Master Deuces Wild video poker with our comprehensive strategy guide. Learn optimal play for every situation based on the number of wild cards dealt.
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
| # | Hold | Description | EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natural Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10 of same suit | 800.00 |
| 2 | 4 to a Royal Flush | Missing one card for natural royal | 18.66 |
| 3 | Paying Hand (Pat) | Three of a kind or better | 3.00 |
| 4 | 4 to a Straight Flush | Open-ended or inside | 2.13 |
| 5 | 3 to a Royal Flush | Any 3 royal cards | 1.41 |
| 6 | Pair | Any pair (no high card requirement) | 0.56 |
| 7 | 4 to a Flush | Any 4 suited cards | 0.51 |
| 8 | 4 to an Outside Straight | Open-ended straight draw | 0.51 |
| 9 | 3 to a Straight Flush | Type 1: 0-1 gaps, no high | 0.46 |
| 10 | 2 to a Royal Flush | J-10 or higher suited | 0.32 |
| 11 | Discard All | No playable combination | 0.32 |
* Find the highest row that matches your hand and hold those cards
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quick-start with common scenarios
Number of Deuces
0 Wild Cards
Expected Return
100.76%
Player Advantage!
Strategy Options
11
Ranked by priority