Casino Blackjack Variations
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Multi hand blackjack is just a blackjack variation in which you can play more than one hand at a time. This is one of the most popular blackjack variations for players who get comfortable with single hand blackjack. The multi-hand version adds excitement and keeps the game running at a quick pace. The main differences between the blackjack variations include the number of decks, payouts, rules for doubling, splitting and side bets. To make sure you understand the differences in rules and will choose the game that suits you let's take a look at most common pros and cons of. Blackjack: An Ace and a ten card (10, Jack, Queen, King). Bust: When the player's or dealer's hand is over 21. Blackjack Variations. The way blackjack works is that you must be closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Blackjack variations have different rules and sometimes unique game play. Blackjack Variations When it comes to blackjack, there are several variations which are especially common. In the past, some of them could be found in only particular land-based casinos as they were exclusive to certain locations. For instance, Vegas Strip Blackjack was predominantly played in Las Vegas.
Being the software supplier to develop and launch the first-ever online casino in history, Microgaming is considered by many a real trendsetter in the online gaming industry. The company has been leading the way in gambling innovations since 1994, treating casino fans to original games and products galore.
Always leading the industry toward new heights, the Isle of Man-based company was also responsible for the launch of the first mobile gambling software back in 2004. Microgaming’s suite spans more than 500 premium casino games, among which there are over 30 enticing online blackjack variations.
- Bonus⋆80 Free Spins
- Bonus$300
- $500$600
The software studio certainly does justice to the classic card game. The variations Microgaming has dished out over the last 25 years stand out with highly realistic visuals, immersive sounds, excellent playability, and tons of great features that aim at making players’ experience all the more enjoyable.
Plenty of superlatives can be said about this trendsetting company but in the following article, SuperCasinoSites shall focus on the software studio’s rich selection of online blackjack games. We shall explore their features, tackle their essential rules, and take a closer look at Microgaming’s most enticing online variants of the classic card game.
Microgaming - The First Supplier to Bring Online Gambling to Players
1The Beginning
Microgaming has been enjoying the status of a leading software supplier ever since its history began in 1994. The company has cemented its solid position in the gaming industry through its continuous commitment to quality, originality, and playability.
2First Online Casino
It launched the first online casino in history, the Gaming Club, at a time when most people did not have an internet connection and personal computers in their homes. Shortly after the launch of the Gaming Club, Microgaming decided to shift its focus toward specializing exclusively in the development of online gambling software.
3First Progressive Jackpot
The decades to follow were marked by multiple accomplishments for Microgaming. The year 1998 saw Microgaming’s launch of Cash Splash, the first-ever online slot linked to a progressive jackpot network. Seven years later, the company released Tomb Raider, the first branded online slot in history. Microgaming was also the first supplier to launch a slot that played across 100 paylines.
4Fair Gaming
Not bad, huh? Mind you these are only but few of the accomplishments in the company’s long and fruitful history. But there is more to Microgaming than setting records in the gambling industry. The Isle of Man-based supplier demonstrates a firm commitment to fairness and just treatment of players.
It is one of the founding members of eCOGRA, a highly recognized organization tasked with the responsibility of ensuring fairness and advocating ethical practices in the online gambling industry. If this is not enough to demonstrate Microgaming’s commitment to fair play, the company was also involved in the creation of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC).
This non-profit organization is committed to providing online players with a forum where they can address various issues. The IGC strives to resolve such issues through discussion, fair dealing, and compromise.
Microgaming’s Blackjack Features at a Glance
Being an undisputed leader in the provision of online blackjack games, Microgaming boasts the richest set of 21 variations. Expertly designed, the provider’s games are not only easy on the eye but also offer features galore that aim at improving players’ entire gaming experience. Their quality mirrors the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Let’s take a peek at some of the features you will find across most Microgaming blackjack variations.
Casino Blackjack Variations Play
Hit and stand warnings
Hit and stand warnings are displayed by the Microgaming blackjack software to prevent players from making any basic strategy mistakes. For example, the software would ask you to confirm the move if you accidentally misclick the Hit button when holding a hard total of 17 or 18. These warnings are displayed each time the player deviates from the optimal strategy moves.
