Blackjack Variants

Just by the name, you might be able to figure out it is another variation that combines poker with blackjack.  The game was developed by FYI Gaming Inc and is available in downtown Las Vegas at the Fremont Hotel, as well as online at several casinos.

RULES

-Blackjack Rules

• Dealer hits soft 17
• Dealer checks for 21 if 10 or Ace showing
• Double allowed on any two cards
• Split allowed once
• Double after split allowed
• Insurance allowed on blackjack bet only
• Surrender not allowed
• Busted blackjack hands still play as poker hand
• Blackjack pays 3:2

-Poker Rules

• Dealer must have Queen high or better to qualify, if not the player wins even money on the ante bet and pushes on the additional bet
• Only the first two cards are used, therefore only pairs and high cards play
• If a player has split his cards for the blackjack play, the first two dealt cards are used for poker
• A player’s natural blackjack can be a win/loss/tie on the ante, but a push on the additional bet
• Tie hands are a push
• Poker bonus side bet is based on whether you’re dealt a pair with the first two cards
• Poker wins pay 1:1

HOW TO PLAY

Unlike 21 + 3 blackjack, you must play both the blackjack side and the poker side of the game.

The hand starts with the player making two bets, one for the ante or poker side, and one for the blackjack side. The bets are placed separately in the two clearly marked betting circles, “Ante” or “21”.  The ante bet cannot be more than the 21 bet. There is a third betting circle for an additional side bet called the poker bonus side bet.

The players are dealt two cards face down, the dealer receives one card face down, one card face up.

The players then decide if they want to play their two cards for the poker hand.  If the player wants to play the poker portion, an additional bet must be laid out, if not, the ante bet is lost.

The blackjack hand is played out first, with each player deciding to double, split, hit or stand. Once all players have completed their hand, the dealer finishes out his hand.

Once the blackjack portion is finished, cards are left on the table and the poker portion is finally decided and payoffs made.

POKER BONUS SIDE BET PAYOUTS

This bet considers the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up card.  The dealer’s card is only used to determine a 3 of a kind payout, not pairs.

If the first two cards are not a pair, the bonus side bet is automatically lost.

There are different payouts based on different versions, but the range is as follows:

• Three Aces of Spades: $5000 – $10,000
• Three Suited Aces: $1000 – $5000
• Suited 3 of a Kind: $250 – $750
• Unsuited 3 Aces: $100 – $200
• Unsuited 3 of a Kind: $40 – $50
• Suited Pair of Aces: $25 – $30
• Unsuited Pair of Aces: $10 – $15
• Suited Pair: $5 – $15
• Unsuited Pair: $3 – $5

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’d say it’s another interesting version that combines two of the most popular casino games, blackjack and poker.  It’s an exciting attention grabber, that should provide a good challenge to the top blackjack players.

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Let’s take a look at this new, live dealer, game by Playtech, for a new way to play online blackjack. It’s totally scalable and adds an inventive new twist to blackjack to enhance player level interaction.

The game features two different modes, Majority Rules and Best Strategy, with the mode being determined by the number of players.

Majority Rules allows all players to vote on the player’s move, in terms of Hit, Stand, Double, etc., and then the action that receives the majority vote, is the play that will be made. The Best Strategy mode takes place when there are fewer players and the player’s action is done automatically based on pre-determined, best strategical blackjack moves.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The table has two seats that can hold an unlimited number of players. Whether the particular seat is playing Majority Rules or Best Strategy modes, depends on the number of players in the seat.

• Bets are placed on the betting positions, betting on both seats is allowed
• You will see indicators to show if enough players are betting to invoke the Majority Rules mode
• If Majority Rule is played, voting on each action is taken, and will continue as long as there is action to take. (hit, double, stand, etc)
• If Best Strategy is played, there is no action round for the players, the hand is completed automatically
• Insurance (if enabled by particular provider) is not decided by Majority Rule or Best Strategy, but offered separately to each player
• If every player busts, the dealer does not draw additional cards

AUTOMATIC SPLIT or DOUBLE

Because these two actions require additional bets, the decision about how they are handled are made at the beginning of the game.  At the beginning, you decide if split and double actions are to be made automatically if that move received majority vote, or in certain circumstances applied using best strategy. 

If the action of split or double is voted and automatic decision was agreed upon, money is instantly taken from your bankroll.  If you haven’t agreed on automatic split/double or lack the funds, you will automatically follow the right hand for splits, and hit and stand for a double.

