This Video Poker variety deals you four cards and then gives you the option to double your bet before receiving the fifth card. There are no draws and no choices over which cards to keep and which ones to get rid of. You only get five cards total.
Here, your only decision is whether the first four cards have enough strength to warrant doubling of your bet. Once the decision to double or not is made, the machine reveals the fifth card and the full five-card hand will be exposed.
The game is played for up to five coins initially, however, should the double button be hit, that bet will be doubled. Thus, if you had five coins wagered initially, hitting the doubling button will increase that bet to 10 coins. At the same time, all the payoffs will be doubled as well. The payoff chart will scroll on the machine so that you can see the paytable for the larger bet size.
What happens if you have only five coins in the machine and hit the double button? No problem. Simply insert five more coins in the machine, or insert bills into the slot for such purpose and the amount needed will automatically be deducted for the bet and the leftover money, if any, will be added to your credits.
Here is a Double Down Stud Progressive pay chart as found in Las Vegas.
Paytable on Double Down Stud Coins Played 1 2 3 4 5 Royal Flush 1000 2000 3000 4000 Prog. Straight Flush 200 400 600 800 1000 Four-of-a-Kind 50 100 150 200 250 Full House 12 24 36 48 60 Flush 9 18 27 36 45 Straight 6 12 18 24 30 Three-of-a-Kind 4 8 12 16 20 Two Pair 3 6 9 12 15 Jacks-Aces 2 4 6 8 10 Sixes-10s 1 2 3 4 5
Double or Nothing Option
Some video poker machines now feature a double up option, an even money betting proposition that allows you to double your take on winning hands. It works as follow: Whenever a winning hand is concluded, the machine gives you the option of pressing the doubling button. If you ignore this button, you'll win the standard payout shown; but if you press the double button, five cards will be dealt.
One card will be an upcard, and that is the dealer's hand. For you to win, you must choose from the four face down cards by clicking on it and have that card be of higher value than the dealer's upcard. If it's higher, you win, if it's lower you lose. For this purpose ace is high, deuce is low. In the case of equal value, say you both have a seven, then it is a push, a tie, and the double bet will be displayed. The doubling feature gives the house no edge at all. It's an even money proposition, an old fashioned double or nothing bet. You can keep doubling this bet until you either lose it all, or cash out.
