Understanding the Basics is KEY! Double Double Bonus is played with a standard 52-card deck and follows the same basic rules as traditional video poker. Your objective is to form the best five-card poker hand possible, starting with an initial deal of five cards. Based on the strength of your hand, you can earn payouts according to the game’s pay table.
Double Double Bonus (DDB) Poker is a popular variation of video poker, and the optimal strategy is key to improving your chances of winning. In Double Double Bonus Poker, hands with four of a kind (especially with specific kickers) have large payouts, so the strategy emphasizes drawing to these hands when possible.
Here is a typical pay table for Double Double Bonus Poker.
But most importantly, here is a simplified version of an optimal hold strategy for Double Double Bonus Poker:
General Hold Strategy in Descending Order
- Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, Royal Flush: Keep these hands intact; they’re already winning hands with high payouts.
- Four Cards to a Royal Flush: Always go for a Royal Flush if you’re one card away.
- Full House: Keep the full house since it’s a solid payout.
- Three of a Kind: Hold onto all three cards, as this is where you can aim for Four of a Kind.
- Four Cards to a Straight Flush: Hold all four cards and go for a Straight Flush.
- Two Pair: Hold both pairs; you’ll get a payout even if you don’t improve.
- High Pair (Jacks or Better): Hold one high pair only. In DDB, a high pair is your safe bet for a payout.
- Three Cards to a Royal Flush: Draw for a Royal Flush if you have three suited high cards.
- Four Cards to a Flush: Drawing one card for a flush can yield a payout.
- Low Pair: Keep it and draw for trips or four of a kind.
- Four Cards to an Outside Straight: An outside straight can complete on either end, giving better odds than an inside straight.
- Two Suited High Cards: Keep two high suited cards if they’re the same suit.
- Three Cards to a Straight Flush: If you have three consecutive suited cards.
- One High Card (J, Q, K, or A): Keep one high card if none of the above applies.
- Draw All Five Cards: If your hand doesn’t meet any of the above criteria, redraw all five cards.
Special Tips for Double Double Bonus Poker
- Focus on Four of a Kind Hands: Four Aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker is the highest possible payout (besides a Royal Flush), so always consider draws that could lead to these valuable four-of-a-kind hands.
- Pay Attention to Suited Kicker: Kicker cards with high-paying combinations can lead to larger payouts, so keep an eye out when you have hands that could potentially yield a four-of-a-kind with a kicker.
Conclusion
Double Double Bonus™ is an exciting and rewarding video poker game that offers players the chance to win big with its unique pay table and engaging gameplay. By understanding the rules, mastering the optimal holding strategy, and practicing responsible gaming, you can enhance your experience and increase your chances of success. So, find a machine, place your bet, and enjoy the thrill of Double Double Bonus™ video poker! Happy playing!
