Spin and Go Poker Mega Guide

Spin and Go Header

This Spin and Go guide will teach you everything you need to know about Spins also known as Spin & Gold, Expresso, Twister Sit & Go, and Windfall Jackpot Sit & Go.

What is Spin and Go Poker?

Spin and Go is a fast three-person poker format where players have a chance of winning huge amounts of money. The classic version  has 2-5 minute blinds (depending on the multiplier) and a starting stack of 500 chips. Fast Spin & Go poker tournaments have become one of the most popular online poker formats over the past few years.

Thanks to the possibility of winning a big jackpot in a fast 3-player tournament, these games attract many casual players looking for some excitement. Spin and Go’s were first introduced on Winamax (Originally called Expresso), but the idea has spread to other rooms.  These SNG Jackpot games (Spins) have impressive stats, it is one of the most popular online poker formats.

Where Can You Play Spin and Go Games?

If you’re interested in playing Spin & Go games, you can find them on every major poker site.  Make sure to sign up through PokCas to get access to special leaderboards, freerolls, giveaways, and more.

Regardless of where you choose to play, the fundamental strategy remains the same.  All of these poker rooms offer low and high buy-in limits, however, they have different traffic (amount of active players during peak hours), rakeback, bonuses, software, and different percentage of regular (good) and recreational players.

If you are an active Spin and Go player or planning to be one, please get in touch so that we could provide you with additional rakeback.  In some cases, we can do that for old accounts or if you are just planning to sign up, we will help you to find the best deals for your home country.

Poker Sites with Spin and Go Games

Spin and Go Strategy

Best Spin and Go Poker Strategy is to be ‘Smart-Aggressive’.  You have to be very aggressive but should not turn into a maniac.  Pay attention to your chip stack and blinds.  Remember, you can still fold some hands pre-flop, especially in the beginning.  When it comes to strategy, it is always best to maintain a healthy bankroll for your level of play and always strive to improve your game by watching training videos, live streams, and examining your hands.  Being in a stable or poker school (such as Smart Spin) is a great way to grow as a player. If you do these things and keep a cool head on your shoulders, you will be in a great spot to become a winning player.

Aggressive Play for the Win

Spin and Go tournaments feature a shallow structure, where players get to the push-fold stage very quickly.  Many casual players fail to adapt to this fact and make far too many speculative calls, trying to see the flop and play from there.  The winning strategy in these is to stay very aggressive and push your edge.  Avoid limping and calling as much as possible.  Don’t be afraid to push your chips fairly wide and put your opponents to the test.  This is especially true for Spin and Go’s with high multipliers, where less experienced players are likely to play too tight and reluctant to bust out.

Of course, if you use tracking software (a poker tracker), you can rely on statistics to tell you how to adjust your game.  Against someone who folds too much, you can afford to shove almost any two cards.  Likewise, if you’re dealing with a player who doesn’t like to fold, adjust your range to exploit this tendency.

Hand Ranges & Charts

Want to know how to play Spin and Go Flash, Spins Ultra, Expresso Nitro, and other quick formats? Then click on this cheat sheet in order to save and keep it for future use.

spin and go flash charts

Click to enlarge

Strategy Tips

PokCas recommends that serious Spin & Go players choose games with deeper starting stacks and longer blinds.  This will mean that you will have more decisions to make and push your edge over weaker opponents. 

In addition, PokCas advises to track and chart your results.  This way you can monitor your results, on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and be in a position to take action quickly if you spot leaks in your game. 

Playing aggressively at the start, while blinds are lower will give you more potential to steal pots.  Gaining these additional chips at the start of play will pay dividends later.  Finally, don’t forget to print and study the PokCas Hand Ranges & Charts Cheat Sheet!

Spin and Go Odds

This Spin and Go table shows different odds and probabilities for two major Poker Sites which run Spins.

Multiplier PartyPoker PokerStars
x12,000 0.000001% 0.000001%
x4,800 0.000001% 0.000001%**
x2,400 0.000001% ** N/A
x240 0.003%,  0.003%
x120 0.0075%    0.0075%
x25 0.1% 0.1%, 
x10 0.5%     0.5% 
x5 8.5%   8.5%  
x3 41.4 – 54.1% 41.4 – 51.36%
x2 36.7 – 49.48% 39.52 – 49.48%

* These statistics do not include promotional spins where the highest prize is way bigger than normal.

** Only available for million-dollar prizes.

*** Unibet’s Hexapro has the biggest multiplayer of x1,000 therefore it is much more likely to hit lower prizes.

Spin and Go Rake

Different Spin and Go poker sites charge different rake (fee) for different buy-ins (except Unibet).  So, you should make your decision by comparing their rake and rakeback and only then deciding if you should play there or not.

