| Updated: September 26, 2025Deuces Wild has firmly established itself as one of the most popular video poker variants, boasting a history that spans more than a quarter of a century. Together with Jacks or Better, it has become a casino standard, available both online and offline.
Although Deuces Wild shares some traits with Jacks or Better, it more closely resembles the broader family of wild video poker variants. Unlike Jacks or Better, which offers relatively steady play, the inclusion of wild cards in Deuces Wild undeniably heightens the excitement.
Although Deuces Wild was introduced decades ago, the game has not remained static. Quite the opposite – today, video poker fans can choose from a plethora of engaging versions.
This variety can be confusing for the average player because a bit of knowledge is needed to judge whether a specific variant of Deuces Wild is worthwhile. This article aims to help players master Deuces Wild and understand the nuances of its many versions.
Deuces Wild Basics
Just like other video poker games, Deuces Wild continues to evolve, so players should always refresh their knowledge.
Gambling enthusiasts can sometimes grow bored with Jacks or Better because the chances of securing bigger payouts are relatively slim.
This is not the case with Deuces Wild, as winning hands are easier to achieve since deuces can substitute for any other card in the deck.
Because of this, players have the chance to land solid payoffs and can also complete hands that would be impossible without wild cards.
Naturally, the game’s pay tables are adjusted to balance these enhanced odds, so some hands are removed while the payouts for others are reduced.
What Does It Take to Play Deuces Wild
Wild Cards Explained Winning Hands in Deuces Wild Comparison of the Payouts in Jacks or Better and Deuces WildWhat Does It Take to Play Deuces Wild
One key difference between slots and video poker is that, while spinning the reels, players have no idea of their chances of landing a winning combination; in video poker, the odds are more transparent.
Before placing a bet, players should remember that, as in Jacks or Better, most Deuces Wild variants let them wager between one and five credits per hand. Importantly, they are not required to keep the same wager for every round; the stake can be adjusted before each new deal.
After receiving the initial five cards, players should check for any paying combination. If one is present, they should hold those cards and proceed to the draw round. You may hold or replace all of the cards, or only the ones you choose.
If players opt to replace certain cards, those cards are discarded and new ones are drawn from the remaining deck. Because only a single standard deck is used, no card can appear twice, and discarded cards will not reappear during the current round.
When a winning hand is completed, the corresponding payout is awarded automatically and the round ends. Depending on the version of Deuces Wild, you may also be offered a double-or-nothing feature to boost your winnings further.
Additionally, certain variants allow players to wager on multiple hands simultaneously.
Wild Cards Explained
It’s fair to say that wild cards were introduced to prevent gameplay from becoming stale. In Deuces Wild, the four twos act as wilds and can substitute for any card needed to complete a winning hand.
For example, if a player is dealt the 5, 6, and 7 of spades plus two deuces, those deuces can turn into the 4 and 8 of spades, creating a Straight Flush. The payout is then awarded according to the stake and the specific game variant.
Players should note that they cannot choose which cards the deuces will represent; the software automatically assigns the values that produce the highest-ranking hand. Rest assured, the game always uses the deuces in the way that benefits the player most.
Winning Hands in Deuces Wild
Unlike slots, where players have no idea about the odds of landing a particular combination, video poker allows them to estimate their chances because every game is dealt from a single, known deck. Whether you choose Deuces Wild or another variant, you can calculate the probability of any hand almost immediately.
Moreover, the RTP of most video poker games is considerably higher than that of the majority of casino titles.
Because deuces are wild, the Deuces Wild paytable is adjusted accordingly. You will notice two different Royal Flushes: a natural Royal Flush and a Wild Royal Flush.
A natural Royal Flush consists of 10, J, Q, K, and A of the same suit with no wilds. If a deuce is used to complete the hand, it becomes a Wild Royal Flush, which pays less. For instance, if your hand is 2, Q, J, 2, and 2 with the Q and J suited, the deuces can substitute for the 10, K, and A, resulting in a Wild Royal Flush.
