Deuces Wild is one of the most popular variants of video poker found in land-based and online casinos today. Like all video poker games, Deuces Wild is based on 5-card draw poker but played against a machine rather than a human dealer or other opponents.
What sets Deuces Wild apart from classic video poker is the fact that all four 2s (deuces) serve as wild cards in the deck. These wild deuces can substitute for any other cards when making hands, significantly increasing a player’s odds and payout potential compared to traditional Jacks or Better video poker.
However, simply having those extra wildcards in the mix does not guarantee better results on its own. To truly maximize value and master Deuces Wild video poker over the long run, players need to fully understand the optimal strategies around capitalizing on the presence of the “bonus” deuces.
Key Strategy Components You Must Master
Taking full and effective advantage of the wild deuces’ power to build winning poker hands requires learning and accurately implementing three key strategic concepts to your sessions at RocketPlay Casino Australia:
Analyzing All Deuces in Your Hand
Due to their wildcard status, deuces are by far the most valuable and important cards in Deuces Wild video poker. Accordingly, you should always hold any and all deuces you are originally dealt. Even a single wild deuce opens up many options for completing Stronger hands.
For example, being dealt three wild deuces gives you an outstanding shot not just at Three of a Kind but also Four of a Kind, Full Houses and even Five of a Kind hands. Always let the deuces ride!
Understanding How Side Cards Can Make or Break Hands
In poker terminology, a “kicker” is a side card that does not itself complete a hand but that can vastly improve the value of made hands if it also connects. Master Deuces Wild players understand how kickers like high pairs, three-card straight and flush draws impact decision-making.
Having kickers like a King or Ace to go along with multiple deuces allows you to make Four of Kinds and Five of Kinds. Even lower kickers carry value. Deuce kickers provide the only path to a Royal Flush in this game, for example.
Balancing Desire for Big Payouts vs. Probability of Hitting
The natural instinct in Deuces Wild is to chase the biggest payouts all the time – huge Four of Kinds and Royal Flushes. However, the expert player balances that desire with playing the percentages based on the game’s pay table.
The pay table outlines the payouts for each winning hand. While you do want to play for big scores when the odds justify it, consistently folding lower but reasonably probable paying hands (like Three of a Kind) is costly over time. Understanding this balance well is vital.
Adjusting Your Strategy Based on the Pay Table
One key to mastering optimal Deuces Wild strategy is recognizing how decision-making shifts based on the machine’s pay table payouts and inherent house edge. Not all pay tables are equal or require the same approach, so you must adapt on the fly.
Here are some key strategic adjustments to make for different pay table types:
Full Pay Deuces Wild Video Poker
The holy grail pay tables in Deuces Wild are “Full Pay” tables, which offer maximum payouts of 100.7% or more when playing with perfect strategy. This creates a slim but player-friendly advantage.
Optimal play on Full Pay requires a relatively straightforward strategy of holding all deuces always, plus any Four of a Kind or Royal Flush kickers. If you don’t connect there, break up those high kickers to draw again.
Not So Ugly Duckling Pay Tables
In Deuces Wild pay table ratings, there are some intermediate “Not So Ugly Duckling” pay tables that reduce Full Pay payouts slightly but still offer reasonably good overall game value.
To beat these tables, you’ll need to adjust by playing more loosely and taking more lower paying hands like Straights and Flushes. Tightening up too much chasing the premium hands will lower your overall expected return.
Really Ugly Duckling Tables
On the other end of the spectrum, any Deuces Wild pay table that pays just 15-for-1 on Four Deuces (the minimum) is inherently bad for players. These “Really Ugly” pay tables must be approached with extreme caution.
Here you’ll need to radically adjust strategy by essentially only playing Four of a Kinds or Five of a Kind hands. It can still occasionally pay out big, but tightening way up is key to minimizing losses at a bad table.
Implementing Optimal Video Poker Strategy Over the Long Term
Simply reading about and understanding Deuces Wild video poker strategy is one thing. But to truly excel at the game requires taking the right approach around implementing the proper decision-making processes:
Study and Memorize Game-Specific Strategy Charts
Optimal strategy for Deuces Wild centers around learning and memorizing specialized strategy charts that tell you the mathematically best decision to make – hold vs draw – for every possible starting hand combination.
These charts distill complex probability calculations down to easily-digested choices. Studying them repeatedly until the right decision for any hand becomes second nature is key to minimizing errors and building the habits of a winning player.
| Starting Hand | Strategy Chart Decision |
| Deuce, Deuce, 5, Jack, Ace | Hold the Pair of Deuces |
Build Your Skills with Extensive Free Play Practice
Trying to learn optimal Deuces Wild strategy at a live casino or for real money online when you are still struggling with basic decisions would be very costly. That’s where practicing extensively for free comes in.
Many reputable online casinos offer the option to play Deuces Wild purely for free with virtual money. Embrace these opportunities. The ability to implement decisions in a real game simulation, without financial risk while you’re still learning, is invaluable.
Constantly Analyze Results with a Critical Eye
Finally, always be analyzing the results of your play with a critical eye, even as an experienced Deuces Wild player. Reinforce solid strategic plays that pan out well. And honestly assess decisions that cost you money.
Being able to self-diagnose profitable vs detrimental habits and correct repeated mistakes is how you continually improve and stand the best chance of long-term profits.
Master the Wild Deuces and This Game Pays Out Well
Deuces Wild undoubtedly offers some of the highest video poker payout rates available when you embrace its wildcard power. But simply having those four wild deuces in the deck does not equal automatic profits. You must learn proper strategy.
Master the key concepts like smart analysis around kickers. Recognize how decision-making shifts based on the pay table in front of you. And implement optimal lines of play through extensive study, practice and self-review.