Video Poker Deuces Wild Calculator: Wild Card Strategy (2026)
Video Poker Deuces Wild Calculator: Masters of the Wild
Deuces Wild adds four wild cards that substitute for any card. The game plays differently from Jacks or Better—full-pay versions return over 100% with perfect strategy. Our calculator shows optimal holds for every wild card combination.
What Is Deuces Wild?
In Deuces Wild, all four 2s are wild cards that can become any card needed to complete a hand. This dramatically changes strategy and hand frequencies. The minimum paying hand is typically three of a kind, not jacks or better.
Quick Answer: Full-pay Deuces Wild returns 100.76% with perfect play—player advantage! Key differences: No pair payouts (need 3 of a kind minimum). Five of a kind possible. Strategy changes based on number of deuces dealt. Wild royal (using deuce) pays less than natural royal. Finding full-pay machines is critical—short-pay Deuces can drop to 94%.
How to Use Our Calculator
Use the Deuces Wild Calculator →
Enter your hand to see optimal strategy and expected value.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Enter Your Cards: Including any deuces
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View Deuce Count: How many wilds dealt
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See Optimal Hold: Which cards to keep
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Calculate Expected Value: For the play
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Compare Alternatives: Other hold options
Input Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Dealt | Your 5 cards | 2♥ K♦ K♠ 7♣ 4♥ |
| Deuces Dealt | Wild cards | 1 |
| Current Hand | Made hand | Three Kings |
| Optimal Hold | Best play | 2♥ K♦ K♠ |
| Expected Value | Return | +0.82 |
| Possible Improve | To what | Quads, Full House |
Full-Pay Deuces Wild Paytable
Standard Full-Pay (100.76%)
| Hand | Payout (per coin) |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 |
| Five of a Kind | 15 |
| Straight Flush | 9 |
| Four of a Kind | 5 |
| Full House | 3 |
| Flush | 2 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
Common Short-Pay Versions
| Version | Four Deuces | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Full Pay | 200 | 100.76% |
| NSU (Not So Ugly) | 200 | 99.73% |
| Ugly Deuces | 200 | 98.91% |
| Colorado | 200 | 96.77% |
| Illinois | 200 | 94.34% |
Strategy by Deuce Count
Zero Deuces
Priority order:
1. Natural Royal Flush (pat)
2. Four of a kind
3. 4 to a Royal
4. Full house
5. Flush
6. Straight
7. Three of a kind
8. 4 to straight flush
9. 3 to Royal
10. Pair
11. 4 to flush
12. 4 to straight
13. 3 to straight flush
14. Two suited high cards
15. Discard all
One Deuce
Priority order:
1. Wild Royal
2. Five of a kind
3. Straight flush
4. Four of a kind
5. 4 to Royal
6. Full house
7. 4 to straight flush
8. Flush
9. Straight
10. Three of a kind
11. 3 to straight flush
12. 3 to Royal
13. Hold deuce only
Two Deuces
Priority order:
1. Wild Royal
2. Five of a kind
3. Straight flush
4. Four of a kind
5. 4 to Royal
6. 4 to straight flush
7. Hold two deuces only
Three Deuces
Priority order:
1. Wild Royal
2. Five of a kind
3. Hold three deuces only
Four Deuces
Always hold all four deuces (200 for 1)
Never break four deuces
Real-World Examples
Example 1: No Deuce, Made Hand
Hand: K♠ K♦ K♥ 7♣ 4♠
Analysis:
Made hand: Three kings (pays 1)
Options:
- Keep all 5: EV = 1.00
- Keep KKK: EV = 1.32
Better to draw for quads/full house
Optimal: Hold KKK, discard 7, 4
Example 2: One Deuce Decision
Hand: 2♥ J♦ T♣ 9♠ 5♥
Analysis:
One deuce dealt
Options:
- Hold deuce only: EV = 0.54
- Hold 2♥ J♦ T♣: EV = 0.48 (3 to straight)
Deuce alone is stronger
Optimal: Hold 2♥ only, draw 4
Example 3: Pair Plus Deuce
Hand: 2♠ 8♣ 8♥ J♦ 5♠
Analysis:
One deuce + pair = three of a kind (pays 1)
Options:
- Hold 2♠ 8♣ 8♥: EV = 1.31
- Hold 2♠ only: EV = 0.54
Three of a kind with upside beats deuce alone
Optimal: Hold 2♠ 8♣ 8♥
Example 4: Two Deuces Powerhouse
Hand: 2♣ 2♦ K♥ 9♠ 4♣
Analysis:
Two deuces = guaranteed three of a kind
Current: Three of a kind (pays 1)
Options:
- Hold 2♣ 2♦ only: EV = 2.45
- Hold 2♣ 2♦ K♥: EV = 1.82
Two deuces alone has huge upside potential
Optimal: Hold 2♣ 2♦, discard everything else
Key Strategy Differences from Jacks or Better
Hand Value Shifts
Jacks or Better:
- Jacks+ pair pays
- High cards matter
Deuces Wild:
- Need three of a kind minimum
- High cards without deuces = weak
- Pairs are only draws
Flush/Straight Value
Jacks or Better:
- Flush = 6, Straight = 4
Deuces Wild:
- Flush = 2, Straight = 2
- Same value, easier to make
Royal Flush Distinction
Natural Royal: 800 (no deuces used)
Wild Royal: 25 (uses 1+ deuce)
Huge difference!
