Petar Mitrovic

A kicker can decide your win in Texas Hold’em poker. Experienced players always pay attention to the kicker card before they decide to raise or fold, while it may be hard for beginners to understand its role.So, let’s explain this simple complex. If you’re just starting out with Texas Hold’em, read our blog carefully. Once you get the basic rules down, you’ll be able to focus on a more advanced poker strategy.What Is a Kicker in Poker? A Simple Definition You Actually NeedA tie-breaker happens often in Texas Hold’em, especially when there are several players at the table. A kicker in poker is the side card that decides who wins when 2 or more players have the same hand.This is the only definition of a poker kicker you need. In Texas Hold’em, only the best 5 cards matter, starting from the high card to Royal Flush, which is the top poker hand ranking. For example, 2 players may have an identical high card, in which case, the kicker card in poker is considered to determine the winner.Why the Kicker Can Make or Break Your Hold’em HandYou never know what your kicker card will be and whether or not it will play any role in the hand. But that’s the beauty of this card. A kicker can make or break your hand. Having an A and a 7 is better than having an A and 6 because in case of a tie, your 7 can bring you a win. Even though this card is important, it’s just a matter of luck whether your side card is better than the one of your opponent. Players should know their Texas Hold’em rules well and familiarise themselves with different strategies to utilise their hands the most.How a Kicker Works: Real Hand Examples ExplainedHow the kicker works in poker is best shown through different examples. Let’s show you potential scenarios where a kicker may decide who wins the round. Take a look at different instances before you go and play poker online.Example 1: High Card With KickerYour hand: A, 10Your opponent: A, 8The board: J, 3, 6, Q, 5You both have an A as a high card, but in this scenario, you’re the winner because you’re holding a 10. We’re looking at 5 best cards, which are A-Q-J-10-6 in your case, while your opponent has A-Q-J-8-6. Here, 10>8, bringing you the victory.Example 2: Pair With KickerYour hand: A, JYour opponent: A, KThe board: A, 3, 6, Q, 5With a pair in each hand, it’s a tie. But, you have A-A-Q-J-6, while your opponent holds A-A-K-Q-6. With K>J, their kicker is stronger, in which case you’re losing the round.Example 3: Both Players Have the Same KickerYour hand: A, JYour opponent: A, JThe board: A, 3, 6, Q, 5With a pair in each hand, it’s a tie. You have A-A-Q-J-6, while your opponent holds A-A-Q-J-6. The kicker in this case is the same, J, and in this case, the hand results in a split pot. This is also the case when the kicker doesn’t apply, but we’ll discuss this scenario later on.The Most Common Kicker Myths and the Truth Behind ThemThe rules surrounding the kicker are pretty straightforward. The side cards break tie hands, otherwise, the hand will result in a split pot.The most important thing you should know is that the higher your kicker is the better. You can have multiple kickers or combine them. Some of the misconceptions around kickers mostly came from local poker games, but there isn’t anything ambiguous about kicker rules in official tournaments and online poker rooms.Hands Where Kickers Don't ApplyThere are some instances where a kicker doesn’t apply and has no role. Take a look at the example below: Your hand: K, 5Your opponent: K, 4The board: Q, J, 9, 8, 6We have to look at top 5 cards here and your 5 and your opponent’s 4 don’t come into play. Therefore, this hand is a time as both players have the same hand, therefore it’s a split pot.Also, keep in mind that kickers don’t count in a Straight, Flush, Full House, Straight and Royal Flush. And if such poker terms are confusing to you, make sure you understand the winning combinations and basic poker rules before you obsess yourself with a kicker.Kicker Strategy Tips to Stop Losing on the RiverA kicker shouldn’t be the card you rely on too much. After all, it’s there to help you win split ties, but you can’t influence too much on what your kicker is. Therefore, if you want to have success as a poker player, focus on getting the best hand possible. If you have a pair, re-evaluate your position and check what your kicker is before you decide to call or raise.Playing with a weak or medium kicker can cost you on the river. So, if you’re not sure, sometimes it’s better to fold earlier than have your fate decided on the river. If you have a pair and a strong kicker, it might pay off to bet, but if someone raises you, consider folding.

