by Matt Bourie
Video poker stands at the intersection of skill and chance, offering players a dynamic and engaging casino experience. At the heart of this game lies the pay table, a crucial component that shapes the payout structure and ultimately controls the payback percentage of video poker machines.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the world of Deuces Wild video poker pay tables, exploring how they influence the game’s dynamics and providing insights into ten distinctive pay tables. Understanding the intricate relationship between pay tables and payback percentages is essential for players aiming to maximize their success in this popular variant.
Understanding Video Poker Pay Tables
Video poker pay tables act as the rulebook for the game, dictating the payouts for each winning hand combination. These tables are carefully crafted by casinos to strike a balance between profitability and player engagement, directly influencing the payback percentage or return to player (RTP) of a video poker machine.
The strategic design of pay tables is a crucial factor that shapes the player’s experience, and it is particularly pronounced in the diverse world of Deuces Wild video poker.
Different Types of Pay Tables for Deuces Wild Video Poker
Deuces Wild is a captivating variant of video poker that introduces a wild card element – the deuce (2). This card can substitute for any other card in the deck, enhancing the potential for winning combinations. The presence of deuces significantly alters the game dynamics, prompting the creation of pay tables that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities associated with this variant.
Deuces Wild has the biggest variety of pay tables of any video poker game offered in casinos. Below, we will explore nine distinctive Deuces Wild pay tables, each characterized by its own set of payout ratios and influencing the overall payback percentage:
Deuces Wild Pay Table Theoretical Paybacks
Deuces Wild 25/15/9/5/3/2 (100.762%) Full Pay Deuces
Deuces Wild 25/15/11/4/4/3 (99.957%) NSUD “Not So Ugly Deuces”
Deuces Wild 25/16/10/4/4/3 (99.728%)
Deuces Wild 20/12/9/5/3/2 (98.938%)
Deuces Wild 25/15/9/4/4/3 (98.913%) “Illinois Deuces”
Deuces Wild 20/12/10/4/4/3 (97.579%)
Deuces Wild 20/12/9/4/4/3 (97.055%)
Deuces Wild 25/16/13/4/3/2 (96.765%)
Deuces Wild 20/10/8/4/4/3 (95.964%)
Deuces Wild 25/15/9/5/3/2 (100.762%) “Full Pay”
This pay table is considered the most favorable for players. Known as “full pay”, it offers an impressive payback percentage of 100.762%. The numbers 25/15/9/5/3/2 represent the payouts for various hand combinations, including Four Deuces (25 coins), Wild Royal Flush (15 coins), and a Full House (9 coins). This game was once widely available at “off strip” casinos in the Las Vegas area that catered to locals who lived in the area. However, because of the high payback percentage, the game was eventually phased out and in early 2023 the country’s last remaining full-pay deuces wild games were removed from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas. Therefore, this game is no longer available at any U.S. casino
Deuces Wild 25/15/11/4/4/3 (99.957%) “NSUD” Not So Ugly Deuces
Slightly less favorable than the first variant, the 25/15/11/4/4/3 pay table offers a commendable payback percentage of 99.957%. The increased payout for a Wild Royal Flush (11 coins) compensates for the slight reduction in the payout for Four Deuces. Players navigating this pay table must adapt their strategy to optimize returns while capitalizing on the unique advantages of Deuces Wild.
Deuces Wild 25/16/10/4/4/3 (99.728%)
With a further adjustment in payouts, the 25/16/10/4/4/3 pay table maintains a competitive payback percentage of 99.728%. The increased payout for a Royal Flush (16 coins) adds an extra layer of excitement, requiring players to carefully consider their strategy to capitalize on this enhanced opportunity.
Deuces Wild 20/12/9/5/3/2 (98.938%)
The 20/12/9/5/3/2 pay table presents a payback percentage of 98.938%. While still offering favorable odds, the reduction in payouts for key hands indicates a slightly less advantageous environment for players. Skillful play and strategic decision-making become crucial when engaging with this variant.
Deuces Wild 25/15/9/4/4/3 (98.913%) “Illinois Deuces”
This pay table maintains a competitive payback percentage of 98.913%, with a slight reduction in the payout for a Full House. Players must carefully evaluate the impact of altered payouts on their overall strategy, adjusting their approach to maximize success in this dynamic variant.
Deuces Wild 20/12/10/4/4/3 (97.579%)
As we move down the payback percentage scale, the 20/12/10/4/4/3 pay table offers a more challenging environment for players, settling at 97.579%. The decrease in payouts for key hands requires a strategic adjustment to navigate the game successfully and maintain profitability.
Deuces Wild 20/12/9/4/4/3 (97.055%)
With a further reduction in the payback percentage to 97.055%, the 20/12/9/4/4/3 pay table poses increased challenges for players. Careful consideration of hand values and a strategic mindset become paramount in optimizing returns in this less favorable environment.
Deuces Wild 25/16/13/4/3/2 (96.765%)
The 25/16/13/4/3/2 pay table presents a payback percentage of 96.765%. While offering a unique payout structure, players must navigate the increased house edge with precision, adjusting their strategy to maximize returns in this challenging environment.
Deuces Wild 20/10/8/4/4/3 (95.964%)
At the lower end of the spectrum, the 20/10/8/4/4/3 pay table offers a payback percentage of 95.964%. The diminished payouts for key hands indicate a substantial increase in the house edge, requiring players to approach the game with heightened skill and strategic acumen.
Understanding Strategy Adjustments
Navigating the complexities of Deuces Wild video poker demands strategic flexibility, particularly when confronted with varying pay tables. Here are some general strategic considerations for players:
Deuce Emphasis: Given the wild card nature of deuces, players should prioritize holding these cards when forming potential winning combinations. Deuces significantly increase the chances of creating valuable hands.
Adjusting for Payout Variations: As pay tables vary, players must adjust their strategy based on the specific payouts for key hands. Understanding the impact of altered payouts on the overall payback percentage is crucial for informed decision-making.
Risk Management: As the payback percentage decreases, the house edge increases. Players should carefully manage their bankroll, considering the increased risk associated with less favorable pay tables.
Combination Complexity: With the introduction of deuces as wild cards, the potential for varied winning combinations increases. Players should carefully evaluate each hand and consider the complex array of possibilities when making strategic decisions. This is especially important when evaluating straight flush draws with gaps. Generally, you only want draws with a maximum of two gaps to complete a straight flush draw.
Conclusion
Deuces Wild video poker stands out as a dynamic and intriguing variant within the world of casino gaming. The interplay between pay tables and payback percentages is particularly pronounced in this variant, influencing the player’s experience and overall success.
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.
