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)
| Hand | Action | EV |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Hold all 5 | 800.00 |
| Straight Flush | Hold all 5 | 50.00 |
| Four of a Kind | Hold all 5 | -110.00 |
| Full House | Hold all 5 | 10.00 |
| Flush | Hold all 5 | 7.00 |
| Straight | Hold all 5 | 5.00 |
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.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
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