Blackjack is widely popular among casino players due to its theoretical edge. Although many players enjoy playing blackjack both casually and professionally, few are familiar with its fascinating history, which spans over 300 years.The game has appeared under several alternative names, and due to its simple rules, it quickly caught fire with the general public.So, let’s explore the history of one of the most popular and easy-to-learn but hard-to-master casino games.The Origins of Blackjack: Tracing the Game’s Early HistoryBlackjack (in its initial form, not yet called blackjack) appeared in various European countries, including Spain, France, the UK, and the US.Although the first written records span hundreds of years, depending on the country, it’s safe to assume that the game was played actively throughout Western Europe, both in courts and taverns.Blackjack basic strategy can be understood in a few minutes, which is probably one of the reasons why the game has developed and stayed without any major changes.When Was Blackjack Invented? Exploring Its TimelineSpanish author Miguel de Cervantes first mentions Veintiuno (Spanish for “twenty-one” or “vingt-un” in France) in his "Rinconete y Cortadillo", which was completed in the early 1600s, meaning that the game known as 21 (the predecessor of blackjack) was played in Castile at the beginning of the 17th century and most likely earlier.The first records of the game in the UK and France date from the 1770s and 1888, respectively. However, there’s no pinpointing the exact year in which blackjack, or 21, was invented. The goal of the early game was to get to 21 points, without going over, while the A carried the value of 1 and 11.Where Did Blackjack Originate? A Look at Its Geographic RootsIf written sources are to be trusted, it’s safe to say that blackjack originated in Spain and quickly expanded to neighbouring countries, primarily France and the UK. Some believe that the game actually originated in France, called vingt-un at the time, and it was massively popular among the French elite. However, this can’t be said for certain. One thing is for sure - the game originated somewhere in western Europe, and whether it was Spain or France isn’t of importance today.There are even theories mentioning the Romans as game inventors. This can’t be confirmed, but the Romans did love gambling, and we can leave open the possibility that some very early version of the game did indeed exist in ancient Rome.Who Invented Blackjack? The Mystery Behind Its CreatorThere isn’t one person who invented blackjack. The game is shaped by European gambling culture, and it has evolved over time, becoming the game we know and love today.Blackjack was popular across Europe and the US due to its simplicity, played both in high courts and among common people.The Name Origin of Blackjack: Why Is It Called ‘Blackjack’?If your hand consisted of the ace of spades and a black jack (the jack of clubs or spades), you’d get a ten-to-one payout. Therefore, the term blackjack was later used for the game name.According to French card historian Thierry Depaulis, this widely accepted story isn’t exactly true as people are led to believe, and he offers another explanation.During the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, people played vingt-un or twenty-one. The name blackjack refers to the mineral zincblende, which is associated with gold and silver deposits, and it was given as a reward for the top bonus hand. The name blackjack stuck and became widely used over time.Is Blackjack the Same as 21?Yes, blackjack is essentially the same as 21. Think of twenty-one as the predecessor or an alternative name for blackjack. But, you don't have to be familiar with the game history to know how to win at blackjack. It's just fun to know the trivia, though.There were some other alternative games with similar goals. For instance, vingt-un came after French Quinze (where the goal was to get to 15) and Italian Sette e Mezzo (seven and a half). In Spain, 31 was also played in addition to 21. The Evolution of the 21 Card Game Into Modern Blackjack?Throughout history, blackjack came in different forms and although the goal of the game was the same, different rules applied depending on where you’d play it. For example, a Spanish deck was used in Spain, containing no 10s, while the French version included a banker. In the US, the bonus payout of 10:1 was offered if your hand consisted of the Ace of Spades and a black jack.Over time, the rules began to standardise. Multiple decks were used to prevent card counting while the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17. Splitting pairs and doubling down came into play, turning blackjack into the game we know today.This particular card game became popular once casinos started opening up after WWII, especially in Vegas. Nowadays, you can play online blackjack in different casinos around the world from your home. This includes different variations of blackjack games, live dealer blackjack and tournaments.Some Fun Facts About Blackjack You Probably Didn’t KnowAs if blackjack isn’t fun enough, to finish things off, we’ve selected some of the interesting facts to check about the game: You have to shuffle at least 7 times to randomise a deck.The Blackjack Hall of Fame in Barona Casino, in San Diego, California, offers every inductee a lifetime of complimentary rooms, food, and beverages. They must never play blackjack in the casino, though.Eleanore Dumont was the first professional blackjack player in the US.Napoleon Bonaparte enjoyed blackjack, but prohibited his soldiers from playing before the battle in order not to lose focus.Some of the best blackjack movies are 21 and Rain Man.

