Double Bonus Poker Strategy

Master Double Bonus video poker with our complete strategy guide. Learn optimal play, key differences from Jacks or Better, and when to break made hands for bonus quads.

Formula:EV = Σ(P(outcome) × Payout)

Expected Return

100.17%

Player Edge!

Variance

28.26

High volatility game

Four Aces Bonus

160:1

vs 25:1 in JoB

Two Pair Payout

1:1

vs 2:1 in JoB

Full/Flush payout determines return

10/7 Double Bonus (100.17%) - Pay Table

Royal Flush800
Straight Flush50
Four Aces160
Four 2-480
Four 5-K50
Full House10
Flush7
Straight5
Three of a Kind3
Two Pair1
Jacks or Better1

Strategy Guide (Ranked by Expected Value)

HandActionEV
Royal FlushHold all 5800.00
Straight FlushHold all 550.00
Four of a KindHold all 5-110.00
Full HouseHold all 510.00
FlushHold all 57.00
StraightHold all 55.00

Key Differences from Jacks or Better

1.Break Full House for 3 Aces: Three Aces (EV 14.71) beats Full House (pays 10)
2.Two Pair is weak: Only pays 1-for-1, affects drawing decisions
3.Aces are premium: Pair of Aces has higher EV than other high pairs
4.Low quads matter: Four 2s-4s pay 80 (vs 25 in JoB)
5.Higher variance: Expect bigger swings, need larger bankroll

Bankroll Warning

Double Bonus has variance of ~28 compared to ~19.5 for Jacks or Better. This means you need approximately 40% more bankroll for the same risk of ruin. The reduced Two Pair payout causes more frequent small losses, while quad bonuses provide occasional big wins. Plan for extended losing streaks.

Key Facts

  • •Four Aces pays 160-for-1 (vs 25 in Jacks or Better)
  • •Two Pair pays only 1-for-1 (biggest strategy impact)
  • •10/7 Double Bonus returns 100.17% with perfect play
  • •Break Full House for Three Aces (unique to Double Bonus)
  • •Variance is ~28 (vs ~19.5 for Jacks or Better)
  • •Requires 40% larger bankroll than Jacks or Better

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Double Bonus different from Jacks or Better?

Double Bonus pays extra for four of a kind: 160 for four Aces, 80 for four 2s-4s, and 50 for four 5s-Ks. However, Two Pair only pays 1-for-1 (not 2-for-1), making the game much more volatile. The strategy emphasizes going for quads when possible.

Should I break a Full House for Three Aces?

Yes! This is a key Double Bonus strategy difference. Three Aces with two cards to draw has an EV of 14.71, while a Full House only pays 10. The potential to hit Four Aces (paying 160) makes breaking the Full House correct.

Why is Double Bonus more volatile than Jacks or Better?

Two Pair pays only 1-for-1 (vs 2-for-1 in JoB), which occurs about 13% of the time. This lost equity is made up by rare quad bonuses. You need a larger bankroll - expect bigger swings in both directions.

What is the best Double Bonus pay table to look for?

10/7 Double Bonus (100.17% return) is the best, giving players a small edge with perfect play. 9/7 (99.11%) is more common and still good. Avoid 9/5 or lower - the reduced flush payout costs too much.