Exception: If you have picked not to follow automatic decisions, but also cast your vote in Majority Rules mode, the chosen action will be applied to you as well.

SIDE BETS

There are side bets available which can be made, once a main bet is placed:

• 21 + 3 – This is a bet that takes the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s first card and hope to combine for a ranking poker hand, such as suited 3 of a kind, straight flush, 3 of a kind, straight, and flush
• Pairs – Betting on the first two cards, forming player’s pairs, dealer’s pair, perfect pairs, colored pairs, and red/black pairs
• Buster Blackjack – Betting that the dealer busts, and the more cards he has when he busts, the higher the payoff
• Lucky Lucky – Betting on your first two cards and the dealer’s first card forming a specific combination of: Suited 777, Suited 678, unsuited 777, unsuited 678, suited 21(3 card total other than 777, 678), 21 (3 card total other than 777, 678), Any 20 combo, Any 19 combo.

COMPLETE PAYOUT TABLE

• Blackjack – 3:2
• Winning Hand – 1:1
• Insurance – 2:1
• Side bet-Suited 3 of a kind – 100:1
• Side bet-Straight Flush – 40:1
• Side bet-3 of a kind – 30:1
• Side bet-Flush – 5:1
• Side bet-Perfect pair – 25:1
• Side bet-Colored pair – 12:1
• Side bet-Red/Black pair – 6:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 8+ cards and player has Blackjack – 2000:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 7 cards and player has Blackjack – 800:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 8+ cards – 250:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 7 cards – 50:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 6 cards – 18:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 5 cards – 4:1
• Side bet-Buster BJ 3 or 4 cards – 2:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky Suited 777 – 200:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky Suited 678 – 100:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky 777 – 50:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky 678 – 25:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky Suited 21 – 15:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky 21 – 3:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky Any 20 – 2:1
• Side bet-Lucky Lucky Any 19 – 2:1

FINAL THOUGHTS

I can see this game version catching on quickly.  First, if you’re a beginner, you can test your strategy knowledge. You would hope the majority of players are knowledgeable and know the correct play and therefore you can test your knowledge by seeing how often you agree with the majority or not.

Second, while side bets are usually sucker bets, the odds for these side bets are highly enticing and how great would it be to hit a 2000:1 side bet?

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This is not so much a variant of blackjack, but a super side bet that is played. It mixes 3-card poker and blackjack together, with very tempting odds. Another variant, Player’s Choice Blackjack, also mixes 3-card poker and blackjack, but in a different manner. You can check those rules here.

The game can be found in Las Vegas and online. According to Wizard of Odds, there are at least 8 different versions, based on the number of decks used and the payouts.

Rules & Play of the Game

• 2-8 decks used
• Blackjack pay 3:2
• Insurance is allowed
• Double down is allowed
• Splitting pairs is allowed, with 1 re-split
• Can double after split
• Dealer stands on any 17
• +3 side bet must be played before cards are dealt
• The player’s first 2 cards and the dealer’s upcard determine the 3-card bonus payout
• +3 side bet is paid based on 3 card poker hands: Suited 3 of a kind, straight flush, 3 of a kind, straight, and flush

A hand starts with the player making a regular blackjack bet and the additional +3 side bet if they want to take that chance.

The player is dealt 2 faceup cards and the dealer receives 1 card face down and 1 card face up.

If the +3 bet wins, that is paid and play continues as in standard blackjack.

Strategy & Odds

Because it is still basic blackjack, after considering the side bet, basic strategy should be used.  There is no strategy for the +3 bet, that is definitely the luck of the draw.  Once again proving that a side bet is usually a sucker bet. In this game, taking that chance every now and then can be lucrative (up to 100:1) because how the odds vary:

• Flush pays 5:1
• Straight pays 10:1
• Three of a kind pays 30:1
• Straight Flush pays 40:1
• Suited 3 of a kind pays 100:1

The above is just one payout version.  Remember to check the odds where you play, because there are at least 8 different versions available where payouts can vary.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for a variant that will challenge you, this is NOT it. If you want to practice your basic strategy, with a chance to make a bit extra, then you could enjoy this.  Because the +3 bet is optional and doesn’t have to be made, playing this variant can be just like standard blackjack. 

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21 Burn Blackjack is a variant found at online casinos, as it was developed by software provider Betsoft.  It is played like standard blackjack except that the player is allowed to “burn” or reject, his second card and accept another card.