Deuces Wild is a popular video poker game known for its high RTP. If you’ve ever played Jacks or Better, you pretty much know everything about Deuces Wild. However, all of the 2s (or deuces) act as wild cards, replacing any cards of the deck. You can see how this increases your chances of winning. Not only this, but the 2s being wilds completely changes the gameplay. Explore the Deuces Wild strategy below and increase your chances of winning, raising the expected return to slightly over 100%.What Is the Deuces Wild Video Poker Strategy and Why It’s UniqueDeuces Wild video poker strategy is the strategy you use in the game to increase your chances of winning. The presence of four wild cards (four 2s) drastically changes your decisions on what to keep and what to discard.Other than deuces playing the role, the rest of the game plays like regular video poker. You deal the cards, make your move and see if you’ve won something or not.How to Play Deuces Wild: Basic Strategy for BeginnersBefore you can dive into deuces wild poker strategy, you need to understand how the gameplay works. This involves the mechanics of video poker, as well as combinations that result in a payout. Below are the winning combinations in a game:Three of a kind: any three identical cards (5, 5, 5).Straight: any five subsequent cards (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), regardless of colour or suit.Flush: any five cards with the same suit (5,10, J, K, 2 of hearts)Full house: one pair and three of a kind (3, 3 and K, K, K)Four of a kind: four matching kinds or poker (9, 9, 9, 9)Straight flush: the combination of a straight and flush (5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of spades)Five of a kind: four of a kind with the 2 (Q, Q, Q, Q, 2). Only exists in Deuces Wild.Royal flush: a straight flush with the strongest cards (10, J, Q, K, A)Four deuces: all four 2s (2, 2, 2, 2)Natural royal flush: a royal flush, but with the 2 acting as wild (10, J, 2, K, A)Deal, Draw and Payout Flow ExplainedDownload our basic Deuces Wild strategy PDFThe game starts when you press the Deal button. Five cards will appear on screen and it’s your job to select which cards to hold. There’s an option to select auto hold, which automatically selects the best possible combination for you. However, if you want to make the most out of your video poker strategy in Deuces Wild, we suggest you turn the feature off, because there are some choices which aren’t so obvious.Once you choose which cards to hold, you click on the Draw button, which replaces the remaining cards with the new ones. The final combination appears on the screen and if it’s one of the winning combos listed above, you get a chance to cash out.The Role of Wild Cards in Deuces WildIn Deuces Wild, all 2s act as wild cards. This means that they can replace any card from the deck and form winning combinations. Having deuces as wilds significantly increases your chances of winning.Mastering the Power of Deuces in Strategy PlayHaving the deuces at your side is really helpful when you deal the cards. Luckily, you don’t have to wipe out your basic Jacks or Better strategy, if that’s what you’re used to. But, the deuces do add complexity to the game, so let’s see what you can do to have them work in your favour.When to Hold a DeuceBecause deuces act as wilds, holding them whenever they appear on your screen can help you out, regardless of the combination you’re after. This is the golden rule of the game because it can be a life-saver in many situations. Deuces are your best friend and they’ll help you form winning combinations.How Deuces Help Complete Strong HandsHaving one or two pairs is a bit unfair in Deuces Wild because it would be quite easy to cash out, so the first combination you can get is 3-of-a-kind. A deuce landing with any pair can help you win.Deuces are ultimate jokers and they can complete any other combo, making flush, a full house and straight flush much easier to get.Hand Rankings and Pay Table Strategy in Deuces WildBecause there are no pairs and two pairs in Deuces Wild, the value of different combinations changes a bit. Landing 3-of-a-kind holds the least value in the game, while some of the top combinations that exist here (and aren’t available in other versions of poker) are 5 of a kind, wild royal flush, 4 deuces and natural royal flush. Based on this, you should aim for higher paying combos because deuces give you the extra edge and they’re much easier to hit.Optimal Starting Hands in Deuces WildRecognising optimal starting hands in Deuces Wild is crucial. What may seem to be a weak hand at the beginning can have a strong potential if you hold the right cards. Holding every deuce and going for higher-value combinations can bring you higher payouts.Deuces Wild Strategy Chart: Best Moves Based on the Number of DeucesDownload our Deuces Wild strategy guide by number PDFThe Deuces Wild video poker strategy can be broken down into how many 2s you get at the beginning of the