Buy-In Amount PartyPoker PokerStars
$1,000 N/A 5%
$500 N/A 5%
$250 4% 5%
$100 5% 5%
$50 5% 6%
$25 N/A 6%
$20 6% N/A
$10 6% 7%
$3 8% 8%
$1 8% 8%
$0.25 8% 8%

* Unibet’s HexaPro spins have the same %6.853 rake for all limits while GGPoker Network has 8%.

Bankroll Management 

Spin and Go games due to their very nature have a higher than normal variance amongst poker games in the short term.  However, in the long term the variance should even out.  That being said, for regular cash games, many players adopt a 20 buy-in (5%) strategy for their bankroll management.  With Spin and Go having higher short term variance we would recommend a 100 buy-in (1%) bankroll management strategy.  This will allow your bankroll to handle the short term variance far better.

New players to this format may want to consider an even higher buy-in range as they become more accustomed to the game, possibly 150 – 200 buy-ins.  But remember, just like all good bankroll management principles, you should both move up and move down in stakes when your bankroll changes so that you stick with your rules on the number of buy-ins you have while playing.

ggpoker spin and gold promotional banner

Profitability

Spin and Go games have plenty of recreational players and therefore are profitable.  This has been proven many times with different types of data.

If you are using tracking software or if your games appear on a tracker like Sharkscope – you can see your ROI (Return of Investment percentage) without rakeback included.

The Best Spin and Go Games Out There

PokerStars was not the first site to introduce Spin and Go games since it did that as soon as they were launched on Winamax.  They noticed that this poker concept works very well.  PokerStars went all-in with the Spin and Go format, making it very popular.  It is great for both players and poker sites since it is generating a lot of rake but is also very rewarding and can be beatable in the long run.

1. PokerStars Spin and Go

  • Spin and Go games have massive prize pools, you can win millions
  • The classic version has blind levels from 2 to 5 minutes depending on the prize pool
  • Very quick so you can play any time of the day
  • Very easy to learn the basics once you start
  • You don’t get bored since the blinds keep increasing and you do not know what your next prize pool is going to be

Pokerstars also has Pot-Limit Omaha Spin and Go games for those who love this poker format.  It is different and has many bad players who are not used to playing Omaha.  So if you prefer it over Texas Hold’em, make sure to give it a shot.  PokerStars offers various buy-in limits and it is one of the very few poker sites for Omaha Spin and Go Games.  If you have not signed up yet, scroll to the top to find a special link.

spin and go game

Pokerstars Spin & Go table

2. PokerStars Spin and Go Max

The gameplay and strategy are a little bit different from the original version.  Here you have between three and eight players, an ‘all-in’ mode after a certain number of hands, and a choice to pick a random prize out of three allocated ones.  Once you win a Spin & Go Max game, you will get the chance to pick your prize. Three prize options will appear at the end of each tournament.

  • Prizes go up to x10,000, whilst the classic version goes up to x100,000 and more
  • All-in mode at the end makes it very quick but takes some skill away
  • Picking your prize at the end might be fun, especially if you have someone watching you play
  • Up to 8 players which means you get a better prize if you win
  • Try to become a chip leader before the timer runs outs to have an advantage over your opponents

3. Pokerstars Spin and Go Flash

PokerStars introduced Spin and Go Flash Games as soon as Winamax introduced their Expresso Nitro spins.  It is pretty simple, everything is the same as in the classic version, but you get 300 chips and the blind levels increase every minute.

  • Same as the classic version but quicker (300 chips, 1-minute blinds)
  • Requires a similar strategy, but you have to be ready to raise and shove often
  • Same multimillion prize pools
  • Very fun, with lots of crazy players

4. Unibet’s HexaPro

Unibet has its unique version of Spin and Go games called HexaPro. The rules are the same, however, the way they charge rake, their blind levels, and the prize multipliers are a little different but that is a good thing for most of the players. Read the summary below to learn more.

  • The same 6.85% rake percentage is charged for all limits
  • Very nice and modern graphics
  • The lowest prize multiplayer is 1.5x while the highest one is 1000x
  • Buy-in limits up to €100
  • Blind levels are between 1 and 4 minutes depending on how big the multiplayer is

5. PartyPoker Spins

PartyPoker site has classic Spin and Go games called ‘Spins’, they have various buy-ins and even million-dollar jackpots. Its first Spin and Go version was called Sit and Go Hero (SNG Hero) which hand antes and short blind levels.

Since the first version was not very successful, while upgrading their software, they introduced SNG Jackpot Spins which were a little similar but with some positive changes like a better structure and more buy-ins. The last name did not stay for very long and together with further massive software updates, PartyPoker Spins were introduced. Spins got even more buy-ins, a proper structure, and nicer graphics.

  • Massive prize pools and great traffic
  • Great Poker App for multi-tabling Spins
  • Spins on Party Poker Mobile App have very nice graphics and sounds
  • Great promotions for those who play Spins and other games, a lot of added value
  • Great rakeback (up to 60%)
  • Buy-in limits up to $500

In 2020 PartyPoker released Ultra Spin Games which are the same classic spins but with smaller starting stacks and 1-minute blinds.  So if you were playing these somewhere else, consider switching since here you get a massive rakeback and you get instant access to our monthly $30,000 rake race for being our player.

