Master Double Bonus Poker Strategy for Maximum Returns

Double Bonus Poker stands out as one of the most rewarding video poker variants available, offering savvy players the potential to achieve returns exceeding 100% with optimal strategy. Unlike its simpler cousin Jacks or Better, this game rewards those who understand its unique quirks and adjust their gameplay accordingly.

Understanding Double Bonus Poker's Appeal

What makes Double Bonus Poker so attractive to experienced players? The answer lies in its pay table structure. Double Bonus is one of the few video poker games that actually offers a pay table with an expected return of over 100%, though finding full-pay versions requires some searching. The best online Double Bonus games, like those at Microgaming casinos, offer a 99.92% return, while 10/6 Double Double Bonus provides a 100.07% expected return with optimal strategy.

The trade-off? Double Bonus has a variance as high as 65.2, requiring about 80% bigger bankroll than Jacks or Better to play for the same amount of time. This means you'll experience larger swings in your bankroll, but the potential for substantial wins makes it worthwhile for players who can weather the volatility.

Key Strategy Differences from Jacks or Better

If you're coming from Jacks or Better, you'll need to make significant adjustments. Every video poker game has its own expert strategy, and Double Bonus Poker won't play exactly the same as Jacks or Better. The fundamental difference stems from the enhanced four-of-a-kind payouts and reduced two-pair returns.

Four of a kind pays at least double on Double Bonus compared to Jacks or Better, with special payouts on quads aces, 2's, 3's, and 4's, while two pair only pays one per coin wagered. This dramatic shift in the pay table requires you to be more aggressive in pursuing premium hands.

Flush and Straight Draws Become More Valuable

In full-pay Double Bonus (10/7/5), you should hold 3 to a flush with 0, 1 or 2 high cards, and hold 4 to an inside straight. These plays would be incorrect in standard Jacks or Better, but the enhanced flush payout of 7-for-1 makes them profitable in Double Bonus.

You should hold 4 to a flush over 3 to a royal flush when you have JQK, but not with TJQ, as 4 to a flush is better than JQK but not as good as TJQ. Understanding these nuanced exceptions separates optimal play from merely good play.

Breaking Up Winning Hands for Better Opportunities

One of the most counterintuitive aspects of Double Bonus strategy involves breaking up already-winning hands. Three Aces rank third highest on the strategy chart, above a full house—even if you have three aces and a pair, you throw away the pair and draw for that 4th Ace.

Why take this risk? The enhanced payout for four Aces makes it mathematically correct to pursue them aggressively. The strategy is adjusted from standard because of the increased payouts for selected four of a kind hands, though besides this and the decreased payout for 2 pairs, the game is quite similar to Jacks or Better.

Optimal Play Guidelines for Double Bonus Poker

Following a proper strategy hierarchy is essential. The Wizard of Odds provides comprehensive strategy charts for Double Bonus, which you should consult before playing. The basic principle: always look up all reasonable ways to play a hand and choose the play highest on the list.

Critical Strategic Adjustments

Sometimes the player will hold three to a royal over a pair of face cards. This might seem odd if you're used to Jacks or Better, where high pairs are nearly sacrosanct, but the mathematics support this aggressive approach in Double Bonus.

The game is much higher variance than Jacks or Better, meaning winning hands come along less often, but when you do win, there's a better chance of it being a big win. This reality should inform your bankroll management and session expectations.

Choosing the Right Pay Table

Not all Double Bonus machines are created equal. In most cases, the full house/flush payoffs are the clearest indicators of a machine's overall payback percentage, and finding the best pay tables is key if you want to maximize your chances of coming out ahead.

The full-pay version (10/7/5) is ideal but rare. More commonly, you'll find 9/6 Double Bonus, which is usually offered at strip casinos in Las Vegas with only a 97.81% payout percentage, making it basically a sucker's game compared to better pay tables available online or at off-strip casinos.

Comparing Double Bonus Variants

The bonus poker family extends beyond standard Double Bonus. Double Double Bonus and Triple Double Bonus take the concept further with even larger payouts for specific hands. According to Wikipedia's video poker overview, these variants require increasingly aggressive strategies and larger bankrolls due to their higher volatility.

The playing strategy for DDB is closer to 9/6 Jacks or Better because the flushes in that game also pay 6 coins times your bet, and the strategy is unique because of the extra value of Aces and kickers. Don't make the mistake of using standard Double Bonus strategy for these variants.

Practical Tips for Success

Beyond memorizing strategy charts, several practical considerations will improve your results. It's worth betting the maximum number of coins because the games generally offer a boosted payout for a Royal Flush with maximum coins bet, giving you a chance of hitting the biggest payout.

It's possible to use Jacks or Better strategy when playing full pay Double Bonus, but the theoretical payout decreases to around 99.65%, and remember that even when following perfect strategy, Double Bonus Poker features very high variance. While using the wrong strategy still beats many casino games, you're leaving money on the table.

Consider using software training programs to practice before risking real money. Some Microgaming casinos offer software that automatically holds cards based on perfect strategy, helping you learn correct plays without making mistakes.

Final Thoughts on Double Bonus Strategy

Double Bonus Poker rewards players who invest time learning its unique strategy. The key differences from Jacks or Better—valuing flush and straight draws more highly, breaking up winning hands to pursue premium quads, and understanding the reduced value of two pair—all stem from the altered pay table structure.

Full-pay Double Bonus is such a high-paying game that using Jacks or Better strategy brings a higher return than it does on Jacks or Better. However, to truly maximize your edge, commit to learning the proper strategy. For comprehensive strategy resources and analysis, consult expert sites like VideoPoker.com's pay table guide.

With the right approach, adequate bankroll, and disciplined strategy execution, Double Bonus Poker can become one of your most profitable video poker options. Just remember that variance cuts both ways—prepare for the swings, stay disciplined, and let the mathematics work in your favor over time.