game and what to do in each instance. Below are some of the moves you can make to get the most out of the game.No DeucesDiscard all five cards if you have no useful combinations.Keep two high cards to a royal flush (J, Q, K, A).Keep four cards to an inside straight only if the missing card is not a deuce.Hold three cards to a straight flush.Hold four cards to an open-ended straight.Keep four cards to a flush.Keep a pair.Hold three cards to a royal flush.Keep four cards to a straight flush.Keep any made hand from 3 of a kind up to a straight flush.Hold four cards to a royal flush.Always keep a made royal flush.One DeuceAlways keep a Deuce and discard the other four cards.Hold three suited cards to a straight flush with two connected (9-10 or higher).Keep three cards to a royal flush.Keep four cards to a straight flush.Hold four suited, semi-connected cards (6-8 or higher) to a straight flush.Keep any made hand: 3-of-a-kind, straight, or flush.Always keep a full house.Keep four cards to a royal flush.Hold 4 identical cards and go for 5-of-a-kind.Always keep hands that are 4 of a kind or better.Two DeucesKeep any 2s and discard all other cards in other hands.Hold four cards to a straight flush with at least two connected cards.Keep four cards to a royal flush.Hold 4 of a kind and discard the fifth card.Three or Four DeucesWhen you get three or four deuces, just keep them and see if it’s required to keep another card that can give you a royal flush.Full-Pay vs. Short-Pay: Finding the Best Deuces Wild GameFull-pay deuces wild gives you the best chances of walking out profitable from an online poker game. With the perfect play, you actually have an edge over the house with the payback of 100.76%. However, the game’s impossible to find, which is why short-pay Deuces Wild is the most widespread. With the perfect strategy, the payback for the short-pay version is 94.43%.Common Mistakes in Deuces Wild Strategy (and How to Avoid Them)Playing the perfect game is almost impossible, even when we speak of Deuces Wild. After all, like all casino games, there’s a dose of luck involved. Still, you want to bring the Deuces Wild strategy to perfection and minimise mistakes as much as possible.Check out some of the most common mistakes players make in Deuces Wild:Overplaying Weak Hands or Low PairsGoing for low pairs will lose you money in the long run. The 2s give the game an extra layer, increasing the chances of scoring high-value combinations and changing your strategy.Breaking Made Hands for Risky DrawsThere’s always a chance to score some high wins, but if you already have a made-hand, even if it’s a low paying one, you should never break it because of the potential.Not Understanding the StrategyA lot of players who try Deuces Wild after Jacks or Better or any other video poker alternative tend to stick to the strategy that applies to that particular game. Although it’s a similar game, Deuces Wild has its own strategy you should learn and understand.

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, requiring both skill and luck to win. However, not all players are familiar with the concept of soft 17 blackjack or understand the rule and why it’s important.So, what is a soft 17 in blackjack? The soft 17 rule is a rule that requires the dealer to hit on soft 17. How does that affect the house edge and your strategy? By the end of this article you’ll know everything about soft 17 in blackjack.What Does a Soft 17 Mean in Blackjack?Any blackjack hand that contains an Ace counted as an 11 is a soft hand. Opposite to it, a hard hand doesn’t have an Ace, or it has it, but it’s immediately counted as one.Therefore, a “soft 17” refers to a hand that totals 17 and includes an Ace counted as an 11, most commonly being an Ace and a 6. For comparison, a 10-7 hand is a hard hand where players must always stand. Variations of soft 17 hands include:A, 4, 2A, 3, 3A, A, 5A, 2, 2, 2All of these hands are counted as 17s or as 7s. As a player, you have a hand that totals 17, which is a fairly high value and very close to 21. However, you can easily draw another card without the fear of going over because the Ace automatically takes its alternate value (1), making it impossible to have a total that exceeds 21.Soft 17 vs Hard 17 BlackjackA soft 17 in blackjack adds up to 17 points, and it’s called soft because the Ace is counted as 11, but it becomes 1 if the next card you draw takes you over 21.In fact, any hand that contains an Ace valued at 11 is considered a soft hand, which means there are soft hands ranging from soft 12 to soft 20. Because they include an Ace, these hands are flexible, allowing players to draw another card without the risk of busting (going over 21).For example, in cases like the one shown in the image above, we’d be talking about soft hands, since the Ace would be counted as 11 (6 + 11 = soft 17).On the other hand, a hard hand in blackjack is one that does not contain an Ace, or where the Ace is already counted as 1. In other