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Double Bonus Poker: Strategy & How To Play

Double Bonus Poker Today we’re going to continue our series of guides on how to play the most popular video poker variations by looking at Double Bonus Poker.

Double Bonus Poker is very similar to its near namesakes Bonus Poker and Double Double Bonus Poker. In fact not many players actually know the difference between them. But today, you’re going to learn that, and more.

Contents show

First we’ll look at how to play Double Bonus Poker, how it differs from other video poker games, and how the pay table works in this game.

Once you’re comfortable with the rules, I’ll show you the best strategy to use which can maximise your chances of winning.

How To Play Double Bonus Poker

Double Bonus Poker is another variant of the standard Jacks or Better video poker game. It uses a single, standard 52 card deck, with no wildcards.

So once you know how to play JoB, you’ll find the rules, terminology and game sequence in Double Bonus Poker is exactly the same.

The machines at most casinos also feature the Bonus Gamble side game, which gives you the chance to go double or quits on your winnings with a single card draw.

Like all of the “bonus poker” variants, the twist is that you get a bonus (in the form of an enhanced payout) for certain 4 of a Kind hands. To compensate for this, some of the lower ranked hands pay less than they would in Jacks or Better.

Let’s see how the pay table looks.

Hand Ranks & Pay Table

This is a typical Double Bonus Poker pay table, from the RTG version of the game which is found at many leading mobile and online casino sites.

Double Bonus Poker pay table

At first glance, the pay table seems far more generous than the equivalent for standard Bonus Poker. It’s true that the returns for each 4-of-a-Kind configuration, Full House and Flush are all more generous in Double Bonus Poker.

Also, the enhanced Royal Flush payout is back, returning 4000 when you play 5 coins. So again, the RTP is better for the player when you play max bet in this game.

However, the Straight and 2 Pair payouts are less.

It’s clear then that the Double Bonus Poker pay table favours the more adventurous player. Your smaller regular wins will be less, but when you hit the “bonus” hands, you’ll scoop a far bigger win.

Double Bonus Video Poker Strategy

The first and most obvious change in Double Bonus Poker strategy is to play max coins, to take advantage of the enhanced Royal Flush payout.

We also need to make some changes to the bonus poker strategy that you may have used previously. We need to account for the reduces payout for Two Pair, and the higher payouts for the 4K hands.

What Cards To Hold

double bonus poker strategy The strategy below shows you which cards to hold in Double Bonus Poker, in order of preference. Use the strategy by working down the list and finding the first match with the hands you have been dealt. Hold the cards specified, and discard the rest.

For example, let’s say the deal gives you A (Hearts), A (Spades), A (Clubs), K (Clubs), Q (Clubs).

This matches with both Three Aces and 3 to a Royal Flush. However, since Three Aces is higher in the list, the correct play here is to hold the Aces and discard the K and Q of clubs. You’re clearly hoping for the extra Ace on the draw.

  1. Royal Flush
  2. Straight Flush
  3. Any Four of a Kind
  4. 4 to a Royal Flush
  5. Three Aces
  6. Full House
  7. Flush
  8. Straight
  9. Three of a Kind (2-K)
  10. 4 to a Straight Flush
  11. Two Pair
  12. High Pair
  13. 4 to a Flush
  14. 3 to a Royal Flush
  15. 4 to an Outside Straight
  16. Low Pair
  17. AKQJ Unsuited
  18. 3 to a Straight Flush
  19. 4 to an Inside Straight (with three high cards)
  20. Unsuited JQK
  21. Unsuited JQ
  22. KQ, KJ Unsuited
  23. J10 Suited
  24. AK, AQ, AJ Unsuited
  25. Ace
  26. KT Suited
  27. Jack, King or Queen
  28. Discard Everything

If you are used to playing other similar JoB variations such as Bonus Poker, you should be aware that the strategy for Double Bonus Poker is different, and you need to learn and implement these differences if you want to get the best returns on this game.

Double Bonus Poker is a good option for players who have a large bankroll and the time to spend hunting down those enhanced 4K payouts. It is a more volatile game, and although that does not equate to higher risk, it does require a more sizeable bank balance to ride through the bumpy patches.

Remember you need to play max coins on this version for best returns, due to the reinstatement of the Royal Flush maximum payout. So if you have limited time or few coins to spend, then other low volatility video poker variations such as Deuces Wild might suit you better.

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David Graham
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Last Updated on February 21, 2021