6. GGPoker’s Spin and Gold

GGPoker Network currently has Spin & Go Jackpot SNG games called ‘Spin & Gold’.  Their top jackpot prize is 2 million dollars (it is shared among the players).

GGPoker Network has also added a ‘Spinsurance’ feature for more excitement.  Starting stacks and blind levels depend on the multiplier so if you are a fan of fast games – you will like them.  Every month we run a private Our GGPoker players get access to our exclusive monthly $35,000 rake race.

Spin and Gold is a fast-paced format that introduced both casual and professional players to challenges they have never seen before.  These challenges will award you up to 63% rakeback while you will be in a process of completing them.  This process is called Gold Mining.  You can select how many hours you want to mine gold and keep playing to reach your goal.  This is a very nice feature since it is fun and will provide you with an extra rakeback.

GGPoker Sites have a VIP Program called ‘Fish Buffet’ which is offering 15-60% rakeback depending on how active you are.  This excludes leaderboards, deposit bonuses, challenges, and other promotions which can boost your rakeback even more.  Our GGPoker and Natural8 players receive special benefits and gifts (if you already have an account – get in touch, and we will transfer it for you).

spin & gold

GG Poker’s Spin & Gold

7. 888Poker’s Blast

888 poker is another exciting version of the jackpot Spin & Go style game.  Like most other versions it is fixed at 3 players and a random Blast draw to see how much money you are playing for, with prizes from 2x to 10,000x. 

The Blast blind and starting stack structure is determined by the prize pool distribution.  For example, 2x multiplier your starting stack is 300 chips, with 1 minute blinds, whereas, if you are playing for a 10x or 25x multiplier your starting stack is 500 with 4 minute blinds.

  • Win up to 10,000x your buy-in
  • Modern graphics and table themes
  • Buy-in limits from just $.10 up to $100
  • Variable blind/starting stack structure based on x-multiplier

PokCas players receive access to an $8,000 exclusive monthly rake race by signing up with this link.

8. Twister Poker

Twister Poker is another 3 player Spin & Go style game.  With a random prize draw at the start of each game.  Players can win from 2x to 1,000x their buy-in.  Twister poker may not have the biggest multipliers available amongst all the operators Spin & Go game types, but you will have a better chance of winning their top prize of 1,000x.  As the probability is 2 wins in every 100,000 games for their top prize.

Twister Poker is also available now in a fast format called ‘Wild Twister’.  These games attract casual players and players in a rush, and are completed in one or a few hands.  You will find Twister Poker available on the iPoker network, including sites such as Bet365.

  • Win up to 1,000x your buy-in
  • Wild Twister for faster pace action
  • Buy-in limits from €1 up to €200
Twister Poker

Twister Poker (Credit: PlayTech)

Summary

Thank you for reading our guide, if you have any feedback on how we could improve it – please let us know. And if you have any questions – send us an email!

Is Spin and Go profitable in the long run?

Yes, but this will depend on your skill level. It is possible to make a living if you are a regular player playing these full time.

What are the other names for Spin and Go?

These are some of the most common names for Spin and Go Poker Games: Jackpot Sit & Go, Spin & Gold, Expresso, Twister Sit & Go, and HexaPro.

Did PokerStars come up with an idea for Spin and Go games?

No, the concept was originally created by Winamax, a French Poker, and Sports Betting site in 2013. On their platform spin and go's are called Expresso games.

What is the difference between classic and fast spins?

PokerStars introduced Spin and Go Flash Games as soon as Winamax introduced their Expresso Nitro spins. Then, later on, PartyPoker launched an Ultra version of their spin games too. Everything is the same as in the classic version, but you get 300 chips and the blind levels increase every minute.

Why is variance higher for Spin & Go style games compared to other poker formats?

As you only start with a relatively short stack, you will have a limited number of decisions to make. You will also find yourself all-in pre-flop more often, and luck factors in more in these spots.

What is a good ROI for Spin & Go's?

A player who achieves 2% to 5% ROI is doing well. Bear in mind, this is after paying rake fees, achieving an average of 33.3% wins (winning 1 of 3 games) would result in you being a losing player.

Can I win big on Spin and go?

Yes, if you are lucky enough you can get a massive multiplier such as 10,000x. Some sites also allow you to turn just $5 into $1 million.

How many players are in a Spin and Go game?

Spin and Go games are fixed 3 player tables.

What is the difference between Spin and Go and Spin and Go Flash?

Spin and Go Flash are a faster paced format of the popular Spin and Go game. You have a shorter starting stack of 300 chips and only 1 minute blind levels.

What is Spin & Gold?

This is GGPoker's version of Spin & Go poker. It is a fast-paced 3 handed sit-and-go tournament where you can win up to 100,000 times your buy-in.