What is Bonus Poker?
Bonus Poker is a video poker game based on the classic Jacks or Better format. Its defining feature is an altered pay table that provides increased, or 'bonus', payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands. Players are dealt five cards and aim to create the strongest possible poker hand by holding and discarding cards. The combination of familiar gameplay and the potential for higher rewards makes playing Bonus Poker online a compelling choice for both new and experienced players.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Table Games / Video Poker |
| Typical RTP | 99.17% (with 8/5 pay table and optimal strategy) |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Skill Element | Yes |
How to Play Bonus Poker
The objective in Bonus Poker is to end with the best five-card poker hand possible after a single draw. The gameplay follows a simple, structured process:
- Place Your Bet: Select your coin value and the number of coins to wager (typically 1 to 5). It is almost always advisable to bet the maximum of 5 coins to qualify for the premium payout on a Royal Flush.
- Deal Cards: Press the 'Deal' button. You will receive five cards from a standard 52-card deck.
- Choose Cards to Hold: Analyze your initial hand and click on the cards you wish to keep. An optimal Bonus Poker strategy is crucial at this stage.
- Draw New Cards: Press the 'Draw' button. The cards you did not hold will be discarded and replaced with new ones from the deck.
- Get Paid: Your final five-card hand is evaluated against the game's pay table. If you have a qualifying hand (typically a pair of Jacks or better), you receive a payout.
Pro Tip: Always verify the pay table before playing. The most common 'full-pay' version is 8/5 Bonus Poker, which refers to the payout for a Full House (8 coins) and a Flush (5 coins). Deviations from this structure will alter the game's overall RTP.
Strategies & Tips for Bonus Poker
Unlike games of pure chance, Bonus Poker rewards skill. Employing a mathematically optimal strategy can significantly increase your return over time. The core of any good video poker strategy is knowing which cards to hold from your initial five-card deal to maximize your potential winnings.
Key Strategy Principles:
- Prioritize Paying Hands: Never discard a made hand like a Flush, Straight, or Full House. The only exception is holding four cards to a Royal Flush.
- Understand Quad Bonuses: The Bonus Poker rules reward four-of-a-kind hands differently. Be more inclined to hold a low pair (2s, 3s, 4s) over a single high card, as the potential bonus payout for the quad is substantial.
- Use a Strategy Chart: For perfect play, refer to a Bonus Poker strategy chart. These charts rank every possible starting hand, telling you precisely which cards to hold to achieve the highest expected value.
Crucial Warning: No strategy can overcome the house edge indefinitely. Optimal play maximizes your theoretical return and extends your playtime, but it does not guarantee profits. Always gamble responsibly and within your budget.
Common Bonus Poker Variations
Bonus Poker's success has led to several exciting variations that offer even more ways to win:
- Double Bonus Poker: Offers even higher payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands, especially four Aces, but often reduces the payout for two pair to even money.
- Double Double Bonus Poker: Introduces 'kickers' to the bonus payouts. For example, four Aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker pays significantly more than four Aces alone. This version typically has higher volatility.