Deuces Wild Video Poker Strategy: How to Maximize Every Hand

Turn Every Deuce Into a Payday With the Right Strategy

How to Turn Wild Cards Into Wild Wins

Let me guess, you’ve seen Deuces Wild video poker at the casino, heard someone mumble about it being “easy money,” and now you’re wondering if it’s really that simple.

Well, kind of, but only if you actually know how to play it right.

Deuces Wild isn’t your typical video poker game. It throws a curveball that makes things wildly fun. The twos are wild, meaning they can become whatever card you need. Straight flushes are pretty standard. Five of a kind? Yep, that’s a real thing here.

But before you go all-in expecting magic, know the game doesn’t hand out wins for weak hands. Low pairs, two pairs, even three-of-a-kind? Useless. You need to think bigger. And trust me, if you play smart, this game can absolutely pay out.

Not ready to gamble yet? You can always practice on poker video games before jumping into the real thing. But if you’re prepared to dive in, then continue reading for Deuces Wild video poker strategy.

First Things First… What is Deuces Wild?

In case you’re new to it, Deuces Wild poker is like regular video poker, except all the 2s are wild. That means they can substitute for any card to make a winning hand. It cranks up your chances of landing huge hands, but the paytable gets stingy on the smaller stuff.

So, what’s considered a win? Forget pairs, you won’t even get paid for two pairs. The smallest winning hand is typically four of a kind. This game wants you to shoot for the stars.

What’s the Best Hand in Deuces Wild?

The Natural Royal Flush is still the best hand. It’s still only a dream to most people, a royal flush with no deuces involved. But don’t worry if that sounds impossible, because there are plenty of other hands that pay solidly:

- Four Deuces: Pure gold. You’ll grin every time you see this.

- Wild Royal Flush: Same as a royal, but with help from a deuce (or more).

- Five of a Kind: Only possible thanks to those wild 2s.

- Straight Flush: Deuces or not, it's a good hand.

- Four of a Kind: This is your bread and butter.

The Real Deuces Wild Video Poker Strategy

Let’s cut the fluff and talk about how to play this game right. Let’s break it down.

1. If You See a Deuce, You KEEP the Deuce. Period.

Doesn’t matter what else is in your hand. Deuces are gold. Never, ever toss one. 

2. Four Deuces? Ditch the Fifth Card.

Even if that fifth card looks pretty, get rid of it. You’re chasing five-of-a-kind. Nothing else matters at that point.

3. Three Deuces = Go Big or Go Home.

Hold your three deuces and look for royalty (A, K, Q, J, 10) to chase a Wild Royal Flush. If not, go for five-of-a-kind. Those are your best plays.

4. Two Deuces—Now You’ve Got Decisions.

- Got three suited, consecutive cards? Hold 'em and chase that straight flush.

- No straight flush potential? Hold the deuces and try for bigger wins, such as a five-of-a-kind.

5. One Deuce—Play Smart.

- Keep it, obviously.

- Pair it with potential flushes, straights, or high cards.

- Don’t cling to junk, because this game doesn’t pay for hope.

How Do You Actually Win at Deuces Wild?

The simple answer is by playing the right hands. This isn’t a game where you “get lucky” hitting two pair and cash out. Deuces Wild poker demands patience and guts. You’ll spend a lot of time tossing small hands and fishing for big ones like quads, straight flushes, and five-of-a-kind.

The silver lining is that when you hit, it really hits. This game runs hot and cold, but the payouts for big hands make up for the dry spells.

Pro tip: Learn the math. Similarly to any casino game, you shouldn’t be guessing. This is knowing exactly when to hold ‘em, and when to toss for the big hands.

And please, for your wallet’s sake, practice before you play for real cash. Fire up a few poker video games to get the feel without draining your bankroll.

Sneaky Pro Tips (Nobody Tells You This Stuff)

- Bet Max or Don’t Play. The royal flush only pays the full jackpot if you bet the maximum. Skimping isn’t worth it.

- Brace Yourself. This game swings. Long dry spells happen, but so do massive wins.

- Ignore Bad Advice. People love to chase wild royal flushes when it’s not the smart play. Don’t be that person.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the truth: Deuces Wild video poker strategy is all about embracing the chaos while playing smart. Respect the deuces, and don’t get sucked into weak hands. And when the wild cards line up? Take that win and run like the wind.

Once you dial in the strategy, this isn’t just another casino game. It’s one of the most exciting, edge-of-your-seat rides you’ll find on the floor.