If you have browsed online casino sites or visited your local Ireland casino, you have probably come across the popular video poker variant “Deuces Wild”. It is a unique twist on traditional poker, offering exciting gameplay and some of the best RTP rates around—typically between 97% and 99%.
But what exactly is Deuces Wild Poker? And how do you play it well enough to win?
In this guide, you will quickly learn the rules, hand rankings, and basic strategies. And if you already know how to play poker, it will be even easier for you to understand how to excel in Deuces Wild Poker. Let us get started.
What Exactly is Deuces Wild Poker?
Deuces Wild is a version of video poker played with a standard 52-card deck. At first glance, it feels similar to other video poker games like Jacks or Better. You place a bet, receive five cards, and decide which ones to hold and which to discard, hoping for a winning hand.
But Deuces Wild has one key difference: All deuces (2s) act as wild cards.
This means any deuce can substitute for another card, massively improving your chances of hitting strong hands like straights, flushes, full houses, and even the elusive Royal Flush.
Here are the best online poker sites in Ireland.
How to Play Deuces Wild: Quick & Simple Steps
You will easily find Deuces Wild Poker on the majority of trusted poker sites, but how to play this game? The best part is that once you know the basics, playing Deuces Wild Video Poker is actually quite easy. Here are the steps:
- Place Your Bet: Select how many coins you wish to wager. If you are new, start small and gradually increase as you gain confidence.
- Deal: You will be dealt five cards. Look carefully at your cards—especially watching out for those valuable deuces.
- Decide What to Hold: Keep the cards you want and discard the others. Always hold onto deuces (wild cards).
- Draw: Replace your discarded cards with new ones.
- Check Your Hand: If your final hand matches one of the winning combinations, you win according to the pay table.
Key Deuces Wild Poker Hands to Know
Key Deuces Wild Poker Hands to Know
Because deuces are wild, you will encounter special winning hands you would not find elsewhere. Here is what you should look out for:
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same value.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards, mixed suits.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
- Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of identical rank.
- Straight Flush: Five sequential cards, all in the same suit.
- Five of a Kind: Four matching cards plus a deuce.
- Deuces Royal Flush: A Royal Flush (A, K, Q, J, 10 of same suit) with one card replaced by a deuce.
- Four Deuces: All four deuces.
- Natural Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit—without any wild cards.
Remember: Deuces can substitute for any other card to complete these hands, except a Natural Royal Flush.
Deuces Wild Poker Pay Table Explained
Your payout depends on your bet size and your final hand. Here is a standard pay table to illustrate clearly:
|
Hand |
1 Coin |
2 Coins |
3 Coins |
4 Coins |
5 Coins |
|
Three of a Kind |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Straight |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
|
Flush |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
|
Full House |
4 |
9 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
|
Four of a Kind |
4 |
9 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
|
Straight Flush |
10 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
|
Five of a Kind |
12 |
24 |
36 |
48 |
60 |
|
Deuces Royal Flush |
20 |
40 |
60 |
80 |
100 |
|
Four Deuces |
200 |
400 |
600 |
800 |
1000 |
|
Natural Royal Flush |
250 |
500 |
750 |
1000 |
4000 |
The best strategy to maximise your payout is to wager the full five coins, especially due to the significantly higher payout for a Natural Royal Flush.
Basic Strategy for Playing Deuces Wild Poker
Knowing which cards to hold can make all the difference. Here is a simplified strategy guide for beginners:
|
Dealt Hand |
Cards to Hold |
Cards to Draw |
|
Four to a Royal Flush |
4 |
1 |
|
Four of a Kind |
4 |
1 |
|
Three of a Kind |
3 |
2 |
|
Four to a Straight Flush |
4 |
1 |
|
Three to a Royal Flush |
3 |
2 |
|
One Pair |
2 |
3 |
|
Four to a Flush |
4 |
1 |
|
Four to a Straight |
4 |
1 |
|
Two to a Royal Flush |
2 |
3 |
|
Nothing |
0 |
5 |
In short: Hold any valuable combinations or partial combinations you see immediately. Never discard a deuce, and avoid chasing unrealistic combinations.
Playing Deuces Wild Poker Game Like a Champion
Playing Deuces Wild Poker Game Like a Champion
There are many reasons why you should play or at least try Deuces Wild Poker. For example, it has a high RTP—between 97% and 99%, offering some of the best odds for casino players. Also, it is an easy and fun-to-play game as the rules and gameplay are both simple, making it very suitable for beginners and enjoyable for more experienced players.
Also, the wild deuces can add a plot twist in any round and pave the way for making winning combinations.
So, you are sold. But let us give you a few tips before you start playing Deuces Wild Poker on your favourite online casino site in Ireland!
- Always Keep Deuces: Deuces are your most valuable cards. Don’t discard them.
- Learn Hand Rankings: Understanding winning combinations helps you quickly identify good cards to keep.
- Bet Maximum Coins: To maximise your payout potential, especially if you hit the Natural Royal Flush.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set limits and avoid chasing losses. Play responsibly, and treat it as entertainment rather than guaranteed income.
Final Thoughts on Deuces Wild Poker
Deuces Wild Poker is one of the most exciting and player-friendly variants of video poker. Its straightforward rules, excellent odds, and the added thrill of wild cards make it appealing for casual and seasoned players alike.
With this guide, you are now fully equipped to hit the video poker machines with confidence, understanding exactly how Deuces Wild works, which hands to aim for, and how to maximise your chances of a win.
FAQs: Deuces Wild Poker
Is Deuces Wild Poker difficult to learn?
No, it is one of the easiest video poker variants to understand. Just remember that all deuces act as wild cards.
What’s the best hand in Deuces Wild?
The Natural Royal Flush (A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit without wild cards) is the top-paying hand.
Why does Deuces Wild have such a high RTP?
Because the deuces act as wild cards, they greatly improve your chances of creating winning combinations, making this variant highly player-friendly.
Can I use a strategy for Deuces Wild?
Yes, basic strategy tips like always holding deuces, playing max coins, and memorising hand rankings greatly improve your chances.
Should I always bet the maximum coins?
If you can afford to, betting the maximum five coins gives you the highest return, particularly if you hit the rare Natural Royal Flush.