The presence of wild cards also makes Five of a Kind possible. Note that payouts differ – four deuces pay 200 to 1, while a regular Four of a Kind (with other cards) pays only 5 to 1.
Finally, the lowest paying hand in Deuces Wild is Three of a Kind, not Jacks or Better as in many other video poker games. To offset the abundance of wild cards, hands like Two Pairs and Jacks or Better are removed from the paytable, preventing the game from becoming too generous.
Comparison of the Payouts in Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild
Common Pay Scheme of Deuces Wild
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Four Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Five of a Kind | 16 | 32 | 48 | 64 | 80 |
| Straight Flush | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Full House | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Flush | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Common Pay Scheme of Full-Pay Jacks or Better
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Popular Variations of Deuces Wild
Currently, several intriguing variations are available; the ones we discuss below are among the most popular options.
Full-Pay Deuces Wild Almost Positive Deuces Wild Not So Ugly Deuces Wild Illinois Deuces Wild 20/4/4 Deuces Wild 20/12/10/4 Deuces Wild 16/13/4 Deuces Wild 12/4/4 Deuces Wild 20/10/8/4/4 Deuces WildFull-Pay Deuces Wild
Full-pay versions of Deuces Wild are the ones players should actively seek, as they provide the best value for money. When played with optimal strategy, they deliver an RTP of 100.76% – meaning the player, not the house, holds the edge.
Unlike Jacks or Better, where you can quickly identify the pay schedule by checking the payouts for a Full House and a Flush, Deuces Wild is more nuanced. Developers often tweak the payouts for a wider range of hands, so you’ll need to study the whole pay table to confirm you’re playing a true full-pay game.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Four Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Five of a Kind | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
| Straight Flush | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Four of a Kind | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Full House | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Flush | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Almost Positive Deuces Wild
Almost Positive Deuces Wild is another head-turning variant, thanks to its impressive 99.96% RTP. This version is relatively new, but it quickly gained popularity because of the generous payouts on offer.
To identify an Almost Positive machine, look for a Straight Flush that pays 11 to 1 instead of the 9 to 1 found in full-pay games. Payouts for Four of a Kind, Full House, and Flush also differ.
With a Straight Flush paying 11 to 1 and a Flush paying 3 to 1 rather than 2 to 1, it’s easy to see why seasoned players actively pursue these particular hands.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Four Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Five of a Kind | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
| Straight Flush | 11 | 22 | 33 | 44 | 55 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Full House | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Flush | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Not So Ugly Deuces Wild
Short-pay Deuces Wild machines are often nicknamed “ugly ducks.” By contrast, Not So Ugly Deuces Wild (NSUD) is relatively player-friendly, boasting an RTP of 99.73%.
These games are common in Las Vegas, but players should examine the pay table carefully because it can be a little deceptive.
Although NSUD increases the payouts for Five of a Kind, Straight, Full House, and Flush, it lowers the return for Four of a Kind. That reduction offsets much of the advantage, so the house still retains a small edge.
| Number of Credits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Four Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Five of a Kind | 16 | 32 | 48 | 64 | 80 |
| Straight Flush | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Full House | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Flush | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Illinois Deuces Wild
Illinois Deuces Wild is the predecessor of both Almost Positive and Not So Ugly Deuces Wild. It rose to prominence in U.S. casinos during the 1990s, and you can still find it outside Nevada today. At the time, it was among the highest-paying video poker games available.
Today, however, its odds are slightly worse than those in NSUD. While the payout for a Full House is raised to 4 to 1, Four of a Kind also pays only 4 to 1, which reduces the overall return. Consequently, the RTP drops to 98.91%. All other payouts remain identical to the variants mentioned above.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 |
| Five of a Kind | 15 |
| Straight Flush | 9 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 |
| Full House | 4 |
| Flush | 3 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
20/4/4 Deuces Wild
At first glance, the 20/4/4 pay schedule looks appealing because it boosts the payout for a Full House, but a closer look reveals sharp cuts elsewhere. A Wild Royal Flush pays only 20 to 1 instead of 25 to 1, and Four of a Kind pays 4 to 1 rather than 5 to 1.
