Bonus Poker is a popular video poker variant that offers players an exciting twist on traditional Jacks or Better. The game’s main appeal lies in its enhanced payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands, which can significantly affect your strategy and decision-making at the machine. Whether you’re new to video poker or looking to refine your approach, understanding bonus poker strategy is essential for maximising your returns and enjoying the game responsibly.
If you’re exploring different ways to play video poker online, you might also come across non GamStop casinos, which can offer a wider variety of bonus poker options and unique promotions. However, regardless of where you play, having a solid strategy is crucial.
What Is Bonus Poker?
Bonus Poker is a video poker game based on the classic Jacks or Better format, but with a key difference: it pays higher rewards for four-of-a-kind hands, especially when those hands consist of Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s. The standard paytable for Bonus Poker typically offers a 99.17% return-to-player (RTP) when played with optimal strategy, making it one of the more player-friendly casino games.
The game uses a standard 52-card deck and follows the familiar pattern of dealing five cards, allowing the player to hold or discard any number of them, and then drawing replacements. The aim is to make the best possible poker hand, with payouts starting from a pair of Jacks or better.
Key Differences Between Bonus Poker and Jacks or Better
While the basic gameplay is similar to Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker introduces several key differences that impact your strategy:
- Enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially Aces, 2s, 3s, and 4s
- Reduced payouts for two pair hands compared to Jacks or Better
- Potential for higher variance due to the bonus payouts
Understanding these differences is crucial, as they will affect which cards you choose to hold and which you discard in pursuit of the highest expected value.
How Bonus Poker Paytables Work
The paytable is the heart of any video poker game, and Bonus Poker is no exception. A typical Bonus Poker paytable might look like this (per 1-coin bet):
- Royal Flush: 250
- Straight Flush: 50
- Four Aces: 80
- Four 2s, 3s, or 4s: 40
- Four 5s through Kings: 25
- Full House: 8
- Flush: 5
- Straight: 4
- Three of a Kind: 3
- Two Pair: 1
- Jacks or Better: 1
It’s important to note that some casinos may offer different paytables, which can affect the overall RTP. Always check the paytable before you start playing, as even small differences can have a significant impact on your long-term results.
Core Bonus Poker Strategy Principles
To maximise your chances of winning at Bonus Poker, you need to make decisions based on expected value (EV). This means choosing the cards to hold that statistically offer the best potential payout over time. Here are some foundational strategy principles to keep in mind:
- Always play the maximum number of coins (usually 5) to unlock the highest Royal Flush payout.
- Prioritise hands with the potential for four-of-a-kind, especially Aces and low cards (2s, 3s, 4s).
- Be aware that two pair pays less than in Jacks or Better, so strategies that chase two pair are less valuable.
- Don’t break up a paying hand unless you have a strong draw to a higher-paying hand (e.g. breaking two pair to pursue four Aces is sometimes correct).
Optimal Card Holding Decisions
The best way to approach Bonus Poker is by following a strategy chart, but knowing the logic behind common decisions can help you adapt to different situations.
High-Value Starting Hands
- Four of a Kind: Always hold.
- Full House, Flush, Straight: Always hold.
- Three of a Kind: Hold the three cards, discard the other two to aim for four of a kind.
- Two Pair: Hold both pairs, but in some cases (especially with Aces or low cards), break the hand to pursue four of a kind, depending on the paytable.
- Pair of Jacks or Better: Hold the pair, discard the rest to try for three or four of a kind or a full house.
Drawing to Higher Hands
- Four to a Royal Flush: Always hold the four cards and draw one.
- Four to a Straight Flush: Hold and draw one.
- Three to a Royal Flush: Hold and draw two.
- Low Pairs: Hold the pair and draw three, unless you have four to a straight or flush.
The key in Bonus Poker is to recognise the increased value of four-of-a-kind hands, especially Aces and low cards, and adjust your holds accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bonus Poker
Even experienced players can fall into common traps when playing Bonus Poker. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid costly errors:
- Chasing Two Pair: Since two pair pays less in Bonus Poker, don’t overvalue this hand. Focus on higher-paying hands when possible.
- Not Playing Max Coins: The Royal Flush payout is only maximised when you play the maximum number of coins. Playing fewer coins significantly reduces your potential payout for this rare but valuable hand.
- Ignoring Paytable Differences: Not all Bonus Poker machines are created equal. A small change in the paytable can turn a positive expectation game into a negative one.
- Breaking High Pairs Unnecessarily: Don’t break up a high pair unless you have a strong draw to a Royal Flush or four-of-a-kind with a bonus payout.
Bankroll Management for Bonus Poker
A sound bankroll management plan is vital for any form of video poker, especially with the higher variance of Bonus Poker. Here are some practical tips:
- Set a session limit and stick to it, regardless of wins or losses.
- Consider the volatility of Bonus Poker-bigger payouts for four-of-a-kind mean that you may experience longer losing streaks before hitting a big win.
- Aim to have at least 40-50 times your average bet as your bankroll for a session to withstand variance.
- If you’re playing online, take advantage of deposit limits and self-exclusion tools to help control your spending.
Bonus Poker Variations and Their Impact on Strategy
There are several variations of Bonus Poker, each with its own paytable and strategy nuances. Some of the most common include:
- Double Bonus Poker: Offers even higher payouts for four Aces, but lower payouts for other hands, increasing volatility and requiring a more aggressive strategy for chasing high-value hands.
- Double Double Bonus Poker: Further increases the payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands with specific kickers (e.g. four Aces with a 2, 3, or 4), making the strategy even more complex.
- Super Bonus Poker: Provides additional bonuses for certain hands, often requiring players to adjust their holds to maximise these opportunities.
When switching between variations, always review the paytable and adjust your strategy accordingly. What works in one version may not be optimal in another.
Online Bonus Poker: Features and Considerations
Playing Bonus Poker online comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Online platforms often offer a wider range of game variations, flexible betting limits, and access to promotions or loyalty rewards. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Game Selection: Online casinos typically feature multiple paytables and Bonus Poker variants. Take the time to compare options and choose the one with the best RTP.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses or ongoing promotions for video poker players. Be sure to read the terms and