It’s similar to Burn 20 blackjack, reviewed here, but the player gets to burn the card, instead of the dealer. The player must make the Burn wager, equal to half the original bet.

Vegas Casino Online

RULES

• Six decks used
• Dealer hits soft 17
• Blackjack pays even money
• Can double any two cards, even after a split
• Pairs splits only once
• No surrender
• Insurance is allowed
• Cannot burn after a split
• Burn bet must equal half the original bet
• Dealer peeks at hole card for blackjack
• An ace and 10 after burning a card is treated as blackjack

Sun Palace Casino

Play of the Game

The hand starts with the player placing a wager onto the betting circle.  Then two cards are dealt to the player and dealer, with one face up for the dealer.  If the dealer has an ace up, player can take insurance, and then dealer checks for blackjack. 

After any insurance bets are taken care of, the player decides if he wants to burn his 2^nd card. If so, he places the burn bet and receives a random card.

At this point, play continues as in standard blackjack, with the options to  double down, split or stand.

Once the dealer’s hand plays out, winnings are paid on the original bet and burn bet and then a new hand begins.

High Country Casino

Burn Bet Paytable

The burn bet is a built-in side bet.  If you receive an ace, it will pay 2:1 or 7:1 depending on the ace.  If you receive any other card, that bet is lost.

• Ace of spades – pays 7 to 1
• All other aces – pay 2 to 1
• All other cards – loss

STRATEGY

The overall play is similar to standard blackjack, but the burn bet should only be used in certain situations. By burning a card, you’re hoping to get lucky with a card that will improve your hand, for half the amount of your original bet.

As with most side bets in blackjack, the burn bet is negative.  According to the experts, a player will lose 67.31% of the burn bet money they wager.  With that in mind, the burn bet should only be used when:

• The first card is a 7, the second card is an 8 or 9, and the dealer shows a 7
• The first card is an 8, the second card is a 4 or 5, and the dealer shows a 7
• The first card is an 8, the second card is a 6 or 7, and the dealer shows a 7 or 8
• The first card is an 8, the second card is a 9, and the dealer shows a 9
• The first card is a 9, the second card is a 3, and the dealer shows a 9, 10, or ace
• The first card is a 9, the second card is a 4, and the dealer shows a 10 or ace
• The first card is a 9, the second card is a 5, and the dealer shows a 10
• The first card is a 9, the second card is a 6 or 7, always burn
• The first card is a 9, the second card is an 8, and the dealer shows an 8, 9 or ace
• The first card is a 10, the second card is a 7, except if dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or 6
• The first card is a 10, the second card is a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, always burn

You can find a chart form of this strategy at The Wizard of Odds.com

While that may seem like a long list, you rarely want to burn your second card. You should notice that burning the second card should only be considered if your first card is 7, 8, 9 or 10.

Remember, the burn bet is highly negative and should be used sparingly, only when the odds of winning the initial bet are considerably improved.

Where to Play

Best online casinos to play this:

Las Vegas USA Casino

Old Havana Casino

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re bored with standard blackjack, here’s another variant that will have you thinking and challenge your game play.  Though the burn bet is enticing, remember it’s a sucker bet like most side bets, and you should only play it in certain situations. If you know basic strategy, you can have fun with the challenges of this variant.

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War Blackjack was first played in Las Vegas in 2013 and won the Raving Table Games Conference Best New Table Game of the year at the convention.

The good thing about this variant is that it’s not complicated at all because the difference is that it includes a side bet called the War Bet. It is a combination of blackjack and the card game war.

RULES

• Can be based on any blackjack rules
• For purposes of the War bet, Aces count as 1, all other cards are ranked as in poker (KvsQ is not a tie, it’s a win for the King)
• Dealer wins War bet ties
• The War bet is based on the first cards for the player and dealer
• If the player wins the War bet, he can either collect his war wager and winnings or collect the war wager only and parlay the winnings by adding it to the blackjack wager
• War bet pays even money
• Once the player and dealer have 2 cards, the hand plays out like traditional blackjack
• Double down is allowed
• Splitting is allowed
• Insurance is allowed
• Surrender is not allowed
• Dealer hits soft 17

Play of the Game

To start the hand, the player first makes a regular blackjack bet and a War bet if he wants.  The War bet is actually optional and doesn’t have to be made.  The War bet is only defined by table limits, it does not have to be any multiple of the blackjack bet.

The dealer deals the player a card and himself a card face up.  Whichever card is higher by rank, wins the War the bet.

