Bonus Poker
October 5th, 2023
21426
Bonus Poker by Realtime Gaming is a variant of the game Jacks or Better video poker. It offers the chance of a bonus payout on a four of a kind hand. The amount of the bonus depends on the ranking of the cards of the hand. In this review, you’ll find out how to play Bonus Poker online for free, how the game works and its rules, and how to have a better chance at winning by employing a different strategy.
What is the Difference Between Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker?
Like many of the other poker games, the Bonus Poker game is based on Jacks or Better. Consequently, the way the game works is similar to that. However, Bonus Poker is quite a bit more exciting than the basic version as it increases the payments for particular four of a kind hands. If you manage to encounter one of these, you have a high likelihood of scoring a big win.
Bonus Poker attributes
Top Award
50,000
Hands
1, 3, 10, 52, and 100 (1, 3, 10, and 52 only for Flash)
Feature Trigger
Any Win
Platform
Download, Flash
Bonus Feature
Optional Double or Nothing Bonus allows player to double their win if they select a card that is higher than the dealer’s card.
How to Play the Game?
As mentioned above, the game is very closely related to the classic Jacks or Better, therefore following the same principle. If you don’t know Jacks or Better either, don’t worry, you’ll quickly learn how to play. The paytable is very close to the aforementioned, too, but the Bonus Poker game provides an excellent transition for the player who wishes to venture into the world of more complex video poker.
You’ll first need to set up an account at the casino of your choice. After that, it is necessary to make the first deposit so you can get started to play for real money. However, you can also play for fun in a demo version where you won’t need to deposit any money. With either of these options, you’ll then be asked to select the number of coins for your bet. Ideally, you’ll want to choose to play with a maximum of 5 coins as this has the best possible payout with a top hand. A reduced payout would significantly lower your chances of coming out winning. Though, the setting you choose is entirely up to you.
After you have set your bet, the next step is to analyze the five cards that will show up on your screen. You can then decide which card you would like to keep and which ones to discard. This decision should be a strategic one, keeping in mind the winning hand you want to create. Next, the draw will be completed, and you get your winnings on each superior card.
How to Win the Game?
While you cannot change the probabilities of the game, you can actually employ a strategy. For example, you can play the MaxBet, which we’ve already covered above. This means playing with five coins, so in case you win, you’ll receive the maximum payout.
Another thing you can do is watching your twos, threes, and fours. You might think that they’re not worth holding onto as they are low, but you have to keep the potential payoff for them in mind. They don’t win as much as four aces, but still, they are better than four of any other cards.
Bonus Poker Strategy
Like other video poker variants, Bonus Poker involves a combination of luck and strategy. While you can’t control the cards dealt to you, the decisions you make regarding which cards to keep and which to discard can significantly impact your odds of winning. Here are some strategic tips to maximize your chances of success:
1. Always Hold a Pair of Jacks or Better
A general rule of thumb in video poker, including this game, is to always hold onto a pair of jacks or better. This ensures that you have a minimum payout on your hand.
2. Play for the Royal Flush
In Bonus Poker, the royal flush offers the highest payout. While the odds of drawing one are slim, it is crucial to keep a suited 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace when you receive them. If you are one card away from completing a royal flush, hold onto the cards that are part of that combination.
3. Maximize Four of a Kind Bonuses
Since four-of-a-kind hands are the most rewarding in Bonus Poker, be sure to prioritize keeping any four-of-a-kind or nearly completed hands. If you have four cards of the same rank (like 5s or 10s), it’s typically better to hold onto them rather than discarding them.
4. Discard Low Unmatched Cards
If you have low cards that are not forming any useful combinations, it’s usually best to discard them and try to draw better cards. Holding onto non-contributory low cards will only decrease your chances of achieving a strong hand.
5. Know When to Bet Max Coins
One of the key strategies in this game is betting the maximum number of coins (usually five). Betting the maximum unlocks the best possible payouts for certain hands, including the royal flush. While betting max coins increases your bet, it also boosts your potential winnings.
Common Variations of Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker comes in various versions, and the rules or payouts may differ slightly depending on the machine or casino. Here are some of the common variations:
1. Double Bonus Poker
In Double Bonus Poker, payouts for four-of-a-kind hands are doubled, particularly for hands like aces, fives, and other high-ranking cards. This version offers significantly higher payouts for these combinations, but the payouts for other hands, like a full house or straight, are often reduced.
2. Triple Bonus Poker
As the name suggests, Triple Bonus Poker offers even higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, including higher bonuses for specific four-of-a-kind hands such as aces and fives. This version provides more excitement but also carries higher volatility due to its increased payouts.
3. Deuces Wild Bonus Poker
In Deuces Wild Bonus Poker, the game introduces the wild card (the two of diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs) to the mix. The wild cards can substitute for any other card to form a winning hand, including four-of-a-kind combinations, which makes for potentially higher payouts.
4. Joker’s Wild Bonus Poker
Another popular variation, Joker’s Wild Bonus Poker, uses a joker as a wild card, adding an extra element of strategy and excitement to the game. The wild joker can help complete four-of-a-kind hands or other combinations to trigger the bonus payouts.
Playing Bonus Poker Online vs. In a Casino
Bonus Poker can be played both in physical casinos and online. While the fundamental rules and strategies remain the same, there are some differences between playing in a land-based casino versus an online platform:
Online Play: Online casinos often offer a wide range of video poker variations, including this fun game. Online play provides the convenience of playing anytime, anywhere, and many platforms offer bonuses or promotions for new players.
Land-Based Casinos: Physical casinos provide a social atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with fellow players. You can find this game machines in many casinos, especially in the video poker section. However, the pace of play is generally slower than online, and you’ll need to manage your bankroll accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play the game for free?
Yes, casinos usually offer a demo version so that you can try it out without making a deposit.
Do I need to have some skills to play?
No, you just need to know some card combinations; Bonus Poker is not much more difficult than Jacks or Better, and the gameplay is straightforward and simple.
How can I get the highest payout?
We advise you to play with 5 coins; in such a way, you increase your chances of getting the best possible payout with a top hand.
Conclusion
Overall, the Bonus Poker casino game is not that different from Jacks or Better, but it offers more excitement and higher payout options. It is a great game to try out if you want to tap into more complicated video poker games.
