Of course. “Bonus Poker Deluxe” is a popular **video poker** game, not a traditional slot machine. This is a crucial distinction, as the gameplay, strategy, and odds are fundamentally different.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of **Bonus Poker Deluxe**:
### Core Concept
It’s a draw poker game where you play against a paytable, not other players or a progressive jackpot. Your goal is to make the best possible 5-card poker hand. Your payout is determined by a fixed schedule based on your final hand.
### Key Features of “Deluxe” Versions
The “Deluxe” label typically means an enhanced paytable, often with **increased payouts for Four of a Kind hands**. This is the main attraction.
**Standard Bonus Poker Paytable (for comparison):**
* Four Aces: **80 coins for 1**
* Four 2s, 3s, 4s: **40 coins for 1**
* Four 5s through Kings: **25 coins for 1**
**Typical “Bonus Poker Deluxe” Paytable Enhancement:**
* Four Aces: **80 coins for 1**
* Four 2s, 3s, 4s: **40 coins for 1**
* Four 5s through Kings: **25 coins for 1**
* **Four 5s through Aces: 25 coins for 1** (Note: This is the key difference – the lower-tier 4-of-a-kind pay the same as the mid-tier).
Wait, that looks the same! The “Deluxe” often refers to a **specific, generous paytable set by a manufacturer or casino**. The most well-known “Deluxe” version is **”Bonus Poker Deluxe” by IGT**, which has this paytable (for 5 coins bet):
* Royal Flush: 4000
* Straight Flush: 250
* **Four of a Kind: 125** (This is the key! **All** Four of a Kinds pay 125 for 5 coins, or **25-for-1**)
* Full House: 45
* Flush: 30
* Straight: 20
* Three of a Kind: 15
* Two Pair: 10
* Jacks or Better: 5
### Why Players Seek It Out
1. **Higher Payback Percentage:** With perfect strategy, this specific “Deluxe” paytable offers a theoretical return (**RTP**) of **~99.64%**, which is excellent for a video poker game.
2. **Simplified Strategy:** Since all Four of a Kinds pay the same, you don’t have to make strategic adjustments to chase high-value quads (like Aces or 2s-4s). This makes the strategy slightly easier than standard Bonus Poker.
3. **More Frequent “Big” Wins:** While a royal flush is rare, hitting *any* Four of a Kind gives you a solid 125-coin win (on a 5-coin bet), which happens on average about once every 423 hands.
### Gameplay
1. **Place Your Bet:** Choose 1 to 5 coins. **Always bet 5 coins** to be eligible for the full 4000-coin royal flush payout.
2. **Deal:** You are dealt 5 cards.
3. **Hold/Discard:** Choose which cards to keep. Your goal is to form the highest-paying hand.
4. **Draw:** New cards replace your discards.
5. **Payout:** You are paid according to the final hand and the paytable.
### Strategy Tips
* **Learn the Basic Jacks or Better Strategy:** Bonus Poker Deluxe strategy is very close to Jacks or Better. Key principles:
* Always hold a paying pair (Jacks or Better) over a 4-card flush or open-ended straight.
* Hold a high pair (Jacks or Better) over a low pair.
* Hold a 4-card straight flush or royal flush draw aggressively.
* **Use a Strategy Card or App:** Perfect play is essential to achieve the high RTP. Print a strategy chart or use a video poker trainer app.
* **The “Deluxe” Difference:** Remember, you don’t favor low cards (2s, 3s, 4s) when going for quads since all quads pay the same.
### **IMPORTANT: Slot Machine Impostors**
You may find **slot machines with the *name* “Bonus Poker Deluxe”** that are **not true video poker**. These are often:
* **Video Slots with Poker Theme:** Outcomes are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) on reels. You have no skill-based decisions; you just spin.
* **”Poker-Style” Bonus Rounds:** The main game is a slot, but a bonus round might involve picking cards.
**Always check the gameplay:** If you press “deal” and then choose cards to hold, it’s video poker. If you just press “spin,” it’s a slot machine with a poker theme.
### Where to Find It
* **Land-based Casinos:** Look on the video poker floor, often mixed with other poker games.
* **Online Casinos:** In the “Video Poker” or “Table Games” section, not always under “Slots.”
* **Social Casino Apps:** You might find versions for fun, not real money.
In summary, **Bonus Poker Deluxe is a high-paying, skill-based video poker variant** prized for its simplified strategy and excellent odds when played perfectly. Always ensure you’re actually playing the draw poker game and not a similarly named slot machine.
