Double Bonus Video Poker

Double Bonus is a variant of video poker that’s based on the classic Jacks or Better format.

The Double Bonus name comes from the fact that certain 4-of-a-kind hands deliver higher payouts compared to Jacks or Better. Conversely, you win less for a minimum one pair hands.

More volatile than many other forms of video poker, Double Bonus can deliver plenty of action.

In our Double Bonus video poker guide, we look at how to play the game before offering some tips on how to improve your winning chances.

 

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How to Play Double Bonus

Like most video poker variants, Double Bonus is based on 5-card draw poker.

If you are familiar with any other video poker, you’ll have no issues getting the hang of Double Bonus poker in minutes.

  1. Choose Your Bet – The first thing you should do is decide your stake level. If possible, bet the maximum allowed coins: 5.
  2. Deal – Click on the deal to be dealt a hand of five cards.
  3. Keep or Discard – Choose whether to keep or discard any or all your five cards. When you’ve made up your mind, click on the draw button to replace your discarded cards. This new five-card combination will be your final hand and determines whether you have a winner.

Winning Hands

Here is how all winning hands shape up, starting from lowest to the highest value.

  • Pair – 2 cards of the same value. For example, jack of diamonds and jack of clubs.
  • Two Pair – For example, a pair of jacks and a pair of 7s.
  • Three of a kind – Three cards of the same value. For example, three 8s.
  • Straight – Five cards that have values that run consecutively but aren’t the same suit. For example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of any suit.
  • Flush – Five cards of the same suit. For example, 2, 4, 10, Q and A all hearts.
  • Full House – This hand contains a 3 of a kind combination and a pair. For example, 3 queens plus 2 sixes make a Full House.
  • Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same value. For example, four fives.
  • Straight Flush – This is a straight where all the cards are also the same suit. For example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of clubs.
  • Royal Flush – The best hand is a suited 10, J, Q, K, A combination with no Jokers.
 

Double Bonus RTP & Payouts

The RTP rate of Double Bonus poker is 98% on average. The game variant we are taking for reference is the Double Bonus video poker available at Golden Nugget online casino.

The special feature of Double Bonus is that you can expect enhanced payouts if you land a 4-of-a-kind hand.

Here’s the complete paytable you’ll find in most Double Bonus games.

HandPrize in coins
Jacks or Better1
Two pair1
3 of a kind 3
Straight5
Flush6
Full House9
4 of a kind - 5s to Kings50
4 of a kind – 2s to 4s80
4 of a kind - Aces160
Straight Flush50
Royal Flush 800

The payouts show here assume you’re playing the maximum 5-coin stake level. They are taken from the Double Bonus video poker game, available at the Golden Nugget online casino.

 

Double Bonus Strategy

The easiest way to make the right decision on which cards to discard or keep is to use a strategy chart. Scroll down the chart until you find your hand. Then keep the cards as instructed.

There are references in the charts below to open-ended and inside straight draws.

An open-ended straight draw is one where you have 4 running cards but the first or the last card is missing. For example, 5-6-7-8 is an open-ended straight draw. Landing a 4 or a 9 would complete the straight.

An inside straight draw is when you have 4 to a straight but you’re missing one of the inner cards. For example, 5-7-8-9 is an inside draw. You need to land the 6 to complete the straight.

  • Four of a Kind
  • Royal Flush
  • Straight Flush
  • 4 to a Royal Flush
  • Three Aces
  • Full House
  • Flush
  • Straight
  • Three of a Kind (2s to Ks)
  • 4 cards to Straight Flush
  • Two Pair
  • High Pair (Jacks or better)
  • 4 cards to Flush
  • 3 cards to Royal Flush
  • 4 cards open ended straight draw
  • Low Pair (2s to 10s)
  • Unsuited A-K-Q-J
  • 3 cards to Straight Flush
  • 4 cards inside straight draw (holding 3 high cards)
  • Suited Q-J
  • 3 cards to Flush (2 high cards)
  • 2 suited high cards
  • 4 cards inside straight draw (2 high cards)
  • 3 cards to Straight Flush (1 gap or 2 gaps with a high card or suited 2-3-4)
  • 4 cards inside straight draw (1 high card)
  • Unsuited K-Q-J
  • Suited J-10
  • Unsuited Q-J
  • 3 cards to Flush (1 high cards)
  • Suited Q-10
  • 3 cards to Straight Flush (2 gaps, no high cards)
  • Unsuited K-J
  • Unsuited K-Q
  • Ace
  • Suited K-10
  • K, Q or a J
  • 4 cards inside straight draw (no high cards)
  • 3 cards to Flush (no high cards)
  • Anything else, throw them away

Most online casinos will have a Double Bonus free play game. This gives you a great opportunity to work on your strategy until it becomes second nature.

 

Pros & Cons of Double Bonus

Double Bonus’ enhanced payouts can create big wins. To top it off, the base RTP is higher than most casino games, and similar to different video poker variants.

Pros
  • Easy to play
  • Big hands deliver enhanced payouts
  • RTP is better than most casino games like slots and roulette
Cons
  • No wild cards
  • Gameplay is more volatile than other forms of video poker

The game’s high volatility and lack of wild cards make it more difficult to form winning hands. As such, it’s better played with a higher budget. However, the enhanced payouts can make it worth your while.

 

Double Bonus Poker Alternatives

If you find Double Bonus Poker’s high-risk, high-reward gameplay off-putting, consider some lower volatility alternatives.

Jacks or Better and Tens or Better make it easier to form lower-paying winning combinations, although their max payout is lower overall.

For a similar effect, Joker Poker adds a wild card which substitutes for all other cards. This makes it easier to form winning hands across the board.

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a variant of video poker that offers high risk but potentially high reward action, Double Bonus is one to consider.

Like other forms of the game, it’s very easy to play but applying some strategy can improve your chances. Its high RTP of around 98% makes Double Bonus just as attractive as any video poker variant.

We recommend it to beginners and experts alike.

 

FAQs

Yes, you’ll find Double Bonus free play video poker at many online casinos. Take advantage of the free play mode to practice your strategy.

The payouts in Double Bonus Poker vary by coin level. If you’re playing at the maximum 5-coin level (which you should be), the top win is 800/1. That is, 4,000 coins. To land the big prize, you need to hit a royal flush – a suited A-K-Q-J-10 combination.

Double Bonus is certainly one of our favorite formats and the favorite of many casino players. If you fancy mixing things up by bringing wild cards into the mix, try Joker Poker or Deuces Wild poker.

This popular format is available to play at a wide variety of online casinos, as well as brick and mortar casinos throughout the US and beyond.

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