As mentioned in the rules, if the player wins the War bet, he has two options. He can collect the bet and the winnings, or collect just the winnings and add the bet to his blackjack bet.

After that decision has been made, play continues with the player receiving a second card and the dealer receiving a second card face down.

If the dealer has a 10 or Ace showing, insurance is offered.  If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, play continues as a standard game, where the player may hit, stand, double, or split.  The hand closest to 21, without going over wins.

Strategy

Of course, the regular blackjack part of the game should be played with basic blackjack strategy.  The War bet is where some different strategy should be implemented.

Fortunately, it only involves a few decisions:

• Never parlay the bet if the dealer shows an Ace or 10-value card
• Never parlay the bet if you win with a 5 or lower
• If you win with a six or higher, parlay only if your card and the dealer’s card total 11 or more
• The only exception to the above rule is to parlay an 8 against a dealer’s 2

FINAL THOUGHTS

While it is basically traditional blackjack with a side bet, the house edge is heightened just a bit to 1.16% because of that.  But remember, the War bet is optional, so you can play at the table as if were regular blackjack, which would bring the house edge back down to .5%.

War blackjack seems to be available only in live casinos in Las Vegas, California, South Dakota and Oklahoma.  It makes blackjack fun to have an extra side bet if you want it.

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If you’re looking for a blackjack variant with a challenge, you can stop right here.  Triple Attack Blackjack was first introduced in 2010 and actually won the best new table game of the year award that year.

The game was created by Galaxy Gaming, known as being “distinctively different” in what they do. It is a game that will truly test your blackjack skills.

The gist of the game is being able to “attack” your hand with more wagers as the hand develops.  The player can add to their bet after seeing their first card and add again after seeing the dealer’s up card. As you can image, this would create a big player advantage, so of course there are rules to offset that advantage.

RULES

Rules are the same as classic blackjack except for the following exceptions:

• Uses Eight 48-card decks-all tens are removed, called a Spanish deck
• Dealer hits soft 17
• Can double any number of cards, even after a split
• Split any 2 cards, up to four hands
• Aces may be split up to four hands
• Blackjack pays even money, wins even if dealer has blackjack
• Insurance is allowed, pays 2-1, pays 5-1 if dealer has suited blackjack
• If Dealer busts with 22, all remaining players push
• Six card Charlie wins, total of 21 or less with 6 cards

PLAY OF THE GAME

Play of the hand starts with the players placing their initial bets, referred to as the first attack.

The dealer then deals the first cards to the players.  The players now can make a 2^nd attack, or bet, based on just that card, without seeing the dealer’s card.  This bet must be equal to the first bet.

Once all players have decided to make or not make a 2^nd attack, the dealer deals a card to himself, face up.

The players now have the option to make a 3^rd attack bet, equal to the first bet. A 3^rd attack bet is allowed even if you didn’t make a 2^nd attack, so for a hand, the player can have 1,2 or 3 bets at risk. (not counting side bets)

After all 3^rd bets are made, the dealer deals a second card to the players and himself (his card is face down)

If the dealer has an Ace up, he will ask if anybody wants insurance.  Winning insurance bets pay 2-1, but 5-1 if the blackjack is suited.

Play continues as in classic blackjack.  If you beat the dealer, your win pays even money.

Bonus Side Bets:

1. Suited Royals – Pays if your first two cards are suited, K-Q pays 40:1, other suited face cards pay 10:1, any other suited cards pay 2:1
2. Triple Match – Pay is based on player and dealer’s up card combined,  suited 3 of a kind pays 150:1, not suited 3 of a kind pays 20:1, suited pair pays 4:1, not suited pair pays 2:1
3. Insurance – Considered a bonus bet because it pays 5:1 for suited blackjack

STRATEGY

As you can imagine, strategy for this version would be a bit more complicated than that of classic blackjack.  Every new card dealt, can mean a different action should be employed.

The first attack is the initial bet, so that is mandatory.  The 2^nd and 3^rd attacks are optional and determined by the dealt cards.

The second attack should only be made if you receive a face card or an ace.  Whether or not a third attack is made, depends on your card and the dealer’s up card.

Strategy for playing the hand is quite varied because of the number cards you can end up with as a result of doubling and splitting.  The Wizard of Odds has created several useful strategy charts, found here, that I would refer to.