These reductions lower the overall return to 97.97%, which is why seasoned players usually steer clear of this version.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 20 |
| Five of a Kind | 15 |
| Straight Flush | 9 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 |
| Full House | 4 |
| Flush | 3 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
20/12/10/4 Deuces Wild
This widely available version increases the payouts for a Straight Flush and a Full House. Predictably, those boosts are offset by reductions in two higher-paying hands – specifically the Wild Royal Flush and Four of a Kind. As a result, the game’s RTP sits at 97.58%.
If you encounter a similar pay table that offers only 9 to 1 for a Straight Flush instead of 10 to 1, the RTP falls further to 97.06%, so be sure to examine the schedule carefully before you play.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 20 |
| Five of a Kind | 12 |
| Straight Flush | 10 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 |
| Full House | 4 |
| Flush | 3 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
16/13/4 Deuces Wild
While searching for the right game, you may encounter the 16/13/4 pay schedule. Here, Straight Flush and Five of a Kind pay better than usual, but, as always, something has to give.
Four of a Kind drops to 4 to 1 from the standard 5 to 1, pushing the game’s RTP down to 96.77%.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 |
| Five of a Kind | 16 |
| Straight Flush | 13 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 |
| Full House | 3 |
| Flush | 3 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
12/4/4 Deuces Wild
The 12/4/4 pay schedule is one of the least attractive choices because it dramatically reduces the payouts for Five of a Kind and Four of a Kind. In this version, Five of a Kind pays only 12 to 1, and Four of a Kind pays 4 to 1.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 |
| Five of a Kind | 12 |
| Straight Flush | 9 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 |
| Full House | 4 |
| Flush | 3 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
Such games are hardly the best option for maximizing value, and an almost identical variant is even less favorable. Its return percentage is 95.59%, mainly because a Straight Flush pays 8 for 1 and a Flush pays just 2 for 1.
20/10/8/4/4 Deuces Wild
Compared with full-pay Deuces Wild, the 20/10/8/4/4 schedule is the least attractive, offering an RTP of just 95.96%. The decline stems from reduced payouts on Four of a Kind, Five of a Kind, Wild Royal Flush, and Straight Flush, although the Full House payout is increased to 4 to 1.
In this variant, a Wild Royal Flush pays 20 to 1, a Straight Flush 8 to 1, Four of a Kind 4 to 1, and Five of a Kind 10 to 1.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| Four Deuces | 200 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 20 |
| Five of a Kind | 10 |
| Straight Flush | 8 |
| Four of a Kind | 4 |
| Full House | 4 |
| Flush | 3 |
| Straight | 2 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 |
- Tens or Better Variations
- Jacks or Better Variations
- Video Poker Variations
- Hand Rankings in Video Poker
- Video Poker Rules
How The RTP Changes in The Different Deuces Wild Variants
Now, let’s examine how the return percentages vary across Deuces Wild variants so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Why Is The RTP Important RTPs of The Most Common Versions of Deuces WildWhy Is The RTP Important
Checking a game’s RTP is essential because it indicates how much money you can expect to win back over time. In video poker, RTP is driven by both the payout for each winning hand and the probability of hitting that hand.
To judge whether a Deuces Wild variant is worth playing, start by examining the payouts for Straight Flush and Five of a Kind. If the RTP exceeds 100%, you’ve found a game that theoretically favors the player.
