Blackjack Switch is yet another popular variation of the classic game of blackjack and Geoff Hall is considered its inventor. Although the game is based on the classic blackjack, there are some rules that make it different. In Blackjack Switch, two hands are dealt to each playing position. The player can “switch” their cards for the top two cards in the deck. Blackjack Switch is also known as the blackjack variation featuring one of the most favourable house edges. The game is commonly played with 6 or 8 decks.
Blackjack Switch Basics
While the payout of the standard game is 3:2, the Blackjack Switch pays the natural blackjacks 1:1. All player hands count as pushes apart from the natural blackjack, on grounds that the dealer had hard 22.
The card table has a similar layout to the one used in standard blackjack. Two betting boxes are placed in each playing position. It is important to note that the first wagers in these two boxes are supposed to be the same. Once the game action unfolds, they can be doubled, split or resolved.
The dealer places one card turned face up, in each box. Then, the dealer is supposed to deal one card for himself and then to proceed with dealing one more card to each box.
The next step the dealer has to take is to ask each and every player if they would like to “switch” the top cards. Regardless of player’s decision, they will be prompted to hit, stand or double. If the card value goes over 21, the hand is considered “busted” and the house receives player’s wager.
Once all players are consulted, the dealer reveals the worth of their cards but there is one major difference. If the dealer has a hand amounting to 22, it is not considered a bust but a push. Some exceptions apply when the player has a blackjack, which has not been taken by switching or splitting.
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Sometimes, making a decision as to whether to switch or not can be really difficult. That is why there are calculators that help you make you make the right decision. You are supposed to enter the values to the two hands and the calculator will consult you about the better alternative.
Blackjack Switch features slight differences in the rules depending on the casino you choose to play at. One of the small variations is whether the dealer must stand or hit on soft 17. Some venues offer insurance or even money, while some other do not. Some allow the players to double after splitting or to hit split aces but at some casinos there is not such an option.
He main advantage of Blackjack Switch is that every player can swap the second dealt cards of both hands in an attempt to make two better hands. Swapping is possible when you have a blackjack hand as well.
The blackjack hand pays 1 to 2, while the Insurance bet pays 2 to 1. As for the house edge during a game of Blackjack Switch, it amounts to 0.17%.
Depending on the software provider you pick, you might be awarded bonus points for playing Blackjack Switch. For instance, one of the leading providers of gaming solutions on a global scale – Playtech, gives a player 1 point for every €10 wagered. When you get 100 points, they can be redeemed for €1. In other words, every €1000 you wager grants you €1, which helps you reduce the house edge.
Super Match Bet
Most Blackjack Switch tables allow the so-called Super Match bet. If your game is a 6-deck one, the payout will be 1:1 for a pair; three of a kind grant you payout of 5:1. As for two pairs and four of a kind, they pay 5:1 and 40:1, respectively. Beware that most side bets increase the house edge and the Super Match is not an exception.
Switch Blackjack Strategy
If you really want to make a profit out of Blackjack Switch, you definitely have to pay attention to the rules and understand the essential elements that guarantee a positive outcome of the game.
- Choosing a strategy card for your Blackjack Switch game is recommended because you will have a better idea as to what your next more will be.
- When you hold a pair of 4’s or 5’s,6’s,7’s,8’s you should opt for “hit” regardless of the cards of the dealer.
- In case you get 17 or more you should choose to “stand” regardless of dealer’s cards value.
- In case you get a pair of Aces, you’d better Split them.
Blackjack Switch requires you to have a more aggressive approach in order to defeat the dealer. Meanwhile, you have to keep an eye on dealer’s actions and if you see that they hold a 7 or a card with a higher value, you should be prepared that the hand will be strong. If a 3 through 6 is showing, dealer’s hand is probably weaker than yours. However, if one of dealer’s card is 2, you should be really precautions because in Blackjack Switch 22 is not a bust but a push.
If you, for example, hold 18 and the dealer’s card is an 8, the situation is beneficial to you.
Don’t forget that you are advised to stand when you have hard 17 or higher.
Nineteen is much stronger than 18, while a hand that has a value of 13 or 14 do not make much difference because in such case you have to rely on the dealer to bust out.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an exciting variation of the classic blackjack and you are willing to follow rules that might seem strange at first glance, you should probably try Blackjack Switch. Yet, be prepared for disappointments brought about by the 22 rule. You will find the game in the best online and land based casinos.
