Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Variant for Big Hand Chasers: Double Double Bonus Poker
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Play Bonus Poker: When bankroll can handle swings
- Biggest mistake: Playing Bonus Poker like Jacks or Better
- Pro tip: Bigger four-of-a-kind payouts mean higher volatility
What “Bonus Poker” Means
Bonus Poker keeps the same hand rankings as Jacks or Better, but:
- increases payouts for four of a kind
- reduces payouts for full houses and flushes
- redistributes RTP toward rare hands
The total RTP stays competitive, but variance increases.
Standard Bonus Poker (BP) Explained
In basic Bonus Poker:
- four of a kind pays more than Jacks or Better
- full house and flush payouts drop slightly
This creates:
- fewer medium wins
- more reliance on big hands
- longer dry spells
Strategy shifts toward protecting four-of-a-kind potential.
Double Bonus Poker (DBP)
Double Bonus Poker increases:
- four aces payout significantly
- other four of a kinds moderately
To compensate:
- full house and flush payouts drop further
This version:
- feels swingier
- rewards patience
- punishes strategy errors more harshly
Double Double Bonus Poker (DDBP)
DDBP adds another layer:
- premium payouts for specific four of a kinds
- different values depending on kicker cards
For example:
- four aces with a kicker pays much more
- other four of a kinds pay less
This makes:
- strategy more complex
- error rates more costly
- bankroll swings larger
Why Bonus Poker Is More Volatile
Because RTP is concentrated in rare hands:
- missing four of a kinds hurts more
- losing streaks feel longer
- wins come in clusters
This volatility is not accidental—it’s baked into the design.
Strategy Differences vs Jacks or Better
In Bonus Poker variants:
- breaking some made hands is correct more often
- chasing four of a kind draws increases priority
- high pairs lose relative value
Using Jacks or Better strategy here quietly destroys RTP.
Error Rates Matter More in DDBP
Double Double Bonus Poker:
- punishes small mistakes
- amplifies incorrect holds
- requires sharper focus
Even tiny deviations from optimal play can reduce returns significantly.
RTP Comparisons (Full Pay)
Approximate RTP with optimal play:
- Bonus Poker: ~99%
- Double Bonus Poker: ~99%
- Double Double Bonus Poker: ~98–99%
Actual RTP depends heavily on the exact paytable.
Bankroll Considerations
Because volatility increases:
- bankroll requirements rise
- emotional discipline matters more
- session length should be planned
Bonus Poker is not ideal for short, casual play.
Online vs Casino Bonus Poker
Online:
- paytables are easier to verify
- strategy matching is simpler
Casino floors:
- may hide short-pay versions
- require careful inspection
Always check before sitting down.
Who Should Play Bonus Poker Variants
Bonus Poker suits players who:
- enjoy swingy games
- chase big payouts
- understand variance
- use strategy charts consistently
It’s not ideal for beginners.
Common Bonus Poker Mistakes
Players often:
- overvalue small wins
- ignore four-of-a-kind potential
- underestimate variance
These mistakes drain expected value quickly.
FAQs on Bonus Poker Variants
Are Bonus Poker Games Better Than Jacks or Better?
They can be, but volatility is higher.
Is DDBP the Best Version?
Only if you can play accurately and manage swings.
Should Beginners Avoid Bonus Poker?
Yes. Start with Jacks or Better first.
Do Strategy Charts Differ by Variant?
Yes. Each version needs its own chart.
Does Max Coin Play Matter More Here?
Yes—four-of-a-kind bonuses rely on max coins.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how Bonus Poker variants change payouts, the next step is learning how wild-card games introduce entirely new rules.
Next Article: Joker Poker Strategy & Unique Hand Rules (article #14)
Next Steps
If you want wild-card fundamentals, read: Deuces Wild Strategy: When to Hold, When to Fold (article #12)
If you want joker mechanics next, read: Joker Poker Strategy & Unique Hand Rules (article #14)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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