House edge in this game is said to be 1.17%.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This has got to be one of the most challenging versions of blackjack around.  If you find classic blackjack too easy and boring, try this for a change of pace.  It will take more concentration to beat this game, than classic blackjack.  I’m guessing only the best players can find the fun in this version, for most it will be a formidable opponent.  Are you up for the challenge?

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Power Blackjack is a variant that creates the impression of player advantage with the “Power Double” and the “Power Split.”  However, as with any variant or casino game, the house actually always has the advantage.

The game used to be available in Las Vegas, but now is primarily found at online casinos.  It was created in 2012, by Geoff Hall, renowned inventor of several blackjack variants.

RULES

• Six 52-card decks are used
• Blackjack pay 3:2
• Surrender not allowed
• Dealer stands on any 17
• Double on any 2 cards allowed
• Double after split allowed
• Any two cards can be split
• Can split up to four times (varies by casino)
• Cannot resplit aces
• Power Double – If your first two cards total 9, 10 or 11, you can double down and if you don’t like the next card, you can discard that card and get the next card (some casinos allow power double only on 10 and 11)
• Power Split – If your first two cards total hard 15 or 16, you can split
• If dealer busts with 22, all remaining players push

Rules may vary depending on where you play, so be sure to review house rules.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Other than the above rule variances, the game is played exactly like traditional blackjack.

With the online version, the power options are automatically lit up for your choice. If the power double or power split is successful, lightning bolts shoot from the cards.

STRATEGY

As you can imagine, strategy is a bit different for this variant.  The house edge can be dropped to about .23% if you play with perfect strategy, taking advantage of the power plays at the appropriate times. 

The Wizard of Odds has created an optimum strategy chart for Power Blackjack, which you can review here.

Three situations where the power double should not be taken:

• Stand on 20 or 21
• Stand on a total of 19, except a 2-card 11 facing a dealer 10
• Stand on a total of 18, except facing a dealer 7

Online versions sometimes offer strategy tables for you as well. Some strategic plays seem counter to logic, such as doubling a soft 19 or soft 20, but because of the Power Double aspect, expert calculations prove it to be advantageous over the long run. 

The Power Split option provides a whole other level of strategic play.  You should obviously always split a 15 or 16, the game’s most difficult hands to play and the reason this variant was invented.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The ability to double down and split cards has always been a big part of the fun of blackjack.  This version takes doubling and splitting to the next level, which explains the attraction to Power Blackjack.

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This variant of blackjack combines blackjack and three-card poker and was first played in 2013, at the Palazzo in Las Vegas.

The player makes three equal bets, two apply to two separate blackjack hands and the third will apply to a 3-card poker hand.

The player is allowed to choose which card will be the “common” card for the blackjack hands.

RULES & PLAY OF THE GAME

• 6 or 8 52-card decks are used
• Cards are valued the same as in classic blackjack
• Play begins with player making 3 bets, 2 for blackjack and 1 for 3-card poker (blackjack bets must be equal, poker bet must at least match, but can be more)
• Player is dealt 3 face up cards and the dealer gets one card face up, one card face down
• The 3 card poker hand is paid off first, based on the chart below
• The player then forms his blackjack hands, declaring which card will be the common card, the common card is placed in the middle
• Cards cannot be moved once the first player has acted
• Players are offered insurance if dealer shows an ace, may insurance only 1 hand
• The dealer then checks for blackjack if showing an ace
• At this point, regular blackjack rules are followed, giving the player the options of stand, hit, double down, or split
• Surrender is not allowed
• Blackjack pays 3-2
• Depending on casino, dealer must stand on 17’s
• Double any two cards
• Double after split allowed
• Split up to four hands
• Aces split only once
• Cannot draw on split aces

3 Card Poker Bonus Payout:

• 75-1  A-K-Q suited (mini royal flush)
• 60-1  Suited 3 of a Kind
• 20-1  Straight Flush
• 10-1  3 of a Kind
•   2-1  Straight
•   3-2  Flush
•   1-1  Pair
• Loss  Anything else

STRATEGY

While basic strategy is used once the blackjack hands are set, The Wizard of Odds has developed a chart, (check here) suggesting the proper way to split the cards you receive.

The only other strategic move suggested is to make your poker hand bet the same as the blackjack bets, despite having the option to make it more.  This bet is where the casino ups it’s edge, with the seemingly player-friendly rules.  That bet actually increases the house edge by about 25%.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While it appears to be a player-friendly variant, that forced 3^rd poker hand bet, takes back all player advantages. You also want to keep in mind that you’re actually playing 3 bets each hand, that can be expensive.  With a minimum bet of $5, you actually have to play $15 each hand.  It would be a fun variant to try if you have a bigger bankroll.

