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Blackjack Switch : Complete Guide | LeoVegas

Blackjack Switch : Complete Guide

Blackjack Switch is a popular variant of traditional blackjack, invented by Geoff Hall. Patented in 2009, this innovative version introduces a unique feature allowing players to switch cards between two hands, potentially increasing their odds of winning. To balance this advantage, additional rules have been implemented to maintain the house edge.

Table of Content:

Basic Rules of Blackjack Switch

Standard Blackjack Rules Recap

The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer by achieving a score as close to 21 as possible without going over. Cards from 2 to 10 are valued at their face number, while face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth ten. Aces can be counted as either one or 11, depending on which value keeps the hand under or at 21.

In blackjack, once the initial two cards are dealt, the player has several options. They can hit to draw another card, stand to keep their current hand, or double down to double their wager and receive one more card before standing. If the two initial cards have the same value, players can also choose to split, creating two separate hands to play individually.

The dealer follows set rules in blackjack. Typically, they must hit until they reach a score of at least 17, at which point they must stand. If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, they bust. The player wins by having a higher score than the dealer without busting or if the dealer busts.

Unique Rules of Blackjack Switch

Switching Cards

The most significant rule change in Blackjack Switch, which gives the game its name, is the ability to switch cards between two hands. This feature is possible because each player is required to play two hands simultaneously.

Switching is available on the first hand after the cards are dealt. After the player looks at their hand, they can choose to switch the top two cards. Of course, it’s usually only done if the switch improves one or both hands.

For example, consider a player is dealt one hand with a king on the bottom and a four on top, and their second hand a six on the bottom and an ace on top. In this case, switching would make the first hand a blackjack with a score of 21 via a king and an ace, and the second hand worth ten, using the four and six.

Dealer's Push on 22

The Push On 22 rule was introduced in Blackjack Switch to help maintain the house edge and make the game more palatable and balanced to casinos. With this rule, if the dealer’s hand hits 22, it’s a push rather than a bust - even if the player has a natural (two-card) blackjack.

A push occurs when neither the player nor the dealer wins the round, resulting in all wagers being returned to the player. It’s not a loss, but it’s also not a win - essentially serving as a reset button in Blackjack Switch.

Comparison to Traditional Blackjack

Most of the rules of Blackjack Switch are the same or very similar to traditional blackjack. Aside from the eponymous switch mechanic, the other standout difference is the payout for natural blackjacks, which is 1:1 instead of the traditional 3:2.

Another significant difference is the Push on 22 rule, as mentioned earlier. This consistency in most rules is one of Blackjack Switch’s strengths, allowing fans of the traditional game to quickly learn the nuances and play Blackjack Switch with speed and confidence.

Gameplay Mechanics

Initial Deal

Blackjack Switch starts with the player being dealt two hands, each consisting of two cards. Both are shown face up.

Player Options After the Deal

After the deal, players are afforded five different options. Four of these are available in traditional blackjack (hit, stand and double down or split if their hand allows), while one is the special feature afforded only in Blackjack Switch - the ‘switch’.

Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split

Hitting is when the player chooses to receive another card in one of their hands. The move is made when they believe they can improve their standing and get closer to 21 without going over.

For example, if the player has a total of 13 and the dealer is showing a ten, the player might choose to hit. This is because 13 is not a high score, and the dealer could beat it with any card valued from ten to ace. If the player's score is ten or lower, they might also choose to hit, as they cannot bust with the next card drawn.

Standing occurs when the player decides they do not want any more cards from the dealer. This is done when the player is confident their hand can beat the dealer and/or fear that the next card will cause them to go bust. For example, if you have a hand totaling 18, drawing any card higher than a three would result in a bust, making it a very risky move to hit.

Doubling Down is when the player doubles their bet in exchange for adding one additional card to their hand. The hand cannot be modified after this bet, so it’s best taken when a player is confident about their victory or the dealer’s defeat.

Splitting is an option when both cards in a hand have the same value. The player separates these cards into two separate hands, and each hand is then dealt an additional card to bring the total size back to two cards per hand. The rules for splitting can vary between casinos and different versions of the game and note, it takes a second wager - equal to the initial one - to play the additional hand.

Switching Cards

Switching comes into play only at a Blackjack Switch casino table. With this rule, players can switch the top cards of their two hands to create better combinations. It’s not necessary, but it can be a huge help in many situations.

Dealer’s Play

The dealer's moves in blackjack are governed by strict rules. Initially, only one of the dealer’s two cards is revealed. After the player completes their actions, the dealer reveals their second card and continues to play their hand according to the established rules.

In most versions of blackjack, the dealer is required to hit until they reach a score of at least 17, after which they must stand. If the dealer and the player have scores of 21, the result is a push where all bets are returned. In Blackjack Switch, a push occurs if the dealer hits a 22, regardless of the player’s score.

If the dealer goes over 22, its’ an automatic loss and the player wins.

History and Evolution

Origins of Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch was invented by Geoff Hall, a renowned gambler and table game designer known for his enthusiasm for blackjack. As the story goes, he grew frustrated by being dealt two weak hands while playing two games simultaneously, wishing he could transfer his cards to produce better results. Not content just to dream, Hall set his mind to the concept and got to work.

Development and Popularity

As Hall developed the idea he had to solve several major problems, the most important of which included balancing the enjoyment of switching cards with a house edge that casinos would embrace.

With the game in development, Hall introduced Blackjack Switch to the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in October of 2000. Here, it immediately drew the attention of several casinos, seeing its first installation the following year, February 2001, in Harvey’s Casino in Iowa.

During this real-life testing, Hall introduced the final big rule of Push on 22 in 2003. This was the final element needed to drive the game to the mainstream. Hitting the Four Queens in Las Vegas in December of 2003, Blackjack Switch started to take over.

Key Milestones in Blackjack Switch History

  • Conceived in 1999
  • Developed and introduced to the Global Gaming Expo in 2000
  • First casino rollout in 2001
  • Push on 22 rule introduced in 2003
  • The first Las Vegas appearance in 2003
  • Officially patented in 2009

Blackjack Switch in Casinos

With a strong history and expansive fanbase, many popular casinos now offer Blackjack Switch. The most famous of these are internationally renowned and respected establishments like the Four Queens in Las Vegas and The Venetian Macao in Macau.

Online Blackjack Switch

Online Blackjack Switch is a popular version of the game, available exclusively through iGaming companies that offer Playtech gaming software. Given the game's popularity, it’s likely to expand and appear at a variety of new online casinos in the near future.

Blackjack Switch FAQs

What is the main difference between blackjack and Blackjack Switch?

The main difference between blackjack and Blackjack Switch is that players in Blackjack Switch play two hands simultaneously and are allowed to switch the top card of the hands to make better combinations if they prefer.

How does switching cards affect the house edge?

The ability to switch cards in Blackjack Switch inherently reduces the house edge. This edge is recovered through the use of other rules, like a hard push on 22.

Is Blackjack Switch better than regular Blackjack?

There is no one better game between Blackjack Switch and regular blackjack. Which game is superior is entirely subjective, so it's up to each individual player to decide which version suits them best.

How does the Blackjack Switch work?

The switch comes into operation after the player’s two hands have been dealt. After this, players can choose to hit, stand, double down, split, or switch. Here the switch acts as the fifth main option after dealing.

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