Strategy display
Strategy display gives players hints about the correct basic strategy plays for the respective blackjack variation. Players can also create their own strategies as the charts are sometimes customizable. To do this, you must load the game in Expert Mode and then click on the Strategy button. You can adjust the moves by clicking the respective grids to cycle through the available playing decisions for each hand.
Auto rebet
Auto rebet is a very useful functionality for blackjack players who like flat betting. When activated, this feature automatically places the same number of chips at the start of a new hand as those wagered during the previous round.
Quick deal
Quick deal is the perfect functionality for players who enjoy a fast-paced game of online blackjack. You can activate it from the Options menu to have the virtual dealer deal your cards at a faster speed.
Software instructions
Blackjack players also have the option to instruct the software not to remove losing hands off the virtual felt automatically. This is in case you want to re-evaluate the way you played a given hand for potential strategy mistakes.
Multi-hand play
Multi-hand play is available in several Microgaming blackjack variations. We consider this the perfect option for fans of the game who crave more betting action. This is possible in variants such as European Multi-Hand Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack Gold, Multi-Hand Perfect Pairs European Blackjack, and Vegas Strip Blackjack where players can simultaneously play up to five betting spots.
Expert mode
Expert mode is the key to a wide range of useful features for customization and advanced play. This mode gives players access to the customizable basic strategy charts and enables them to activate the Autoplay feature. With the latter, you can instruct the software to automatically play your preferred number of hands in line with basic strategy. The software can play 5 to 500 deals by itself. Expert mode is the key to a wide range of useful features for customization and advanced play. This mode gives players access to the customizable basic strategy charts and enables them to activate the Autoplay feature. With the latter, you can instruct the software to automatically play your preferred number of hands in line with basic strategy. The software can play 5 to 500 deals by itself.
Statistics
Statistics are available to blackjack fans who load the online games in real-money mode. This enables you to keep abreast of your results and action. You can see how many hands you have played during a session, at what stakes, and how many of them were winners and losers.
Customization settings
The customization settings are particularly useful to players who want to tailor the gameplay to their unique preferences. They are available in some Microgaming variations of the game such as Premier Blackjack Hi Lo where you can choose from three lovely card designs or turn off the dealer’s voice and background sounds. Also available is a choice from several felt colors, including green, blue, red, and turquoise.
The Key Rules in Microgaming’s Blackjack Games in Brief
Microgaming has introduced a broad selection of blackjack variations and rules over the past 25 years, all of which are visually perfect and highly authentic. The vast majority of the variants offer rather decent rules that largely work to the advantage of the player. Of course, the exact playing conditions vary from one blackjack game to the next but we shall have a look at some of the most important rules whose availability overlaps between most variations.
Number of decks
The number of decks in play varies wildly between different variations but the majority of the games usually play with multiple decks dealt out of a virtual shoe. Some, like Vegas Strip Blackjack, play with four decks of cards while others like Atlantic City Blackjack and Double Exposure use as many as eight. Games like European Blackjack and Vegas Downtown Blackjack use two decks of cards. Single-deck variants are also available in the form of Super Fun 21 and Classic Blackjack.
Blackjack pays 3 to 2
The larger part of Microgaming’s blackjack suite offers the standard casino odds of 3 to 2 for winning blackjack hands. What this means is you get $1.5 on top of every dollar you bet when you obtain this hand. Some of the few exceptions that deviate from these payouts are Double Exposure and Super Fun 21, both of which offer even money for blackjacks but compensate with other favorable rules.
Dealer standing
The dealer standing rules are quite player-friendly across most blackjack variations developed by Microgaming. The virtual dealer is generally required to draw to 16 and stand on all totals of 17, including soft ones. This rule is more favorable to the player, reducing the house edge by 0.22%. Some of the exceptions are Double Exposure, Vegas Downtown Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack Gold and Super Fun 21 where the virtual dealer hits soft 17.
Insurance
Insurance is available across all Microgaming blackjack variants and returns payouts of 2 to 1 in case of a dealer blackjack. This is a side wager placed against the dealer’s probability of having a blackjack hand when their upcard is an ace. It costs half of your regular wager in the base game. The insurance bet wins if the dealer indeed has a natural. If they do, insurance wins at odds of 2 to 1 but the player’s main bet is lost. According to basic strategy, players should always decline insurance because it is a negative-expectation wager.