RTPs of The Most Common Versions of Deuces Wild
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the expected return percentages for some of the most common Deuces Wild versions. Study the pay schedule and RTP carefully, as they will affect your long-term results.
| Deuces Wild Variant | Return Percentage |
|---|---|
| Full-pay versions of Deuces Wild | 100.76% |
| Not So Ugly Deuces Wild | 99.73% |
| Ugly Ducks | 98.91% |
| 20/4/4 | 97.97% |
| 20/12/10/4 | 97.58% |
| 16/13/4 | 96.77% |
| 12/04/04 | 96.01% |
| 20/10/8/4/4 | 95.96% |
Strategy for Playing Deuces Wild
As with any video poker game, playing Deuces Wild without a strategy prevents you from achieving the highest possible RTP and getting the most value from your session.
When following a Deuces Wild strategy, first note how many twos you hold. Next, consult the corresponding chart and look for your exact hand, starting at the top and moving downward. If your hand qualifies for more than one entry, choose the option that appears higher on the chart, as it offers the best expected return.
Hands with No Deuces Hands with One Deuce Hands with Two Deuces Hands with Three Deuces Hands with Four Deuces Simple and Optimal Strategy for Deuces Wild ComparedHands with No Deuces
| Hand | Expected Return | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
| 2 | Royal Flush Draw | 19.5744 |
| 3 | Straight Flush | 9 |
| 4 | Four of a Kind | 5.851 |
| 5 | Full House | 3 |
| 6 | Three of a Kind | 2.0175 |
| 7 | Straight/Flush | 2 |
| 8 | Four cards to an outside Straight Flush | 1.6595 |
| 9 | 10, J, or Q of the same suit | 1.3987 |
| 10 | Four cards to an inside Straight Flush | 1.3829 |
| 11 | Three to a Royal Flush | 1.2719 |
| 12 | Pair | 0.5602 |
| 13 | Two Pairs | 0.5106 |
| 14 | Four to a Flush | 0.5106 |
| 15 | Four cards to an outside Straight | 0.5106 |
| 16 | Three cards to a Royal Flush (spread 3-4) | Between 0.5051 and 0.3959 |
| 17 | Two cards to a Royal Flush, where J is the highest-ranking | 0.3881 |
| 18 | Three cards of a Straight Flush (spread 5) | 0.3552 |
| 19 | Four cards to an inside Straight | 0.3404 |
| 20 | Two cards to a Royal Flush, where Q is the highest-ranking | 0.3385 |
| 21 | Two cards to a Royal Flush, where K is the highest-ranking | 0.3278 |
| 22 | Replace all your cards | 0.3255 |
Hands with One Deuce
| Hand | Expected Return | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wild Royal Flush | 25 |
| 2 | Five of a Kind | 15 |
| 3 | Straight Flush | 9 |
| 4 | Four of a Kind | 5.851 |
| 5 | Four cards to a Royal Flush | 3.4042 |
| 6 | Full House | 3 |
| 7 | Three cards in a row of the same suit (5, 6, 7, or higher) | 2.2127 |
| 8 | Three of a Kind | 2.0175 |
| 9 | Straight | 2 |
| 10 | Flush | 2 |
| 11 | All four other cards to a Straight Flush | Between 1.7021 and 1.9787 |
| 12 | Three cards to a Royal Flush, where K is the highest | 1.1421 |
| 13 | Two cards in a row with the same suit (6, 7, or higher) | 1.0952 |
| 14 | Three cards to a Royal Flush, where A is the strongest | 1.0462 |
| 15 | Four Deuces | 1.0328 |
Hands with Two Deuces
| Hand | Expected Return | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wild Royal Flush | 25 |
| 2 | Five of a Kind | 15 |
| 3 | Straight Flush | 9 |
| 4 | Four of a Kind | 5.851 |
| 5 | Four cards to a Royal Flush | 4.617 |
| 6 | Two cards in a row of the same suit (6, 7, or higher) | 3.3404 |
| 7 | Two deuces | 3.273 |
Hands with Three Deuces
If you’re dealt three deuces, hold any hand that qualifies as Five of a Kind or a Wild Royal Flush. In every other situation, simply keep the deuces.
