What Is Deuces Wild in Video Poker?
Deuces Wild is a video poker variant where all deuces (2s) act as wild cards that can substitute for any other card to form winning poker hands. Players receive five cards and choose which to hold or discard for a new draw, aiming for payouts based on the final hand according to the pay table. This game matters to players because it offers one of the lowest house edges in video poker when played with optimal strategy, potentially exceeding 100% return to player under perfect conditions.
Deuces Wild Game Mechanics
The game uses a standard 52-card deck dealt into five-card hands. Deuces substitute for any rank or suit to complete hands like straights, flushes or higher. Common payouts reward natural royal flushes highest, with four deuces or wild royals next. Pay tables vary, with ‘full pay’ versions offering over 100.76% RTP with perfect play.
Key Hand Rankings
Hands rank from five of a kind down to three deuces, unlike standard poker where deuces hold low value.
Strategy and Player Considerations
Optimal strategy charts dictate holds maximising expected value, prioritising wild royals over other combinations. House edge typically ranges 0.5-5% depending on pay table and play quality. Available in licensed online casinos as a skill-based option alongside pokies and table games.
| Hand Type | Example | Payout (Full Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10 suited | 4,000 |
| Four Deuces | Four 2s | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | Royal with deuce | 25 |
| Five of a Kind | Five aces (with deuce) | 15 |
| Straight Flush | With deuces | 9 |
