In the July issue of Southern Gaming, we covered tips for playing Not-So-Ugly Deuces Wild (NSUD, ER 99.73%), a great game that can be found in Louisiana, Mississippi and Indiana as well as Nevada. Loose Deuces Wild (LD) can be found in these states, as well as several others throughout the South. You may wonder if it is a good idea to use the NSUD strategy to play other deuces wild games. The answer is no. You have to be very careful to check the pay table and use a strategy specific to the game you are playing. There are several versions of LD with a variety of ER’s; some good for players, others good for the casino.
Game Names

There are two ways that video poker games get their name, from other players and from the manufacturer. Games named by players have one version, and the pay table must match exactly – NSUD is an example. On the other hand, games like LD are named by the manufacturer and there are several versions. Make sure you find one of the better pay schedules by taking this table with you.

Game Overview

LD pays for two big jackpots, four deuces or the royal flush. However, if you fail to get either of these two high-paying hands, then you are probably in for a big dent in your bankroll. Any version in Table 1.1 is acceptable, especially if you are receiving comps and cash back. With such a risky game, make sure you study and use the correct game strategy below.

Tips for Playing Loose Deuce

Dealt miscellaneous high cards, no deuces, hold nothing. Never hold one, two or three unrelated high cards. This is different from two or three to a royal. Also, never hold two or three to a straight or a flush.
Dealt two pair, hold one pair only. This is a frequent hand and is different from NSUD (July issue), where you hold both pair. Even though both games pay the same for four of a kind, this game pays less for a full house.
Dealt either a straight or flush with either 0 or one deuce, hold all cards.
Dealt either a straight or flush with two deuces, hold just the two deuces.
With no deuces, hold a pair instead of a four-straight or a four-flush. (Note: This is different from four to a straight flush.)
Dealt a wild royal, five of a kind or a straight flush with three deuces, hold just the three deuces. This is different from NSUD and most other deuces games, where you would keep the wild royal. The reason is four deuces pays 2,500 coins with a five-coin bet.
Dealt a pair, your first choice is to hold three to a natural royal, and your second choice is to hold three to a consecutive straight flush, five and higher. If you do not have either the first or second choice, then hold the pair.
Dealt four to a straight flush with two deuces, hold just the two deuces. This is different from other deuces games where you hold four to some straight flushes.
Dealt four to either a natural or wild royal, never hold either a straight or a flush. Hold just the four to a royal.
Final Thoughts

Some versions of Loose Deuces Wild can be found in many casinos scattered throughout the South as well as in Nevada. However, before you decide to find a seat, you should check the pay schedules with Table 1.1 to see if you still want to play. Use the tips in this article to keep you in the game longer and increase your odds of winning.

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Linda Boyd, former math educator and table game player, switched to the more profitable choice of video poker. Her new book, “The Video Poker Edge,†includes her free strategy cards for the games she recommends. Boyd also writes columns in other gaming magazines. “The Video Poker Edge†is available in major bookstores as well as amazon.com and Square One Publishers (www.squareonepublishers.com). Call (877) 900-2665.

Posted August 27th, 2008 under Gaming News. Tags: Linda Boyd, loose deuces wild, The Video Poker Edge, Tip of the Day, Video Poker
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