Peek rules
Peek rules are quite player-favorable in some of Microgaming’s blackjack variants. The virtual dealers would peek to check their hole cards for blackjacks when showing aces and tens.
A dealer checking under tens is particularly useful to players because it prevents them from losing more money by splitting and doubling down only to find out the dealer has a natural. You will find this player-friendly rules in games like Atlantic City Blackjack, Super Fun 21, Big 5, Spanish Blackjack, Vegas Downtown, Vegas Single Deck, and Vegas Strip Blackjack.Peek rules are quite player-favorable in some of Microgaming’s blackjack variants. The virtual dealers would peek to check their hole cards for blackjacks when showing aces and tens.
A dealer checking under tens is particularly useful to players because it prevents them from losing more money by splitting and doubling down only to find out the dealer has a natural. You will find this player-friendly rules in games like Atlantic City Blackjack, Super Fun 21, Big 5, Spanish Blackjack, Vegas Downtown, Vegas Single Deck, and Vegas Strip Blackjack.
Peek rules are quite player-favorable in some of Microgaming’s blackjack variants. The virtual dealers would peek to check their hole cards for blackjacks when showing aces and tens.
A dealer checking under tens is particularly useful to players because it prevents them from losing more money by splitting and doubling down only to find out the dealer has a natural. You will find this player-friendly rules in games like Atlantic City Blackjack, Super Fun 21, Big 5, Spanish Blackjack, Vegas Downtown, Vegas Single Deck, and Vegas Strip Blackjack.
Hole cards
Hole cards are in play in the majority of Microgaming’s blackjack variants. This rule favors the player because it is closely related to peeking. Without hole cards, the dealer would be unable to check for blackjacks under their aces and tens, which would ultimately cost you more money in the long run.
Of course, the supplier has also released several no-hole-card games over the years where the dealer initially receives only one face-up card and draws their second card after players have completed their hands. This rule adds 0.11% to the house edge. You will find it in Microgaming variations like European Blackjack Gold, High Streak Gold, Big 5 Blackjack, Classic Blackjack, and Premier Hi Lo 13 Blackjack.
Late surrender
Late surrender (LS) is available across many Microgaming blackjack variants and reduces the virtual dealer’s advantage by 0.07%. Under this rule, the player can forfeit weak hands and get half of their original bet back after the dealer checks for blackjack. Later surrender is available in Microgaming’s Spanish Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, and Super Fun 21.
However, early surrender (ES) is more favorable to the player, reducing the house edge even further. The ES rule allows the player to surrender a bad hand before the dealer peeks for naturals. Early surrender is a true rarity in online blackjack but you will be able to benefit from it in Microgaming’s Big 5 Blackjack.
Late surrender (LS) is available across many Microgaming blackjack variants and reduces the virtual dealer’s advantage by 0.07%. Under this rule, the player can forfeit weak hands and get half of their original bet back after the dealer checks for blackjack. Later surrender is available in Microgaming’s Spanish Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, and Super Fun 21.
However, early surrender (ES) is more favorable to the player, reducing the house edge even further. The ES rule allows the player to surrender a bad hand before the dealer peeks for naturals. Early surrender is a true rarity in online blackjack but you will be able to benefit from it in Microgaming’s Big 5 Blackjack.
Microgaming’s Triple Sevens – The Standard for Progressive Online Blackjack
Microgaming is the software developer that birthed Cash Splash, the first online slot with a progressive jackpot. It was also the first studio to pioneer progressive blackjack with the release of its highly appealing Triple Sevens Blackjack.
This is indeed an accomplishment because blackjack variations do not easily lend themselves to the progressive jackpot genre. The most notable feature in Triple Sevens is the progressive side bet of $1, which goes toward the jackpot pool. Minimum bets in the base game are usually $2, which means you have to play at least $3 per round to qualify for the jackpot.
