Double Super Times Pay represents a significant evolution in video poker game design, building upon the original Super Times Pay concept by introducing dual multiplier opportunities. This game variant has gained attention among video poker enthusiasts for its frequent multiplier action and potential for substantial payouts, though it comes with considerably higher variance than traditional video poker games.
Introduction
The fundamental appeal of Double Super Times Pay lies in its multiplier frequency and the possibility of stacking two multipliers on a single hand. Unlike many video poker variants where bonus features appear rarely, this game delivers multiplier action approximately once every eight hands, creating a more dynamic playing experience. However, this increased action comes at a cost—both in terms of the additional wager required and the adjustments made to base paytables to accommodate the multiplier feature.
Understanding the mathematical structure of Double Super Times Pay is crucial for players who want to make informed decisions about whether this game fits their playing style and bankroll capacity. The game requires a different approach to both strategy and bankroll management compared to standard video poker variants.
Game Mechanics and Multiplier Structure
Double Super Times Pay operates on a two-stage multiplier system that distinguishes it from simpler video poker variants. Players must bet maximum coins to activate both multiplier opportunities, which appear independently on the deal and the draw.
Deal Multiplier Frequency
The first multiplier opportunity occurs on the initial deal. When playing maximum bet, a multiplier symbol may appear alongside your dealt cards. The frequency and distribution of deal multipliers follow a specific mathematical model that affects the overall game return. Deal multipliers range from 2X to 4X, with each multiplier value appearing at predetermined frequencies that contribute to the game's overall volatility profile.
Draw Multiplier Frequency
After making your hold decisions and drawing replacement cards, a second independent multiplier opportunity occurs. Draw multipliers also range from 2X to 4X and appear with their own frequency distribution. The independence of these two multiplier events means that both can occur on the same hand, creating the potential for combined multipliers of 4X, 6X, 8X, 12X, or the maximum 20X when two 4X multipliers align.
Combined Multiplier Mathematics
The mathematical interaction between deal and draw multipliers creates the game's distinctive variance profile. When both multipliers appear on the same hand, they multiply together rather than adding. This multiplicative relationship means that a 4X deal multiplier combined with a 4X draw multiplier produces a 16X total multiplier, not 8X. Understanding this multiplication principle is essential for appreciating the game's potential and its risk profile.
Paytable Variations and Return Percentages
Double Super Times Pay is available with multiple base game paytables, and the choice of paytable significantly impacts the overall return to player percentage. Casino installations vary widely in the paytables they offer, making game selection a critical skill for players.
Common Paytable Configurations
The most frequently encountered paytables include 9-6 Double Bonus, 9-5 Double Double Bonus, 7-5 Bonus Poker, and various Deuces Wild configurations. Each paytable has been adjusted from its full-pay version to account for the multiplier feature. For example, 9-6 Double Bonus in Double Super Times Pay returns approximately 99.39 percent with optimal play, while 9-5 Double Double Bonus returns approximately 99.28 percent.
Paytable Comparison Analysis
When evaluating different paytable options, players must consider both the base return percentage and the variance characteristics of each game type. Double Bonus variants tend to offer higher returns but with increased variance due to the emphasis on four-of-a-kind hands. Bonus Poker variants typically show lower returns, with 7-5 Bonus Poker returning only 98.42 percent, making it a less attractive option for informed players.
Optimal Strategy Considerations
Playing Double Super Times Pay optimally requires understanding how multipliers affect strategic decisions. While base game strategy remains largely unchanged, the presence of multipliers and the increased cost per hand create situations where strategy adjustments may be warranted.
Base Strategy Application
For most hands, players should follow the optimal strategy for the underlying paytable. The multiplier feature does not change the fundamental mathematics of which cards to hold in most situations. A pair of jacks remains a pair of jacks whether a multiplier is present or not, and the correct holds follow standard video poker strategy for the base game.
Multiplier-Influenced Decisions
The primary strategic consideration unique to Double Super Times Pay involves the increased cost of play. Because maximum bet is required to access both multipliers, players are wagering more per hand than in standard video poker. This increased cost does not change individual hand strategy but does affect game selection and session bankroll requirements.
Bankroll Requirements and Variance
Double Super Times Pay exhibits significantly higher variance than standard video poker games, making proper bankroll management essential for players who want to avoid premature session endings.
