This poker variant is streamed live from Evolution’s Latvia studio and, as with all live games, features real dealers at a real table. The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards — but don’t get any ideas about card-counting. The deck is reshuffled after every round, preventing any tracking or advantage play. To keep the pace fast, the dealer alternates between two decks: while one is in play, the other is being shuffled offscreen.
Before each round, players place their bets. As in standard Casino Hold’em, you must place an Ante to participate, with an optional Bonus side bet available. You may also choose to play just one hand instead of both — though doing so defeats the purpose of “2 Hand” Casino Hold’em, the option is there if you want it.
Once all wagers are locked in, the dealer deals two hands to the player and a face-down hand to themselves. After the first three community cards (the flop) are revealed, players must choose whether to Raise (2x the Ante) or Fold. Evolution includes a quick on-screen evaluation of your potential five-card hand to help you make faster decisions.
After the turn and river cards are dealt, your hand or hands are compared with the dealer’s. The dealer must qualify with at least a pair of 4s . Since you’re playing two hands independently, it’s possible to win one and lose the other. Payouts depend on the strength of your hand, with the top main-game prize being 100:1 for a Royal Flush.
Side Bet Overview
The Bonus side bet can only be made by staking 2x your Ante . It pays based solely on your final five-card hand, regardless of whether you beat the dealer. The highest payout is 100:1 for a Royal Flush , meaning a perfect round could produce a combined 200:1 win when paired with the main bet payout.
Main Game Payouts
(Per hand — must beat the dealer to win)
- One Pair or less – 1:1
- Two Pairs – 1:1
- Three of a Kind – 1:1
- Straight – 1:1
- Flush – 2:1
- Full House – 3:1
- Four of a Kind – 10:1
- Straight Flush – 20:1
- Royal Flush – 100:1
Bonus Side Bet Payouts
(Paid regardless of dealer qualification)
- Pair of Aces – 7:1
- Two Pairs – 7:1
- Three of a Kind – 7:1
- Straight – 7:1
- Flush – 20:1
- Full House – 30:1
- Four of a Kind – 40:1
- Straight Flush – 50:1
- Royal Flush – 100:1
As with most side bets, the Bonus wager reduces overall RTP. Whether you use it is purely a matter of preference and risk tolerance.
Live 2 Hand Casino Hold’em Strategy
This variant is more forgiving than many other live poker games. Crucially, you’re not forced to commit based solely on your two hole cards — the flop is revealed before you must decide whether to Raise or Fold. This alone significantly improves your decision-making potential.
Here are the core strategic principles:
1. Treat Each Hand Independently
Each of your two hands is a completely separate scenario. Don’t hesitate to fold one and continue with the other if only one has real potential.
2. Evaluate the Flop Carefully
Evolution displays your best five-card hand automatically, making it easier to judge your odds. Use this information — don’t raise purely on instinct.
3. Remember the Dealer’s Qualification Requirement
The dealer must have at least a pair of 4s to qualify.
If the community cards already include a pair, be cautious — weaker hands may be pushed even if you make a marginal improvement.
4. General Guidelines for Playing Your Hand
- Aces and Kings are almost always worth playing.
- If the board contains an Ace and you hold another, that’s already good enough to continue.
- High Queens or Jacks can be playable depending on the flop texture.
- If both your hole cards are higher than the flop’s highest card, it’s usually a solid raise.
- Drawing hands (four to a straight or flush) are often worth continuing.
- Weak, unconnected low cards should be folded.
RTP and What It Means for Strategy
- Per hand RTP: 97.84%
- Playing both hands (no side bets): up to 99.18%
- Bonus side bet RTP: 93.74%
The clear takeaway:
The most optimal strategy is to avoid the side bet.
It offers big payouts, but the house edge increases dramatically. If your goal is long-term expected value, stick to the main bets only.