As the name of the game suggests, the sevens are the most important cards in this online blackjack variation. They hold the key to winning a portion of the pool or the entire progressive blackjack. The payouts for the progressive side bet are as follows:
- 5 to 1 if the player’s first card is a seven, regardless of its suit
- 25 to 1 for a pair of sevens of any suit
- 50 to 1 if the player’s first two cards are suited sevens
- 250 to 1 if the first three cards are sevens of any suit
- 1,000 to 1 if the player receives suited sevens (of hearts, spades or clubs) as their first three cards
- The entire jackpot is won when you get three sevens of diamonds, hence the name of the variation. Check out the table below for more concise information about the rest of the rules in Triple Sevens.
| Base Game Rules in Microgaming’s Triple Sevens Progressive Blackjack | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 5 decks in play |
| Hole Cards | No hole cards are in play |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Draws to 16 and stands on soft and hard 17 |
| Blackjack Odds | Blackjacks pay at odds of 3 to 2 |
| Doubling Rules | Players can double only on two-card totals of 9, 10, and 11 |
| Doubling after a Split | Unavailable |
| Splitting Rules | Splitting once to up to two hands |
| Hitting Split Aces | Available |
| Surrender | Unavailable |
| Peeking | Unavailable due to the absence of hole cards |
| Return to Player | Fluctuates depending on current jackpot values |
| House Edge for the Side Bet | 37.94% |
| Jackpot Break-Even Value | $109,862.00 |
| Odds of Winning the Progressive Jackpot | 289,562 to 1 |
| Average Jackpot Win | $80,000.00 |
Live Dealer Suite of Games
The blackjack games we discussed so far are all governed by a Random Number Generator that shuffles the cards automatically before every round. In addition to these, Microgaming also offers a fantastic suite of live dealer blackjack games. Joining the live tables is a great alternative for players who yearn a more authentic experience in a real casino environment.
The games are hosted by professional yet highly attractive female dealers. They host the games in a variety of languages to the benefit of players who are not fluent enough in English. As authentic the Microgaming live blackjack tables are, we cannot help but admit they hardly offer the best playing conditions to patrons.
For starters, the majority of the live tables use eight decks of cards. As we have explained on several occasions throughout our blackjack guide, the more decks are used, the higher the house edge gets.
Additionally, no hole cards are in play as the dealer receives a single face-up card at the start of each round. Players are permitted to double down only on certain two-card totals, 9, 10, and 11. Doubling after splitting pairs is disallowed.
The live suite is not without its advantages, though. Some tables allow you to hit split aces which is not something you see every day in online blackjack in general. Another benefit is that the live dealers stand rather than hitting soft 17.
Players can simultaneously join several live games, with the option to bet behind other participants at full tables. The dealers usually shuffle the cards manually. Table limits are rather flexible, catering to high rollers and small-scale bettors alike.
Classic Online Blackjack Games by Microgaming
Microgaming has released a plethora of great blackjack variants over the years but their classic games continue to hold a strong appeal with purists who are disinterested in side bets and unorthodox rule variations. If classic games are what you are after, we suggest you try the three conventional Microgaming blackjack releases covered below.
Classic Blackjack Gold
Classic Blackjack Gold is the perfect option for fans of 21 who fell in love with the game back in the day when casinos still dealt blackjack from a single card deck. All of the traditional rules are in place, with blackjacks paying at odds of 3 to 2 and the dealer standing on soft 17.
This visually appealing game is available in single-hand mode but some Microgaming casinos also offer its multi-hand variant where you can wager on up to five betting spots at a time. Classic Blackjack Gold is equipped with extra great features, including Auto Rebet and Quick Deal. Examine the table below for further details on the game’s rules.
| Rundown of Classic Blackjack Gold Rules | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 1 deck in play |
| Blackjack Odds | 3 to 2 |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Draws to 16 and stands on soft 17 |
| Peek Rule | No peek, hole cards are not in play |
| Doubling Rules | Doubling on two-card totals of 9, 10, and 11 only |
| Doubling after a Split (DAS) | Unavailable |
| Splitting Rules | Players can split once to form up to two hands. Splitting any two cards of the same denomination or value is possible. |
| Surrender | Unavailable |
| Theoretical Return | 99.91% |
Vegas Single Deck Blackjack
Vegas Single Deck Blackjack is yet another classic variation by Microgaming that is likely to appeal to all fans of pitch games. It offers rather decent playing conditions with very few unfavorable rules such as the virtual dealer hitting soft 17 rather than standing.
