by Matt Bourie
In this article, we’ll explore the various pay tables available for Bonus Poker and how changes to these tables can affect your overall payback percentage. We’ll also share some strategies to help maximize your winnings and highlight common mistakes to avoid when playing this exhilarating game.
What is Bonus Poker?
Bonus Poker is a popular variation of video poker that offers enhanced payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands, setting it apart from traditional Jacks or Better or other similar variants.
In Bonus Poker, the additional bonus payouts are typically centered around the different ranks of certain four-of-a-kind hands, providing players with the opportunity to earn more substantial rewards for achieving these specific combinations.
In Jacks or Better all four-of-a-kinds pay 25-for-1, while in Bonus Poker, some hands can offer payouts as high as 80-for-1.
These bonus payouts for select four-of-a-kind hands contribute to the allure of Bonus Poker, attracting players with the prospect of earning more significant rewards for achieving specific high-value combinations. Players often find the pursuit of these bonus payouts to be an exciting aspect of the game, adding an extra layer of anticipation and potential profitability to their gameplay experience.
While the exact bonus payouts can vary depending on the specific machine, the most common bonus payouts in Bonus Poker include:
Four Aces: This is the most lucrative bonus payout in Bonus Poker, offering a significantly higher payout compared to other four-of-a-kind combinations. It will pay 80-for-1, resulting in a 400-coin payoff when betting five coins.
Other Four-of-a-Kind Hands: Depending on the specific variation and pay table, Bonus Poker will offer varying bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands comprised of cards other than Aces. The most common bonus is 40-for-1, resulting in a 200-coin payoff when betting five coins when getting four 2s, 3s or 4s, There is also a version of Bonus Poker called Aces and Faces which offers the 40-for-1 payoff on Jacks, Queens and Kings, rather than 2s, 3s and 4s.
Different Types of Pay Tables for Bonus Poker
When it comes to playing Bonus Poker video poker, the pay table is a crucial factor that can greatly impact your overall winnings. Pay tables determine the payouts for different hands and vary from machine to machine. Understanding the different types of pay tables available will help you make informed decisions and maximize your potential earnings.
In Bonus Poker there are three basic pay tables that you will most frequently encounter:
Bonus Poker Pay Table Theoretical Paybacks
Bonus Poker 8/5 (99.17%)
Bonus Poker 7/5 (98.01%)
Bonus Poker 6/5 (96.87%)
The best pay table for Bonus Poker is known as 8/5. This pay table is also known as a “full-pay” and means you receive an 8-for-1 payout for a Full House and a 5-for-1 payout for a Flush. However, there are other variations like 7/5 or even lower ratios such as 6/5. These variations in the pay table may seem minor, but they actually have significant implications on the game’s payback percentage.
So if you’re playing with a 8/5 pay table instead of a 6/5 one, your chances of winning more money are significantly improved. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully study the pay tables before selecting a machine to play at. Look out for words like “full-pay” or “optimal” as they indicate favorable conditions with higher RTPs.
Keep in mind that the odds of drawing any particular hand are always the same on any particular video poker game. So, on all Bonus Poker games, regardless of the pay table, the odds of drawing to any particular hand are always the same and any changes to the amount paid for different hands will result in differences in the theoretical return for each particular pay table.
Understanding how changes in the pay table affect your potential winnings allows you to search the pay tables on the video poker games in any casino to find the machines that offer the best odds for your play!
So the next time you sit down at a Bonus Poker video poker machine in a casino, or play at an online casino, keep these factors in mind – they might just be what elevates your gameplay experience and boosts your bankroll!
The Three Most Common Bonus Poker Pay Tables.
8/5 Bonus Poker Pay Table (99.17% theoretical return)
In the context of Bonus Poker, an 8/5 pay table signifies the payouts for a full house and a flush, respectively. This specific pay table denotes that players receive an 8-for-1 payout for a full house and a 5-for-1 payout for a flush when betting one coin.
If either of these payoffs is reduced by one coin, then the payback percentage for that pay table is reduced by approximately 1.1%.
Keep in mind that the payout structure remains proportional to the number of coins wagered, meaning that if a player bets multiple coins, the payouts will be scaled accordingly based on the initial one-coin payout. The, lone exception to this rule is for the royal flush, where making a maximum five-coin bet increases the payoff rom 250-for-1 to 800-for-1.
7/5 Bonus Poker Pay Table (98.01% theoretical return)
When comparing the 7/5 and 8/5 versions of Bonus Poker, the numerical values refer to the payouts for a full house and a flush, respectively, assuming a one-coin bet.
In a 7/5 Bonus Poker pay table, the payout for a full house is 7-for-1, rather than 8-for-1, when betting one coin. This one coin reduction in the payoff results in a lower payback percentage of approximately 1.1%.
6/5 Bonus Poker Pay Table (96.87% theoretical return)
When comparing 6/5 to 7/5 versions of Bonus Poker, the payout for a full house is 6-for-1, rather than 7-for-1, when betting one coin. This one coin reduction in the payoff results in a lower payback percentage of approximately 1.1% from the 7/5 version.
