Blackjack Switch
Currently played in some Las Vegas and Russian casinos as well as at Playtech Internet casinos, Blackjack Switch is a variation of Black Jack that allows players to trade cards between hands. Normally considered to be an illegal move in the game of Black Jack, the ability to trade cards adds an interesting twist to the game of Black Jack as well as an added element of strategy.
Playing Blackjack Switch
How to Play Blackjack Switch
In order to play the game of Blackjack Switch, the player is required to make two equal bets. The player can then switch the second card that is dealt in each hand. On the other hand, if the dealer gets 22 points, it results in a push and pays even money. When playing Blackjack Switch with Playtech, there are several rules to keep in mind. These include:
- All of the rules are the same as with traditional Black Jack unless otherwise noted
- Cards are dealt face up
- Six decks are used with each game
- The player may double after a split and may not resplit
- The player may double on any 2 cards
When playing Blackjack Switch, the dealer must hit on a soft 17. In addition, although a dealer total of 22 will push against a player with 21 or less, a player blackjack still beats a 22 from a dealer.
Special Blackjack Switch Rules
Alternate Rules of Blackjack Switch – Blackjack Switch Odds
There are several alternate rules that may be played with Blackjack Switch. One of these alternate rules is to follow the Full European No-Peek Rule. With this rule, the player loses the total bet if the dealer gets a blackjack. In addition, this rule allows the player to switch to a blackjack even when the dealer has a blackjack.
Another alternate rule is the Four Queens Rule. With this rule, the dealer is able to take a peek at his cards for blackjack. If he has a blackjack, he turns over the cards immediately. In addition, a game played by these rules uses eight decks rather than six and the player has the option to resplit after completing four hands rather than after completing two. Since this rule makes it so the player does not have the opportunity to switch to blackjack if the dealer has blackjack, the rule actually favors the casino by 0.11%. All in all, the house edge is just 0.05% when following the Playtech rules, but is 0.20% when following Four Queens rules.
Las Vegas and Russia Rules
Various Las Vegas casinos have their own rules as well. Harrah, for example, uses six decks and allows the player to switch to a blackjack, which is then treated as a 21 point hand. These rules are followed at all of the Harrah casinos in Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. Tropicana rules, on the other hand, plays with eight decks. A player switch to blackjack is still treated as if it were a 21 point hand, but a player blackjack is an automatic win.
Yet another rule variation is Russian Rules. With Russian Rules, either four or six decks are used and the dealer does not take a hole card. The player also has the option to take an early surrender, which involves giving up one bet and then surrendering both hands.
If you would like to learn about additional blackjack games find out more at our dedicated section at Online Blackjack Odds.