words, with hard hands, there is a real risk of going over 21 when drawing another card.How to Play a Soft 17 in BlackjackIf you’re just learning how to play blackjack, you should know that rules can vary when it comes to what the dealer must do upon receiving a soft 17. In all cases, the dealer is always required to hit on 16 and stand on a hard 17 or higher. But when it comes to a soft 17, there are two possible rule variations:Hit on soft 17Stand on soft 17This might seem like a minor detail to inexperienced players, but it’s not. In fact, it’s one of the most important rules in blackjack.The hit on soft 17 rule is more common in land-based casinos than the stand on soft 17 rule, because it increases the house edge. In contrast, in online casinos, it’s common to find games with both rule variants, and some online blackjack games even allow players to configure this rule according to their preferences.What Effect Does the Soft 17 Rule Have on the House Edge?If the dealer is following the "hit on soft 17" rule, it means they must draw another card if their hand includes, for example, an Ace and a 6. This slightly increases the house edge, because the dealer has the chance to improve their hand to 18, 19, 20, or even 21 without the risk of busting!On the other hand, if the dealer follows the "stand on soft 17" rule, they cannot draw another card. In this case, the dealer must stand on a hand worth 17. This rule slightly reduces the house edge, because the dealer misses the opportunity to improve their hand with an extra card. More precisely, the house edge is reduced by 0.22% when the stand on soft 17 rule is in place, making the game more favourable to players.Counting Cards and Soft 17 BlackjackCard counting in blackjack is a fascinating topic. Many people think you need to be a math genius to do it, but that’s not true. Of course, being good with numbers helps, but with some practice, anyone can learn to do it.The card counting strategy is based on tracking the cards that have already been dealt and using that information to make smarter decisions about your next hand. This basic strategy works best at single-deck tables, though it can still be applied to multi-deck blackjack.Card counting can reduce the house edge by 1% to 2%, especially at single-deck tables. However, it’s far from a guaranteed way to win. Additionally, casinos can take steps to detect and prevent this practice, like using multiple decks, shuffling frequently, or banning players suspected of counting cards.In general, while both card counting and soft 17 rules can impact the house edge, they are still minor factors in the grand scheme of the game. Blackjack remains a game of chance, and the house will always retain an edge in the long run, even when these strategies are used.How to Adjust Your Strategy for the Soft 17 Blackjack RuleBlackjack may be a table game with simple rules, but that hasn’t stopped entire books from being written about tips and basic strategies to win. A lot of these rules are connected to soft 17 and what you should do to increase your chances to win.The main question is: “Does a blackjack dealer have to hit a soft 17?” An answer to this will form your strategy. However, some strategies apply to all versions of the game, whether the dealer is required to stand or hit on a soft 17. Let’s look at some of them:It’s advisable to hit, depending on the dealer’s upcard, in the following situations:You have between 4 and 8.You have 9 against the dealer’s A, 2 or 7-10.You have 10 against an A or 10.You have 12 against an A, 2, 3 and 7-10.You have 13 or 14 against an A, 7, 8, 9 or 10.You should stand when:You have a hard 17 or higher.Surrender a hard 16 against the dealer’s A, 9 or 10 (if surrender isn’t allowed, hit instead).Surrender a hard 15 against the dealer’s 10 (or hit if surrender isn’t an option).Double 9 against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6.Double 10 or 11 (hard) against the dealer’s 2 through 9 (hit if doubling is not allowed).Double 11 (hard) against the dealer’s 10 (hit if doubling isn’t allowed).If the dealer is required to hit, blackjack soft 17 strategies are nearly the same, with a few exceptions:If you have a hard 11 and the dealer shows an A, it’s better to double down, or hit if doubling isn’t allowed.With a hard 15 vs. a dealer’s A, it’s best to surrender, or hit if surrender isn’t an option.Lastly, it’s important to know how to play a soft 17 in blackjack. If you’re dealt this hand, what you should do is very simple:If the dealer’s upcard is between 3 and 6 and doubling down in blackjack is allowed, double down.Otherwise, always hit.As you can see, there’s no reason to stand on a soft 17 in blackjack, since it’s impossible to bust and an extra card can only improve your hand.When playing online blackjack, it’s helpful to keep these guidelines handy. However, it’s also important to remember that the main goal of the game is to have fun, and no basic strategy can completely eliminate the house edge.