Variance Analysis
The combination of multiplier features and adjusted paytables creates a variance profile that can be two to three times higher than comparable non-multiplier games. Players can experience extended losing streaks punctuated by occasional large multiplier wins. This volatility pattern requires a larger bankroll relative to the bet size to maintain acceptable risk of ruin levels.
Recommended Bankroll Sizing
Conservative bankroll recommendations for Double Super Times Pay suggest maintaining at least 1,000 maximum bet units for recreational play sessions, with serious players requiring substantially more for extended play. At the quarter denomination with maximum bet, this translates to a minimum session bankroll of several hundred dollars. Players accustomed to standard video poker bankroll requirements will find Double Super Times Pay demands significantly more capital to play comfortably.
Casino Availability and Denominations
Double Super Times Pay availability varies by casino and jurisdiction. The game has been installed in select properties, typically at nickel and quarter denominations, though some locations offer higher denomination options.
Geographic Distribution
Early installations of Double Super Times Pay appeared at properties like Suncoast and Harrah's, with the game gradually expanding to other casino locations. Availability remains more limited compared to standard video poker variants, making game hunting a necessary skill for players specifically seeking this variant.
Denomination Considerations
The game's high variance makes denomination selection particularly important. Nickel denominations offer the most accessible entry point, though even at this level, maximum bet requirements mean each hand costs a significant amount. Quarter play represents the most common denomination for this game, balancing accessibility with meaningful win potential.
Comparison to Original Super Times Pay
Understanding how Double Super Times Pay differs from the original Super Times Pay helps players appreciate the enhanced features and increased variance of the double version.
The original Super Times Pay offered a single multiplier opportunity, creating a simpler game structure with lower variance. Double Super Times Pay's addition of a second independent multiplier approximately doubles the multiplier frequency while creating the possibility of stacked multipliers. This enhancement increases both the excitement factor and the bankroll requirements, making the double version a more volatile but potentially more rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Double Super Times Pay offers video poker players a high-variance alternative to standard games, with frequent multiplier action and the potential for substantial combined multipliers. The game's appeal lies in its dynamic play experience and regular bonus features, occurring approximately every eight hands on average. However, this enhanced gameplay comes with significant tradeoffs in the form of reduced base paytables and dramatically increased variance.
Players considering Double Super Times Pay should carefully evaluate their bankroll capacity and risk tolerance. The game requires substantially larger bankrolls than standard video poker variants and can produce extended losing streaks despite its frequent multiplier appearances. For players with adequate bankrolls who enjoy higher variance gameplay, Double Super Times Pay provides an engaging alternative to traditional video poker. Those with limited bankrolls or lower risk tolerance may find standard video poker variants more suitable to their needs.
Success with Double Super Times Pay requires selecting the best available paytables, applying optimal base game strategy, and maintaining disciplined bankroll management. Players who approach the game with realistic expectations and proper preparation can enjoy the enhanced action while managing the inherent risks of this volatile video poker variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do multipliers appear in Double Super Times Pay?
Multipliers appear approximately once every eight hands on average when playing maximum bet. Both deal and draw multipliers occur independently, so you may see one, both, or neither on any given hand.
What is the maximum possible multiplier in Double Super Times Pay?
The maximum combined multiplier is 20X, which occurs when you receive a 4X multiplier on the deal and another 4X multiplier on the draw. These multiply together rather than adding, creating the 16X result, though some configurations allow up to 20X.
Do I need to play maximum bet to get multipliers?
Yes, maximum bet is required to activate both the deal and draw multiplier features. Playing less than maximum bet significantly reduces the game's return percentage and eliminates the dual multiplier opportunity that defines the game.
How does variance in Double Super Times Pay compare to standard video poker?
Double Super Times Pay has significantly higher variance than standard video poker, typically two to three times higher. This means larger bankroll requirements and greater swings, with longer losing streaks offset by occasional large multiplier wins.
What are the best paytables available for Double Super Times Pay?
The best commonly available paytables are 9-6 Double Bonus at 99.39 percent return and 9-5 Double Double Bonus at 99.28 percent return. Avoid 7-5 Bonus Poker at 98.42 percent and 20-12-10 Deuces Wild at 97.98 percent when better options are available.
Does strategy change when a multiplier is present?
No, the presence of a multiplier does not change optimal strategy for individual hands. You should follow the standard optimal strategy for the base paytable regardless of whether multipliers are active on the current hand.