Bonus Poker – A Guide to the Popular Casino Game
Rachel Elam | August 4, 2023 | Updated on: January 30th, 2024
Bonus Poker is a widely recognized and popular variation of traditional video poker in many land-based and online casinos. Developed as a thrilling alternative to standard poker games, Bonus Poker offers an exciting twist on the classic five-card draw format. This page will overview the game, its rules, strategies, and tips to enhance your gaming experience.
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How to Play Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker follows the same fundamental principles as traditional five-card draw poker. The objective is to build the best hand using five cards from a standard 52-card deck. The better your hand, the higher your payout. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:
- Placing a Bet: Start by placing your bet. You can choose the size of your wager by adjusting the coin value and the number of coins per hand.
- Deal and Draw: After placing your bet, you’ll receive five cards face-up. You can hold or discard any of the cards in your hand.
- Holding and Discarding: Carefully analyze your initial hand and decide which cards you want to keep (hold) and which ones you want to replace (discard). Click on the cards you want to keep, then click the “Draw” button to receive new cards instead of the discarded ones.
- Hand Evaluation: The final hand you end up with after the draw will be evaluated against the paytable to determine your payout.
- Payouts: Payouts are determined based on the strength of your final hand. The paytable varies depending on the casino and the specific version of Bonus Poker you are playing.
Bonus Poker Hand Rankings
Bonus Poker’s hand rankings follow traditional poker rankings, ranging from high card to royal flush. The typical hand rankings, from highest to lowest, are as follows:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- Jacks or Better
Bonus Poker Variations
There are several variations of Bonus Poker that you might encounter in different casinos. Some of the most common variations include:
- Bonus Poker: Offers higher payouts for Four of a Kind hands, mainly when they consist of Aces. The paytable may vary, but it typically starts with Jacks or Better as the minimum qualifying hand.
- Double Bonus Poker: Similar to Bonus Poker, it further increases the payouts for Four of a Kind hands, particularly those made up of Aces and face cards.
- Double Double Bonus Poker: Takes the Bonus Poker concept even further, offering additional bonuses for specific four-of-a-kind combinations like Aces with 2, 3, or 4 kickers.
Strategy and Tips
To maximize your chances of winning at Bonus Poker, it’s essential to employ a sound strategy. Here are some general tips to get you started:
- Understand the Paytable: Familiarize yourself with the paytable and know which hands offer the best payouts. Different versions of Bonus Poker have different paytables, so understanding the specific rules of the game you’re playing is crucial.
- Hold on to Winning Hands: If you have a winning hand, such as a pair of Jacks or better, always hold those cards. Refrain from breaking up a winning combination for a better hand.
- Don’t Hold Kickers Unnecessarily: In some variations of Bonus Poker, it’s only sometimes advisable to hold onto kickers (the extra cards that don’t contribute to the winning hand). Evaluate your hand carefully before making this decision.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Video poker can be highly entertaining, but playing responsibly and avoiding chasing losses is crucial.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Before diving into real-money games, use free-to-play versions or practice games to refine your skills and test different strategies.
Conclusion
Bonus Poker is an engaging and rewarding casino game that blends the excitement of poker with the simplicity of slot machines. By understanding the rules and hand rankings and employing effective strategies, you can enhance your chances of winning and enjoy the thrill of this popular poker variant. Remember always to gamble responsibly and have fun!