The playing strategies for 10/6 and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (DDB) are nearly identical, but many players make mistakes with DDB due to its more challenging strategy compared to Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, or Double Bonus. Below are some frequent errors. (Assumes 9/6 DDB.)
In 9/6 Double Double Bonus (DDB), when dealt three Aces with a 3 as a kicker, the optimal play is to hold only the three Aces, discarding the 3. While many players are tempted to hold the three Aces plus the 3, aiming for a fourth Ace to secure a 2000-coin payout, this is a common mistake. Holding just the three Aces yields a higher expected return (ER) of 62.45, compared to 59.15 when holding the three Aces plus the 3.
In 9/6 DD Bonus, if you are dealt a full house with three Aces (e.g., A-A-A-X-X), you should break up the full house and hold only the three Aces. This is because the high value of Aces in DDB, due to the potential for large payouts with four Aces (especially with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker), makes holding just the three Aces more valuable than keeping the full house. Holding the full house in this scenario is a common mistake.
In 9/6 Double Double Bonus (DDB), when dealt a hand with two pair including a pair of Aces (e.g., A-A-X-X-Y), the correct play is to hold only the pair of Aces, not the two pair. This differs from Jacks or Better (JOB), where holding the two pair is optimal. The higher value of Aces in DDB, due to the potential for large payouts with four Aces (especially with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker), makes holding just the Aces the better choice. Many players, especially those used to JOB, mistakenly hold the two pair in this situation.
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In 9/6 DD Bonus poker, most players make mistakes with one or both hands. Generally, you should hold a three-card royal flush over a four-card flush, except when the three-card royal includes an Ace, 10, and either a Jack, Queen, or King. In that case, hold the four-card flush instead.This is because a three-card royal flush with an Ace and 10 has only two high cards and two gaps, reducing the chances of forming straight flushes, flushes, straights, or high pairs. The rule for 9/6 DDB is: prioritize any three-card royal flush (except one with A and 10) over a four-card flush, and choose a four-card flush over a three-card royal flush containing an Ace and 10.
Many players mistakenly hold an inside straight like 8-9-10-J in Double Double Bonus poker. However, you should avoid holding an inside straight with just one high card, as the high card is more valuable. For this hand, the correct hold is the Queen.
Tip of the Month
Before playing Double Double Bonus poker, ensure you understand its strategy and practice it at home. A free strategy chart for DDB is available on The Mystic Gambler Strategy Page. Practice the strategy on your computer, also free, at the Video Poker page before you go to the casino. bring a strategy card to the casino.
Double Double Bonus poker is significantly more volatile than Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, or Double Bonus. Due to this higher volatility, you’ll need a larger bankroll to play DDB.
Thanks to Henry Tamburin, Ph.D., for contributing to this article. Henery is a blackjack and video poker expert.