However, the rest of the rules make the game worthwhile, yielding a low house edge of 0.31% only. Of course, the casino advantage is this low only if you play each hand according to perfect blackjack strategy. The gaming controls are user-friendly, which makes Vegas Single Deck Blackjack a great option for novice players who are just learning how to play online.
| Rundown of Vegas Single Deck Blackjack Rules | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 1 deck in play |
| Blackjack Odds | 3 to 2 |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Hits soft 17 |
| Peek Rule | Hole cards in play, the dealer peeks under tens and aces |
| Doubling Rules | Doubling on hard 9, 10, and 11 only |
| Doubling after a Split (DAS) | Unavailable |
| Splitting Rules | Split once to up to two hands |
| Surrender | Unavailable |
| Theoretical Return | 99.69% |
Atlantic City Blackjack
With Atlantic City Blackjack, Microgaming pays homage to the blackjack games that originated in the popular casino-resort town on the USA’s East Coast. What you can expect from this game are favorable playing conditions, highly authentic graphics, and user-friendly design.
Players who crave more betting action get the chance to try the multi-hand version of the game where they play up to five betting spots at once. One of the most distinctive features of this visually compelling variation is that it supports the Late Surrender rule whereby players can forfeit bad hands immediately after the dealer peeks for blackjack. Check out the rest of the player-friendly rules below.
| Rundown of Atlantic City Blackjack Rules | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 8 decks in play |
| Blackjack Odds | 3 to 2 |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Draws to 16 and stands on soft 17 |
| Peek Rule | Hole cards in play, dealer peeks under tens and aces |
| Doubling Rules | Doubling on any two cards |
| Doubling after a Split (DAS) | Available |
| Splitting Rules | Players can split any pair of cards of equal value and denomination, up to three times for a total of four hands. |
| Surrender | Late Surrender is available |
| Theoretical Return | 99.65% |
Microgaming’s Suite of Innovative Blackjack Games
Long-term fans of 21 often grow tired of playing the orthodox variations of the game. Microgaming caters to such players with a host of innovative variants that deviate from the conventional blackjack rules of play.
Some of these feature interesting side bets that can help players earn massive payouts. Others allow for more customization options and use innovative rules that completely transform the gameplay. We have handpicked three of the unorthodox variations we consider most interesting.
High Streak Blackjack
High Streak Blackjack is an absolute must for all blackjack fans who crave a fresh experience at the virtual tables. The game offers an appealing suite of side bets that allow players to earn additional payouts when riding the waves of a winning streak.
You start by posting the High Streak side bet in the corresponding betting box on the layout. It is impossible to miss because it is glued to the betting box for the main wager. If you win two hands in a row, the High Streak bet pays even money.
A third consecutive win earns you a bonus payout of 2 to 1 whereas four consecutive wins result in a payout of 5 to 1. The five consecutive streak pays at odds of 10 to 1, which is the highest return in the entire game. Exciting, huh?
| Rundown of High Streak Blackjack Rules | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 2 decks in play |
| Blackjack Odds | 3 to 2 |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Draws to 16 and stands on all 17s |
| Peek Rule | No hole cards are in play, the peek rule is unavailable |
| Doubling Rules | Doubling on hard 9, 10, and 11 only |
| Doubling after a Split (DAS) | Unavailable |
| Splitting Rules | Once per round to up to two hands |
| Surrender | Unavailable |
| Theoretical Return | 99.59% |
Casino Blackjack Variations Poker
Premier Blackjack Hi Lo Gold
Premier Blackjack Hi Lo is yet another exciting take on the classic card game that comes from the Microgaming studio. The first thing that strikes you about this online blackjack variation is that it allows for a huge array of customization options. Players can control the game’s speed, choose from different card designs, and change the color of the felt.
But the biggest drawing attraction here undoubtedly comes in the form of several side bets that award larger bonus payouts. We are talking about the Hi Lo 13 side bets which are unavailable in most other online blackjack variations.