Hands with Four Deuces
When you receive four deuces, discard the fifth card.
Simple and Optimal Strategy for Deuces Wild Compared
| Probability | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hand | Simple Strategy | Optimal Strategy |
| Natural Royal Flush | 0.000022 | 0.000022 |
| Four Deuces | 0.000206 | 0.000204 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 0.001785 | 0.001796 |
| Five of a Kind | 0.003164 | 0.003202 |
| Straight Flush | 0.004206 | 0.00412 |
| Four of a Kind | 0.06523 | 0.064938 |
| Full House | 0.021303 | 0.021229 |
| Flush | 0.016977 | 0.016581 |
| Straight | 0.053711 | 0.056564 |
| Three of a Kind | 0.287044 | 0.284544 |
| No winning hands | 0.546351 | 0.5468 |
Popular Versions of Deuces Wild to Play Online
Deuces Wild delivers some of the most action-packed gameplay in video poker, and today it’s available across a wide range of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Read on to learn more about several standout versions.
Deuces Wild by Microgaming Multi-Hand Deuces Wild by Playtech Deuces Wild by NetEnt Deuces Wild by Red Rake Deuces Wild by BetsoftDeuces Wild by Microgaming
Microgaming’s Deuces Wild is an appealing choice for fans of wild card video poker. With a maximum bet of five credits, a natural Royal Flush pays an impressive 4,000 credits.
Other top rewards include 1,000 credits for Four Deuces and 125 credits for a Wild Royal Flush. A Full House pays 3 to 1, a Flush pays 2 to 1, and Five of a Kind pays 16 to 1.
Bet limits range from just $0.25 up to $25, making the game suitable for most bankrolls.
A double-or-nothing feature offers the chance to multiply any win, but choosing the wrong color forfeits your payout.
Multi-Hand Deuces Wild by Playtech
Playtech’s Multi-Hand Deuces Wild caters to players who crave extra action, allowing bets on 1, 4, 10, or 25 hands simultaneously.
A Wild Royal Flush pays 25 to 1, but Five of a Kind is reduced to 15 to 1. Full House and Flush pay 4 to 1 and 3 to 1, respectively.
A gamble feature becomes available after any win, offering prizes up to $500. Note, however, that you can use the double-up option no more than four consecutive times.
Deuces Wild by NetEnt
NetEnt’s Deuces Wild is a multi-hand variant with an RTP of 97.97%. True to NetEnt form, it supports wagers on up to 100 hands at once.
Bets range from just $0.05 to $25, making the game accessible to virtually every bankroll.
Five of a Kind pays 15 to 1, while Full House and Flush pay 4 to 1 and 3 to 1, respectively.
After any win, you can either collect or press the gamble button to try doubling your payout. You may also cash out at any point during the double-or-nothing feature.
Deuces Wild by Red Rake
Red Rake’s Deuces Wild stands out for its high-quality visuals and smooth animations. You can play up to 50 hands at once or choose to bet on 25, 10, 5, or a single hand.
Five of a Kind pays 16 to 1, Four of a Kind 4 to 1, Full House 3 to 1, and Flush 2 to 1.
An optional auto-hold feature simplifies play, and stakes can be adjusted from $0.05 up to $50 per hand. A gamble option lets you try to double or even quadruple your winnings by guessing the color or suit of a face-down card – though the odds of success are slim.
Deuces Wild by Betsoft
Betsoft also offers its own version of Deuces Wild, featuring an impressive 98.91% RTP.
Players can wager between one and five credits per round, but multi-hand play is not available.
A double-or-nothing feature appears after any win, allowing you to increase your payout by selecting a card higher than the dealer’s.
Key payouts include 15 to 1 for Five of a Kind and 4 to 1 for both Four of a Kind and Full House, while a Flush pays 3 to 1.