

Double Aces and Faces by Red Rake Gaming stands out in the video poker world with its player-friendly RTP of 98.91% when played optimally, a maximum win potential of 4,000x your stake on a royal flush, and snappy rounds that usually wrap up in 30-60 seconds. This game amps up the classic Aces and Faces formula by doubling down on payouts for premium four-of-a-kind hands—specifically aces or face cards (jacks, queens, kings)—while tossing in a gamble feature to let winners chase bigger rewards. It's perfect for those who enjoy poker strategy blended with slot-like simplicity, delivering steady action without dragging on.
What sets it apart from basic video poker is the enhanced paytable that rewards those high-value hands more generously, encouraging smart decisions on holds and discards. Whether you're a strategy buff or just dipping into video poker, the game's balance of skill and luck keeps sessions engaging and potentially profitable over time.
At its core, Double Aces and Faces follows the familiar video poker rhythm but with paytable tweaks that spotlight aces and face cards. You start by selecting your bet amount, typically 1 to 5 coins per hand at a fixed coin value, which influences payout multipliers—always bet max coins for the full royal flush bonus. The game deals five cards face-up from a 52-card deck.
Players then decide which cards to hold (0-5) based on potential hands, and the rest are discarded for new draws from the remaining deck. The final five-card hand is evaluated against the paytable: pairs of jacks or better pay small, but full houses, flushes, straights, and especially four aces or four face cards (J, Q, K) trigger solid wins. Four aces pay highest among quads, followed by faces, then others.
Randomness governs the initial deal and draw, powered by a certified RNG for fairness. After a win, the double-up feature activates optionally: guess a card's color (red/black) or suit to multiply winnings, with limits on consecutive gambles to prevent overextension. Losses end the gamble chain, returning to base play. Multi-hand options might appear in some versions, dealing up to 100 hands simultaneously for scaled action, but strategy remains king across all.
Overall flow feels intuitive—bet, play, win (or not), repeat—making it accessible yet deep enough for chart-studying pros who shave the house edge razor-thin.
Set Your Bet: Adjust coin value and number (aim for 5 coins max for optimal payouts). Check the paytable to understand returns per hand strength.
Get Dealt: Hit 'Deal' for your five cards. The game often suggests auto-holds based on strategy, but you can override.
Choose Holds: Tap or click cards to hold the best combo toward high-paying hands like straights, flushes, or quad aces/faces. Discard the rest.
Draw and Evaluate: Press 'Draw' for replacements. Your final hand pays instantly if qualifying; no-pay hands lose the bet.
Gamble or Collect: On wins, choose to collect or enter double-up mode. Guess correctly to double; wrong ends it. Ready for another hand?
Generous Paytable: Extra boosts for four-of-a-kind aces and face cards make premium hands more lucrative than standard video poker.
Double-Up Gamble: Risk winnings for doubles on color/suit guesses, adding adrenaline without mandatory play.
Auto-Hold Assistance: Smart suggestions guide beginners toward optimal strategy, speeding up decisions.
Quick Rounds: 30-60 seconds per hand keeps the pace brisk, ideal for short bursts or long grinds.
High RTP Potential: 98.91% with perfect play rewards skill, outperforming many slots.
Customizable Bets: Flexible coin sizes suit low-stakes fun or higher-risk chases.
Clear Visuals: Crisp graphics and smooth animations make card evaluation effortless.
Multi-Hand Play: Some setups allow simultaneous hands, multiplying wins (and variance) efficiently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High RTP minimizes house edge with strategy | Steep learning curve for optimal play |
| Skill-based decisions boost long-term returns | High variance means dry spells possible |
| Fast-paced hands for efficient sessions | Gamble feature tempts chasing losses |
| Max 4,000x royal flush potential | Max coin bet required for top payouts |
| Auto-hold simplifies choices for newbies | Fewer bonus rounds than modern slots |
| Responsible gamble limits curb excess risk | Paytable less volatile than themed games |
Start with the lowest bets to get comfortable with the interface and paytable—watch how holds lead to better hands over a few dozen rounds. Study a basic strategy chart for Aces and Faces; it prioritizes holding pairs of jacks-plus, low pairs for draws to quads, and suited connectors for flushes. Ignore the gamble feature initially to build bankroll steadily, as it's pure luck.
Play max coins always for that royal flush kicker, but set a session budget upfront, like 100x your bet size, and walk away after hitting it. Use auto-hold as a teacher, then experiment to learn nuances, like favoring face cards for quad potential. Track your sessions mentally: if RTP feels off, it's variance—stick to strategy, not hunches. Above all, treat it as entertainment, not income.
Most sites hosting Double Aces and Faces offer a free demo mode, letting you spin through hands with play money. This risk-free setup is invaluable for practicing strategy without dipping into your wallet—test different holds, get a feel for paytable quirks, and master the double-up rhythm. Demos mirror real gameplay exactly, including RNG fairness, so wins and losses feel authentic. Once confident, switch to real stakes seamlessly, carrying over your edge.
Video poker like Double Aces and Faces relies on RNG for every deal and draw, ensuring no predictable patterns—past hands don't influence future ones. Set strict time and money limits before starting, never chasing losses, and use casino tools like session timers or deposit caps. Only players 18+ (or local legal age) should engage, and if gambling stops being fun, pause via self-exclusion or helplines like Gamblers Anonymous. Licensed platforms prioritize fair play and secure transactions, but personal discipline keeps it sustainable.