluding aces)
• Any four cards to a straight flush
• Any two pair

• Any high pair
• Any four cards to a flush
• Any three to a royal flush
• Any four to an outside straight
• Any low pair
• A-K-Q-J unsuited
• Any three to a straight flush
• Four to an inside straight (including three high cards)
• Q-J suited
• Three to a flush with two high cards
• Any two suited high cards
• Four to an inside straight with two high cards
• Four to an inside straight with one high card
• K-Q-J unsuited
• J-T suited
• Q-J unsuited
• Three to a flush with one high card
• Q-T suited
• K-Q, K-J unsuited
• Ace
• K-T suited
• King or queen or jack
• Four to an inside straight with no high cards
• Three to a flush with no high cards
• Discard all

The process is as uncomplicated as it sounds.

Double Bonus – Final Thoughts

While other video poker variants might be deemed superior, Double Bonus retains its allure as a compelling option. Its simplicity appeals to newcomers, yet its appeal extends across all skill levels, primarily due to the enticing prospect of a negative house edge—a feature appreciated by players from diverse backgrounds and expertise levels. Why not spin the reels of online video poker at King Billy Casino. Here you’ll find tons of playing options, coupled with some excellent and generous bonuses and incentives. As one of the premiere online casino sites in the US, you’ll have no problems utilising all their games and bonuses.

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