When comparing 6/5 to the 8/5 version of Bonus Poker, the payout for a full house is 6-for-1, rather than 8-for-1, when betting one coin. This two coin reduction in the payoff results in a lower payback percentage of approximately 2.2% from the 8/5 version.
6-5 bonus poker pay table
Strategies for Maximizing Winnings on Bonus Poker Video Poker
When it comes to playing bonus poker, having a solid video poker strategy is key to increasing your chances of winning and maximizing your winnings. Here are some strategies that can help you make the most out of your gameplay.
First and foremost, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pay table for the specific bonus poker game you’re playing. Different machines may have different pay tables, so understanding the rules and payouts will give you an advantage when making decisions during gameplay. Always look for the pay table that will give you the best return.
Another important strategy is knowing which cards to hold or discard in order to form winning combinations. This involves studying hand rankings and understanding probability calculations. With practice, you’ll develop a sense of which cards are worth holding onto and which ones are better off being discarded in pursuit of potential higher-value hands.
To help you with your strategies you can use video poker strategy charts that will show you how to best play your hands. You can also use video poker software to practice your hands. These software programs will alert you if you make a mistake playing your hands and it’s a good idea to practice on them before heading into the casinos to risk real money.
Furthermore, managing your bankroll effectively is crucial for long-term success in video poker. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses by betting more than what you can afford – this will only lead to frustration and potentially wipe out your winnings.
Always take advantage of any available bonuses or promotions offered by casinos where video poker games are available. These extra perks can boost your bankroll or provide additional opportunities for winnings without any additional cost on your part.
Remember that no strategy guarantees 100% success but employing these tips you can definitely enhance your chances of walking away from the machine with more money in your pocket!
So next time you sit down at a bonus poker video poker machine, keep these strategies in mind as they could be instrumental in maximizing both fun and profit!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Bonus Poker Video Poker
1. Ignoring the Pay Table: One common mistake that many players make is failing to pay attention to the pay table of the video poker machine they are playing on. Each machine may have different payouts for winning hands, and understanding these variations is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.
2. Not Using Optimal Strategy: Another mistake is not using optimal strategy while playing bonus poker video poker. It’s essential to learn and understand the correct strategy for each hand combination in order to make strategic decisions that increase your odds of winning.
3. Chasing Losses: Many players fall into the trap of chasing their losses when playing video poker. This means continuing to play in hopes of recovering lost money, which often leads to even more significant losses.
4. Overbetting or Underbetting: Betting too much or too little can be detrimental when playing video poker. Overspending can deplete your bankroll quickly, while betting too conservatively may limit potential winnings.
5. Not Managing Bankroll Properly: Failure to manage your bankroll effectively is a critical mistake that many players make. Setting limits on how much you’re willing to spend and sticking with them ensures responsible gambling and prevents undue financial stress.
6. Playing Without Focus or Concentration: Distractions can significantly impact your performance when playing bonus poker video poker, leading to careless mistakes and poor decision-making.
7. Lack of Patience: Impatience often leads players into making hasty decisions without considering all available options thoroughly – a recipe for losing valuable opportunities within the game.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll greatly improve your chances of success when playing bonus poker video poker. Remember to stay focused, use optimal strategy, manage your bankroll
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this article, we have explored the world of Bonus Poker video poker and its different types of pay tables. We have also discussed how changes to the pay table can impact the payback percentage on a machine. By understanding these key concepts, you are better equipped to maximize your winnings and avoid common mistakes when playing Bonus Poker. As a player, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the details of each pay table in order to make informed decisions at the casino.
When considering which pay table to play on, always prioritize those that offer higher payouts for full houses and flushes: 8/5 over 7/5 or 6/5. Furthermore, be mindful of any changes made by casinos to their pay tables. Even seemingly insignificant adjustments can drastically affect the game’s overall return-to-player (RTP) rate. Always assess the potential impact before diving into a new machine or variation.
To enhance your chances of success in Bonus Poker video poker, consider employing effective strategies such as using strategy cards specifically designed for Bonus Poker variations.
Keep in mind some common mistakes players often make when enjoying this exciting game. One mistake is not betting maximum credits since doing so disqualifies you from receiving the bonus payout on royal flushes. Additionally, failing to properly manage your bankroll can lead to unnecessary losses.
By being aware of these pitfalls and implementing smart strategies along with careful gameplay decisions, you will increase your chances of coming out ahead when playing Bonus Poker video poker machines.
So go forth armed with knowledge and confidence! Explore various casinos’ offerings and take advantage of their best pay tables combined with strategic gameplay tactics. With a little luck on your side, you might just hit that coveted royal
Matt Bourie is the editor of the American Casino Guide book https://www.americancasinoguidebook.com/ He also co-hosts The Jackpot Gents YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheJackpotGents where he, and his father, Steve Bourie, release a video each day documenting their video poker play in a real casino. They also have a website at https://thejackpotgents.com/ where they provide an extensive collection of FREE articles and videos about how to be a better video poker player.