The Lo side bet wins whenever the player’s first two cards have combined totals of 2 through 12, in which case the wager pays even money. To win even money with the Hi bet, your starting hand’s total should be 14 or higher. The top payer in the game is a hand total of 13, which rewards the player with a payout of 10 to 1. Bear in mind aces are low on the side bet, meaning they are counted as 1 only.
| Rundown of High Streak Blackjack Rules | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 2 decks in play |
| Blackjack Odds | 3 to 2 |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Draws to 16 and stands on soft 17 |
| Peek Rule | No hole cards in play, the peek rule does not apply |
| Doubling Rules | Doubling on hard 9, 10, and 11 only |
| Doubling after a Split (DAS) | Unavailable |
| Splitting Rules | Once per round to a maximum of two hands |
| Surrender | Unavailable |
| Theoretical Return | 99.60% |
Super Fun 21
Super Fun 21 plays exactly as it sounds, offering a fun and unconventional experience to all fans of 21 looking for something out of the ordinary. To begin with, this is again a single-deck variation which only goes to show Microgaming boasts the richest suite of pitch games in the online gaming industry.
The game pays even money for blackjacks but before you write it off, consider this – Super Fun 21 offers the Double Down Rescue. Under this rare rule, players can surrender a hand after doubling down on it. Also, a player blackjack beats a dealer blackjack.
In addition to this, Super Fun 21 features several exciting side bets that allow you to play for bonus payouts. A blackjack made of an Ace and a King of the diamond suit pays at odds of 2 to 1 and so does a hand consisting of five or more cards whose total adds up to 21. Six or more cards with a value of 20 or less always return even money. The bonus payouts do not apply after a double down, though. Check out the other rules below.
| Rundown of Super Fun 21 Rules | |
|---|---|
| Deck Number | 1 deck in play |
| Blackjack Odds | 1 to 1 |
| Dealer Standing Rules | Hits soft 17 |
| Peek Rule | Hole cards in play, dealer peeks under tens and aces |
| Doubling Rules | Doubling on any number of cards |
| Doubling after a Split (DAS) | Available |
| Doubling and Hitting Split Aces | Available |
| Splitting Rules | Three times to up to four hands |
| Resplitting Aces | Available |
| Surrender | Late Surrender on any number of cards |
| Theoretical Return | 99.10% |
- Appendices
- Miscellaneous
- External Links
Introduction
Rule variations will have an effect on the player's expected return. The numbers below show the effect on the player's return under various rules and after taking into consideration proper basic strategy adjustments. These changes are relative to the following rules: eight decks, dealer stands on soft 17, player may double on anyfirst two cards, player can double after splitting, playermay split to 4 hands.
Casino Blackjack Variations Video Poker
Blackjack Rule Variations
| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| Blackjacks pay 2 to 1 | +2.27% |
| Triple down on any two cards | +1.64% |
| Five cardCharlie1 | +1.46% |
| Optional half win for 5-card Charlie9 | +0.77% |
| Suited blackjacks pay 2 to 1 | +0.57% |
| Player 21-points is automatic winner | +0.54% |
| Single deck | +0.48% |
| Early surrender against ace | +0.39% |
| Player 21 vs. dealer blackjack is a push | +0.35% |
| 5-card win pays 3-2 | +0.33% |
| Blackjack tie pays 3 to 2 | +0.32% |
| Six-card Charlie pays 3 to 2 | +0.31% |
| Early surrender against ten | +0.24% |
| 5-card (or more) 21 automatically pays 2 to 1 | +0.24% |
| Player may double on any number of cards | +0.23% |
| Ace and 10 after splitting aces is a blackjack (paying 3-2) | +0.21% |
| Player may draw to split aces | +0.19% |
| Double deck | +0.19% |
| Six card Charlie1 | +0.16% |
| Player may double, double for less, or stand after splitting aces | +0.15% |
| Tied blackjack pays 1-2 | +0.11% |
| Ace and 10 after splitting aces is a blackjack (paying 6-5) | +0.11% |
| Double Down Rescue | +0.10% |
| 6-card win pays 2-1 | +0.09% |
| Player may resplit aces | +0.08% |
| Player may double or stand after splitting aces | +0.08% |
| Late surrender against ten | +0.07% |
| Four decks | +0.06% |
| 7-card win pays 5-1 | +0.05% |
| 777 pays 3 to 1 automatically | +0.05% |
| Five decks | +0.03% |
| 777 pays 2 to 1 automatically | +0.03% |
| Six decks | +0.02% |
| Seven card Charlie1 | +0.01% |
