Poker Deuces Wild Strategy

Deuces Wild

Deuce also called ordinary draw poker. Deuces are wild. The main point to remember is that the more deuces you hold, the fewer your opponents can have. A deuce and two natural aces, then, make a stronger playing hand than three natural aces. Generally, it is unsound to play unless you do hold a deuce, except when you catch a pat hand or high natural triplets. The staying requirements and advice below are based on a fairly loose game.

Hands to Play

1. 2-2-X-X-X. Two wild cards going in are worth a raise regardless of what the other three cards are. The average winning hand in Deuces Wild is high triplets, and two wild cards automatically give you triplets of some sort. Generally, it is best not to hold a kicker smaller than an ace when you are drawing to two wild cards; but if the carding indicates that your opponent holds triplets, you may want to hold a king kicker. If the three cards with your deuces contain a pair, hold it. Do not be tempted to split a natural pair to draw one card to a straight flush. But if the other three cards to your two deuces make either a straight or a flush, hold pat. Raise before the draw. Straights and flushes are pretty good hands in poker Deuces Wild, and the fact that you hold two wild cards increases their value. If a player holds pat in front of you, however, throw a small or middling straight way and draw to your two deuces.
2. A-A-A-X-X. Raise on trip aces. Call on court triplets. Fold any natural! Triplets smaller than 10's unless the pot offers good odds and the betting has been modest.
3. 2-A-A•X-X. Raise on two natural aces and a deuce. Call on a deuce and a pair larger than 9's. If the betting is not strong, call on a deuce and a low pair-but fold them after the draw unless you improve.
4. Pat straight. Raise before the draw, and play for position. Ideally, you’ll want to be the last to speak after the draw.
5. Pat Bush. Raise before the draw. Bet after the draw if it’s checked to you. Fold after the draw if the carding and betting indicate that the Bush is beaten.
6. Four to a straight Bush. Draw. If the straight Bush is open on both ends, you have an almost even chance of making a straight or better, and your chances are considerably increased if you hold a deuce.
7. 2-2-2-X-X. Sandbag. Slow play. You hold all but one of the wild cards; therefore, vigorous betting will be likely to drive out most of the players. You automatically have four-of-a-kind, so let some of your opponents stay in.
8. J-J-J -4-4. Raise on any pat full house. Bet it after the draw.

Traps to Avoid