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Stadium blackjack is not necessarily a variant of classic blackjack, but a new way to play the game. It is sort of a combination of live casino blackjack and online blackjack. It is being added to more and more land-based casinos at a steady rate.

The name comes from the fact that up to 44 players (may vary by casino) compete with 2 live dealers, in a stadium setting.  Each player has their own terminal and is able to choose which dealer they want to play against.

It is great for large groups, couples and people who don’t like the possible haggling at real tables.  While the terminals are close together, there is much less interaction between players.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Once you sit at a terminal, you make a deposit and it is up to you to decide when you want to start to play.

The table minimum is usually $5 at these games, which is considered a bargain at most casinos.

All players place their bets first, you’re given 30 seconds to make the initial bet, all other plays (hit, stand, etc.) must be within 10 seconds. If you don’t make a play within 10 seconds, the game will automatically “stand” for you.

Three cards are then dealt, 2 community cards for the players and 1 card for the dealer. The community cards are called that because all players will use those same cards as their own first 2 cards.

Once the players receive their 2 cards, they have 10 seconds to decide whether to hit, stand, double, split or surrender(if available).

Now comes the interesting part.  Since each player can choose their own action, additional community cards will continue to be drawn until all players either stand or bust.  Once all player hands have been “locked,”  additional community cards are drawn for the dealer to complete his hand.

Quick Example:

Players get a Queen and a six, while the dealer gets a King.   Some players will hit, (the proper play) and others will stand. Those that choose to hit will get the next community card on their terminal, those that stood will have their hand “locked” and unable to use any more community cards.  Each player is able to make their own decision of play. Let’s say the next card is a two, giving those still in the hand a total of 18. Hopefully all of them stand at that point, so is a group with 16 total and a group with 18 total.

The dealer will now deal the next community card for himself and it’s a 7, so half the players win, half the player lose.

Once the hand is done, the cards go back to the shuffler and the next hand is dealt.

While there is a giant dealer’s display, players can watch the play of the game at their own terminal.

RULE VARIATIONS

Of course each casino can have their own rules variations, such as allowing surrender or not.  Most casinos will only pay 6:5 on blackjack in this game, instead of 3:2, upping the house edge.

There are additional side bets available like Royal Match 21 and Bet the Set 21. As in regular blackjack, these are considered sucker bets!

FINAL THOUGHTS

The appeal of this game lies in the low table minimum, the ability to play without hassle from other players, the ability to sit out a hand or two without getting up and that the machine will automatically total your cards for you!

It is regular blackjack that can be played without all the bad social interaction, yet in a very social environment. It’s like playing at home, but at the casino. Play is faster, which could be good or bad depending how you look at it.  It’s a fun twist that gives classic blackjack a different feel.

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This blackjack variant is only played at the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas, and they only offer it at one table.  It was also offered at the closed down Las Vegas Club as well.

RULES

• Blackjack pays even money, unless suited, which pays 2-1
• Players can double down on 2, 3 or 4 cards
• Players can split an infinite number of times
• Aces can be split an infinite number of times, hit or doubled
• Player automatically wins with a 6 card hand, 21 or less
• Insurance is allowed, pays 2-1
• Surrender is allowed
• Dealer hits soft 17
• Ties push

HOW TO PLAY

The game is played just like standard blackjack. Players are dealt 2 cards faceup and the dealer receives 2 cards, 1 faceup, 1 facedown.

The dealer will check for blackjack if his faceup card is an Ace or a 10-value card. Insurance is offered before the dealer checks for 21.

The play then continues as in regular blackjack, where each player can stand, hit, double down, split or surrender.

PAYOUTS

All winning bets pay even money, except for a suited blackjack. Any other blackjack pays even money.

STRATEGY

While strategy for this game is similar to regular blackjack, there are a few adjustments that should be made because of the ability to double after several cards.

For instance, if you have 9 and double, (receiving 1 additional card) then receive a 2, it would have been better to hit first and then double down on the 11.

You can find a strategy chart developed for this game online at Gamblingsites.com.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Despite the name, this game is far from the most liberal, due to the fact that blackjack only pays even money. While it seems more favorable to the player because the player can double down on 2, 3 or 4 cards, and therefore more interesting to try, the house edge is actual 1.33%. That is more than double the house edge in regular blackjack. It’s another variant interesting to try but not good if profit is your motive.

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