Home Magazine An Expert’s Deuces Wild Strategy

Understanding the game Deuces Wild from an advanced approach

Deuces Wild is a sophisticated form of video poker celebrated for its dynamic gameplay, lucrative payouts, and potential for a high Return to Player (RTP) with optimal strategy. While it shares similarities with the traditional Jacks or Better, the game introduces a critical twist: all 2s (deuces) act as wild cards, significantly enhancing your chances of forming winning hands.

Before starting with an advanced strategy it’s essential to have a thorough grasp of the game’s mechanics and the hierarchy of hands. The objective remains to create the best possible five-card poker hand. The game pays out for hands of Three of a Kind or better. Here’s a refresher on the hand rankings in ascending order:

Three of a Kind: Three identical cards, such as three 6s.
Straight: Five consecutive cards, e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Suits are irrelevant, and Aces can be high or low.
Flush: Five cards of the same suit, e.g., 6, 9, 10, Q, and A of Spades.
Full House: A combination of a pair and three of a kind, such as two 4s and three Jacks.
Four of a Kind: Four identical cards, like four 10s.
Straight Flush: A sequence of five cards of the same suit, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of Hearts.
Five of a Kind: Unique to Deuces Wild, this hand combines four of a kind with a deuce, e.g., four 7s and a 2.
Royal Flush: A straight flush with the highest cards, e.g., 10, J, Q, K, A.
Four Deuces: A hand of four 2s.
Natural Royal Flush: A Royal Flush without any wild cards.

Essential terminology for an expert strategy

Outside (Open-Ended) Straight: A sequence missing one card at either end, e.g., 8, 6, 9, 7, 2 can be completed with a 5 or 10.
Inside Straight: A sequence with a missing middle card, e.g., 8, 3, 9, 7, 5 needs a 6 to complete.

Deuces wild expert strategy

Always wager the maximum number of coins. This unlocks the highest possible payout for a Royal Flush, making it a crucial component of maximizing returns. To master Deuces Wild, your strategy must adapt based on the number of deuces in your hand. The following charts provide a framework for decision-making in various scenarios. Sticking strictly to these guidelines will optimize your gameplay and enhance your win rate.

Holding four deuces

Action: Keep all four deuces. The payout potential here is immense, up to 1000 coins.

Holding three deuces

With a Royal Flush: Hold the Royal Flush.
Without a Royal Flush: Discard the two non-deuce cards.

Holding two deuces

With Four of a Kind or Better: Retain the hand. If holding Four of a Kind, discard the fifth card aiming for Five of a Kind.
With Four Cards to a Royal Flush: Keep the four and discard the other.
With Four Cards to a Straight Flush (6-7 or Higher): Hold the four and discard the fifth card.
Other Scenarios: Retain the deuces and discard the remaining cards.

Holding one deuce

With Four of a Kind or Better: Hold the hand. For Four of a Kind, discard the fifth card to attempt Five of a Kind.
With Four Cards to a Royal Flush: Keep the four cards and discard the fifth.
Full House: Retain the Full House.
With Three Consecutive Cards to a Straight Flush (5-7 or Higher): Hold the sequence and discard the fifth card.
With Three of a Kind, Straights, and Flushes: Keep the hand.
With Three Cards to a Royal Flush: Retain the three cards and discard the other two.
With Three Cards to a Straight Flush (6-7 or Higher): Keep the three and discard the others.
Other Scenarios: Keep the deuce and discard the remaining four cards.

Holding no deuces

Royal Flush: Keep it. If missing one card for a Royal Flush, discard the fifth card.
Three of a Kind to Straight Flush: Retain the hand, discarding any non-essential cards.
With Four Cards to a Straight Flush: Discard the fifth card.
With Three Cards to a Royal Flush: Hold the three and discard the other two.
Pairs: Keep pairs and discard the other three cards.
With Four Cards to a Flush: Discard the fifth card.
With Four Cards to an Open-Ended Straight: Discard the fifth card.
With Three Cards to a Straight Flush: Discard the remaining two cards.
With Four Cards to an Inside Straight: Discard the fifth card unless the missing card is a 2.
With Two High Cards of a Royal Flush: Discard the other three cards.
Unplayable Hand: Discard all five cards.

How to use the strategy charts

Initially, the strategy charts may seem complex, but they are logical and intuitive with practice. Determine the number of deuces in your hand and refer to the corresponding chart for the optimal move. When multiple scenarios fit your hand, prioritize the highest-ranking action.

Example:

Dealt King Diamonds, 4 Diamonds, 3 Diamonds, 5 Clubs, 6 Diamonds with no deuces, reference the No Deuces chart. The hand aligns with:

Three Cards to a Straight Flush: 3, 4, 6 of Diamonds (Rank 8)
Four Cards to an Open-Ended Straight: 3, 4, 5, 6 (Rank 7)
Four Cards to a Flush: King, 4, 3, 6 of Diamonds (Rank 6)

Follow the highest rank (Flush, Rank 6), hold the four Diamonds, and discard the 5 of Clubs.

Now practice the advanced strategy

To internalize these strategies, engage in extensive practice using demo modes available at platforms like Mr.Play Casino. This will not only familiarize you with the charts but also sharpen your decision-making in real money games. With disciplined adherence to the strategy and ongoing practice, your Deuces Wild prowess and winnings will see significant improvement.