Always draw for natural when possible
Finding Full-Pay Deuces Wild
Where to Look
Best locations:
- Downtown Las Vegas
- Local/regional casinos
- Online (check specific games)
- Higher denomination machines
Unlikely locations:
- Vegas Strip
- Tourist-heavy areas
- Low denomination
Identifying Full-Pay
Quick check:
Four Deuces = 200? ✓
Wild Royal = 25? ✓
Five of a Kind = 15? ✓
If yes: Likely full-pay
If lower: Walk away
Return Comparison
| Paytable | Expected Return |
|---|---|
| Full Pay | 100.76% |
| 25/15/10 | 99.73% |
| 25/15/9 | 98.91% |
| 20/12/10 | 97.58% |
| 20/10/8 | 96.77% |
The 100%+ Return Reality
Is Full-Pay Really +EV?
Mathematically: Yes, 100.76% return
Practically: Requires perfect strategy
Considerations:
- Royal flush contributes ~2%
- High variance
- Perfect play non-trivial
- Rare machines
Expected profit: $7.60 per $1,000 played
Requires: Precise strategy, big bankroll
Variance Warning
Full-pay Deuces Wild:
Standard deviation: Very high
Long losing streaks common
Need 1000+ max bet bankroll
Not a "get rich quick" despite +EV
Common Mistakes
1. Holding Kickers with Trips
Mistake: Keep 2♥ K♦ K♠ 7♣ (trips + kicker) Problem: Kicker blocks improvement Fix: Hold only 2♥ K♦ K♠
2. Breaking Two Deuces
Mistake: Hold 2♣ 2♦ K♥ K♠ (pairs + deuces) Problem: Pairs don't help; deuces alone are golden Fix: Hold 2♣ 2♦ only
3. Chasing Natural Royals Incorrectly
Mistake: Break winning hand for 4 to Royal Problem: Must evaluate EV properly Fix: Check if draw EV exceeds made hand
4. Playing Short-Pay Versions
Mistake: Assume all Deuces Wild is +EV Problem: Most machines are short-pay Fix: Verify paytable before playing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deuces Wild better than Jacks or Better?
Full-pay Deuces Wild (100.76%) beats full-pay Jacks or Better (99.54%). But strategy is harder and short-pay Deuces can be much worse.
Should I keep a pair with a deuce?
Yes! 2♥ K♦ K♠ is three kings. Keep all three. But with two deuces, keep only the deuces.
Why is wild royal only 25?
Wild royals are much more common (deuces help complete them). Natural royals are rare, hence 800 payout.
Can I really make money playing Deuces Wild?
Theoretically yes on full-pay machines with perfect strategy. Practically, high variance means long sessions and big bankroll required.
How do I practice Deuces Wild strategy?
Strategy trainers exist online. Practice thousands of hands until decisions become automatic.
What if I can't find full-pay?
99%+ versions are acceptable for entertainment. Below 98%, consider other games.
Pro Tips
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Verify paytable first: Full-pay or walk away
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Learn deuce-count strategy: Different rules for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 deuces
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Never break four deuces: 200 is guaranteed
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Two deuces = powerful: Often discard everything else
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Practice extensively: Strategy is more complex than Jacks or Better
Related Calculators
- Video Poker Paytable Calculator - Compare returns
- Video Poker Strategy Calculator - Optimal plays
- Jacks or Better Calculator - Standard VP
- Expected Value Calculator - EV analysis
- Gambling Bankroll Calculator - Session sizing
Conclusion
Deuces Wild offers what no other casino game can—a mathematical player advantage on full-pay machines. Our calculator reveals optimal strategy for every wild card combination, showing how to maximize returns when the 2s are wild.
Calculate Deuces Wild Strategy Now →
Those four 2s transform video poker into a game of strategic depth. Knowing when to hold deuces alone versus keeping made hands separates winners from those who leave money on the table. Our calculator ensures every decision maximizes your edge.
