Double Double Bonus Video Poker Strategy and Paytable Guide

Double Double Bonus video poker is one of the most popular variants in casinos and online lobbies, thanks to its large payouts for four of a kind with the right kicker. It looks like Jacks or Better at first glance, but the strategy differs in key ways. Understanding the paytable, the kicker bonuses, and the adjusted hold rules can improve your return and reduce costly mistakes. This guide walks through the essentials of Double Double Bonus strategy.

How Double Double Bonus Works

Like Jacks or Better, you are dealt five cards and may hold any of them before drawing replacements. A pair of jacks or better is the minimum paying hand. What sets Double Double Bonus apart is the enhanced payout for four of a kind, depending on rank and the fifth card (the kicker). Four aces with a 2, 3, or 4 pays much more than four aces alone, and four 2s, 3s, or 4s with an ace, 2, 3, or 4 also pay a premium.

Quick answer: The key Double Double Bonus strategy adjustment is to protect hands that can make four of a kind with a kicker. Compared with Jacks or Better, you hold a low kicker with three aces, hold fewer high-card draws, and value pairs more because quads pay so well. Always play the full-pay 9/6 or 10/6 paytable when you can find it.

Read the Paytable Before You Sit Down

Paytables vary widely, and the difference in return is large. Casinos label machines with the payouts for a full house and a flush at maximum coins, such as 9/6 (nine coins for a full house, six for a flush). Commonly cited figures for optimal play with five coins bet are:

• 10/6 Double Double Bonus: about 100.07 percent return.
• 9/6 Double Double Bonus: about 98.98 percent return.
• 9/5 Double Double Bonus: about 97.87 percent return.
• 8/5 and below: progressively lower, often under 96 percent.

Those percentages assume perfect strategy, which few players follow. Even so, choosing the better paytable matters more than any single hold decision. Always bet the maximum number of coins, because the royal flush bonus at max coin is a large part of the return. Our casino strategy hub covers how to compare return-to-player figures across games.

Core Hold Rules in Double Double Bonus

The following guidelines reflect a simplified version of optimal play. Use a strategy chart or trainer for exact decisions, because small differences matter.

Hands to keep as dealt

• Royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, and straight.
• Three of a kind: hold the trips and draw two cards. With three aces and a low kicker, keep the kicker if it is a 2, 3, or 4 and hold the aces plus kicker where the strategy allows.

Pairs and draws

• High pairs (jacks through aces) are almost always held over weak draws.
• Low pairs (twos through tens) are valuable because they can become four of a kind, which pays far more than in Jacks or Better.
• Four to a royal flush is typically held over a low pair, and four to a straight flush has strong value.
• Four to a flush is held over unsuited high cards.

Hands to discard

• Offsuit unconnected high cards often lose to a low pair.
• Three to a straight flush with no high cards is often discarded when a paying pair is available.

Kicker Strategy

Kickers are what make Double Double Bonus unique. When you hold three aces, the fifth card decides whether four aces pay the standard amount or the large kicker bonus. In some situations, the strategy suggests holding a low kicker with three aces rather than breaking the kicker. That works because the kicker adds meaningful equity when the fourth ace arrives. Memorize the table that shows how three aces and a 2, 3, or 4 are handled, and practice with free trainers before risking real money.

Variance and Bankroll Management

Double Double Bonus has high volatility. Hit frequency for paying hands is often only around 45 percent, and much of the return comes from rare four of a kind and royal flush events. Expect long losing stretches punctuated by big wins. A prudent session bankroll for five-coin play at a 25-cent machine could easily be several hundred dollars. If you play online with bonus money, check whether video poker contributes to wagering requirements; it often counts for a fraction of the amount. Our best casino bonuses page lists offers and notes game weighting where available.

For more on managing swings, the principles in our bankroll management guide for poker apply to video poker too: size your bets so a normal downswing will not wipe you out.

Common Mistakes

1. Playing short-pay machines. A bad paytable costs more than any strategy error.
2. Not betting max coins. The royal flush bonus drives the return.
3. Using Jacks or Better strategy. Holds differ meaningfully in Double Double Bonus.
4. Chasing royal flushes. Break good paying hands only when the chart says to.
5. Ignoring loyalty rewards. Comps and cashback can lift the effective return.

Where to Play

Video poker is available in most land-based casinos and across online operators. Compare game libraries on our best online casinos page, check each paytable carefully, and review the top online casinos list for licensed options in your state. If you enjoy the poker side of video poker, our beginner poker guide helps you understand hand rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Double Double Bonus paytable?

The 10/6 version returns about 100.07 percent with perfect play, but it is rare. The 9/6 version, at roughly 98.98 percent, is more common.

How is it different from Jacks or Better?

Four-of-a-kind payouts are higher with kickers, so strategy values low pairs and kickers differently.

Should I always bet five coins?

Yes, because the royal flush pays a bonus only at maximum coins.

Can I beat video poker?

Only a few games and promotions offer a return over 100 percent, and only with perfect play. Treat video poker as entertainment, not income.

Conclusion

Double Double Bonus rewards players who read the paytable, bet max coins, and learn the kicker adjustments. Practice with a trainer, set a loss limit, and enjoy the game. Ready to play? Compare options on our best online casinos page, and remember to gamble responsibly.