Deuces Wild Strategy Calculator

Master Deuces Wild video poker with our comprehensive strategy guide. Learn optimal play for every situation based on the number of wild cards dealt.

Formula:EV = Σ(P(outcome) × Payout)

Number of Deuces

0 Wild Cards

Expected Return

100.76%

Player Advantage!

Strategy Options

11

Ranked by priority

How many 2s in your hand?

Expected return varies by table

Strategy for 0 Deuces (Play from Top to Bottom)

#HoldDescriptionEV
1Natural Royal FlushA-K-Q-J-10 of same suit800.00
24 to a Royal FlushMissing one card for natural royal18.66
3Paying Hand (Pat)Three of a kind or better3.00
44 to a Straight FlushOpen-ended or inside2.13
53 to a Royal FlushAny 3 royal cards1.41
6PairAny pair (no high card requirement)0.56
74 to a FlushAny 4 suited cards0.51
84 to an Outside StraightOpen-ended straight draw0.51
93 to a Straight FlushType 1: 0-1 gaps, no high0.46
102 to a Royal FlushJ-10 or higher suited0.32
11Discard AllNo playable combination0.32

* Find the highest row that matches your hand and hold those cards

Deuce Distribution Probabilities

56.3%
0 Deuces
34.0%
1 Deuce
8.5%
2 Deuces
1.1%
3 Deuces
0.05%
4 Deuces

Full Pay Deuces Wild Pay Table

Natural Royal800
Four Deuces200
Wild Royal25
Five of a Kind15
Straight Flush9
Four of a Kind5
Full House3
Flush2
Straight2
Three of a Kind1

Key Strategy Tips

  • •NEVER discard a deuce - they are always held
  • •With 0 deuces, play more conservatively (like Jacks or Better)
  • •With 1+ deuces, be more aggressive chasing big hands
  • •Pairs have no special value without a deuce (Three of a Kind pays)

Key Facts

  • •All four 2s are wild cards that substitute for any card
  • •Full Pay Deuces Wild returns 100.76% with perfect play
  • •Minimum paying hand is Three of a Kind (or specified hand)
  • •Four Deuces is a special bonus hand paying 200-for-1
  • •Strategy changes dramatically based on number of deuces dealt
  • •Always hold all deuces - they are never discarded

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Deuces Wild different from Jacks or Better?

In Deuces Wild, all four 2s are wild cards that substitute for any other card. This creates new winning hands (Five of a Kind, Wild Royal) and changes strategy completely. The minimum paying hand is usually Three of a Kind instead of Jacks or Better.

Is Full Pay Deuces Wild a positive expectation game?

Yes! Full Pay Deuces Wild has a 100.76% expected return with perfect strategy, making it one of the few casino games where the player has an edge. However, this version is increasingly rare in casinos.

Should I hold a pair or go for a straight flush draw?

With no deuces, hold a paying Three of a Kind or better. A non-paying pair beats most straight flush draws. But 4 to a Straight Flush beats a low pair. With a deuce, strategy changes dramatically - the deuce makes more hands possible.

What do I do if I have only one deuce and nothing else?

Hold only the deuce and discard the other four cards. The deuce alone is worth about 0.48 in expected value, which is better than most garbage hands. You need that wild card to make your best possible hand.