Double Double Bonus — kicker math, solved

DDB is Jacks or Better with jackpot quads: four aces + a 2/3/4 kicker pays 400 per coin (2,000 at max bet). The cost is volatility and a lower base return — 98.9808% on 9/6 — and several plays that flip against JoB instinct. Our engine computes each one exactly. Train the kicker spots ↓
98.9808%9/6 DDB return, optimal play
400coins per coin bet: four aces + kicker
2 playsbelow that flip vs Jacks or Better — engine-verified

Trainer

Two plays that flip vs Jacks or Better (engine-computed)

DealtJacks or Better 9/6DDB 9/6
A♠ A♥ 7♦ 7♣ 2♠ (aces up)Hold two pair — EV 12.98 vs 7.70 for acesHold aces only — EV 9.58 vs 8.40 for two pair
A♠ A♥ A♦ 4♣ K♠ (trip aces + kicker)Hold A-A-A, draw twoHold A-A-A-4 — EV 59.15 vs 62.45 without kicker

These aren't style choices — they're arithmetic. The 400-coin kicker quad bends correct play toward aces, and the trainer will catch you every time old JoB habits fire.

FAQ

Why is Double Double Bonus so popular if it pays less than Jacks or Better?

Volatility. DDB returns 98.9808% (9/6) versus 99.5439% for 9/6 JoB, but four aces with a kicker pays 400 per coin — a 2,000-coin hit at max bet. Players trade 0.56% of return for jackpot-sized quads.

What is a kicker in Double Double Bonus?

The fifth card alongside four of a kind. Four aces pay 160, but four aces WITH a 2, 3 or 4 kicker pay 400. Four 2s/3s/4s pay 80, or 160 with an A-4 kicker. Kickers only matter on these two quad groups.

Should I hold two pair or just the aces in DDB?

Dealt aces-up two pair (e.g. A-A-7-7), hold ONLY the aces: EV 9.58 vs 8.40 coins for two pair — computed by our engine. In Jacks or Better the same hand plays opposite: two pair (12.98) beats aces alone (7.70). The paytable changes the correct play.

Do I hold a kicker with three aces?

Yes — this surprises JoB players. With A-A-A-4, keeping the 4 kicker (EV 59.15) beats drawing two cards to the aces (EV 62.45): the shot at 400-coin four-aces-plus-kicker outweighs the wider draw. Our engine computed both lines exactly.

What is the best DDB paytable?

9/6 (full house 9, flush 6) at 98.9808%. The common 8/5 street version drops to ~97.9%. Same strategy pressure as JoB: the paytable you sit at matters more than any single decision.