Everything you should know about Blackjack switch

Blackjack Switch is essentially a variant of the Live Blackjack game played like a regular game of Blackjack, but with some significant differences. This game which is usually played with six or eight decks of cards has a unique rule i.e., the players initially get two hands unlike a single hand on standard Live Blackjack and hence it is a multi-hand game. There is an option for players to switch the top cards of their hands at their will.

Blackjack Switch vs. Traditional Live Blackjack

In the Blackjack Switch game, players are required to make two wagers to start the hand. The player may take the second card dealt from one hand and switch it with the other.

Blackjack Switch pays even money and a switched hand that creates an ace and a 10-value card counts as 21 and is not paid as a blackjack.

If the dealer makes a 22, all players who are still in the hand push as the dealer can only bust on 23 and higher.

Important rules of Blackjack Switch

The players of this game have to necessarily place two equal bets for each of their two separate hands. Players can switch only the top card on their hands and switching the first card of one hand and the second card of the other is forbidden. In this game, the dealer hits on soft 17, which means that he will always draw one more card if he has 17 with an Ace counted as 11.

This game of Blackjack allows players to split up to four hands and bet the same amount on each hand. Players are also allowed to double their bet on any of their two hands after the switch of the top cards dealt with them initially. The winning blackjack hand in this variant of the game pays 1:1 rather than 3:2 like in regular Live Blackjack.

Reasons to play Blackjack Switch

1. Blackjack Switch offers an entertaining twist on classic Blackjack game.
2. The provides players with a good chance of winning as odds are very favourable when the right strategy is applied in the game.
3. Its gameplay lasts for a longer period unlike the normal Live Blackjack game offering the players the opportunity to play more for the same sum.
4. Advanced Blackjack players have presented an interesting challenge with the Blackjack Switch game.

Odds and the house edge of Blackjack Switch

Though on the outset Blackjack Switch seems to increase the odds in the favour of the players, some other rules of the game restore the house edge to an extent. The prominent rule difference in this variation is that the dealer doesn’t bust if they draw to 22, but a dealer 22 results in a push which means that all hands are a tie.

Side Bets

The players are treated with a unique feature of Blackjack Switch where they have the opportunity to make a side bet before the game begins. Not only does this additional bet add to the house edge but it also brings players a good payout. The so-called Super Match bet which can be made before the cards are dealt, lets players to be paid if they have a pair among their four cards.

While an even money payout is likely for a pair, three of a kind have a payout of 5 to 1. Two pairs pay 8 to 1 and the most generous payout of 40 to 1 is offered for holding four cards of a kind.

The Pros of Blackjack Switch

• A big advantage of Blackjack Switch is the ability to swap cards to form better hands.
• Option to double on any total.
• Opportunity of splitting up to 4 hands.