| Late surrender against ace | +0.00% |
| Dealer must stop with six cards | +0.00% |
| Late surrender after splitting | +0.00% |
| Split to only 3 hands | -0.01% |
| No-peek: ace showing2 | -0.01% |
| BB+13 | -0.01% |
| Dealer secretly goes first5 | -0.02% |
| OBBO4 | -0.03% |
| European no hole card (splitting)7 | -0.03% |
| European no hole card (doubling)7 | -0.08% |
| Player may double on 9-11 only | -0.09% |
| No-peek: ten showing6 | -0.10% |
| Player may not resplit | -0.10% |
| European no hole card7 | -0.11% |
| Player may not double after splitting | -0.14% |
| Player may double on 10,11 only | -0.18% |
| Player may not split aces | -0.18% |
| Dealer hits on soft 17 | -0.22% |
| Blackkjack pays 7-5 | -0.45% |
| Player may not split | -0.57% |
| Red blackjack pays 2-1, Black blackjack pays 3-2, Mixed blackjack pays 1-1 | -0.57% |
| Blackjack pays 6-5 | -1.39% |
| Player may not double | -1.48% |
| Player loses 17 ties | -1.87% |
| Player may not double nor split | -1.91% |
| Blackjacks pay 1 to 1 | -2.27% |
| Player loses 17,18 ties | -3.58% |
| Player loses 17-19 ties | -5.30% |
| Dealer bust on 22 is a push8 | -6.91% |
| Player loses 17-20 ties | -8.38% |
| Player loses 17-21 ties | -8.86% |
Notes
- A 'Charlie' is an automatic winner. For example the five-card Charlie rule means the player automatically wins with 5 cards, as long as he didn't bust.
- Dealer does not peek for blackjack with an ace up. If dealer has a ace-up blackjack, player loses all bets made, including from doubling and splitting. A 10-up blackjack will be revealed immediately after peeking, and the player will lose only his original wager, except a blackjack tie will push.
- BB+1 refers to an Australian rule, in which the player will lose all busted bets, plus one unit, if the dealer gets a blackjack. For example, if the player splits 8's to three hands of a 20, (doubled) 19, and a busted hand, and the dealer get a blackjack, then the player will lose 2 units, one for the busted hand, and one from the remaining 3 units on the table. There is a great deal of confusion for the term for his rule, some sources calling it 'OBBO,' for Original and Busted Bets Only.
- OBBO stands for Original Bets and Busted Only. 'Original Bets' means each original bet per hand. So, if the player bet $5 and split to three hands, he would have three original bets of $5 each. As far as I know, the OBBO rule is confined to some parts of Australia and Malaysia. In the example above, the player would lose 3 units under this rule, one for the busted hand and two for the number of unbusted hands. The term is discussed in depth in the bookThe Pro's Guide to Spanish 21 and Australian Pontoon by Katarina Walker.
- This strange rule is actually followed in Pennsylvania, on Shufflemaster TMS-300 video multi-player blackjack games. State law prohibits one player taking the cards of another player. The way they implement this rule is to give every player, and the dealer, a separate shoe. The dealer plays out his hand first, secretly, and the results stored in memory. Then the cards used by the dealer are removed for each player shoe. When all players have finished acting, the game shows what cards the dealer drew already. According to Shufflemaster, the effect of this rule is 0.02% in favor of the dealer. Shufflemaster wishes to add this rule is part of a patent-pending technology.
- Dealer does not peek for blackjack with a 10 up. If dealer has a 10-up blackjack, player loses all bets made, including from doubling and splitting. An ace-up blackjack will be revealed immediately after peeking, and the player will lose only his original wager, except a blackjack tie will push.
- Dealer does not take a hole card, or never peeks at it if he does. If the dealer has a blackjack, then player loses all bets made, including from doubling and splitting, except a blackjack tie will push. The cost of this rule to the player is 0.08% when doubling, and 0.03% when splitting. This breakdown is important in the case of Galaxy casinos in Macau, where the player only loses the original bet when doubling, but everything when splitting, if the dealer gets a blackjack.
- The push on a dealer 22 rule is a legally protected rule. The rights belong to the owner of Blackjack Switch.
- This rule can be found at the Pharaoh's Palace in Macau. The player may invoke the rule before the dealer checks for blackjack. The effect shown is based on the dealer not taking a hole card.
Written by: Michael Shackleford