A Complete Guide to Double Up Blackjack
Double Up Blackjack, a thrilling variant of traditional Blackjack, where you can double your initial bet after having checked your first two cards. While the gameplay closely resembles the original, there are a few key differences that add a new dimension to the experience.
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Dive into our comprehensive guide to uncover these changes and learn how they impact both you and the dealer!
Introduction To Double Up Blackjack
Double Up Blackjack made its first appearance in casinos in 2012 and has since gained popularity on gambling floors and online casinos worldwide. First introduced by Score Gaming in Nevada, its popularity soared, making its way across the pond to England's Grosvenor Casino in Durham by 2015.
The variant was a huge success and quickly moved to casinos in North America, the Philippines and the UK. Since then, the game has become a popular staple in both land-based and online casinos the world over.
In Double Up Blackjack, the traditional setup mirrors classic blackjack: two initial cards are dealt, and the dealer reveals their up-card. However, what sets it apart is its standout feature—a chance to double your initial bets. If you opt to double up, you commit to your current cards without the option to hit for additional ones. This option is available for any hand except when dealt a blackjack.
Currently, over a third of casinos worldwide host several Double Up Blackjack games. The variant adds a whole new level of depth, requiring players to employ innovative strategies to navigate its unique rules effectively.
Understanding The Rules And Gameplay Of Double Up Blackjack
What Are The Differences Between Double Up Blackjack And Blackjack?
In traditional blackjack, the main objective is to achieve a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. You have the option to hit or stand during each round. Going over 21 results in a bust, leading to a loss. Remember, you're playing against the dealer, not the other players, so their hand matters most.
In Double Up Blackjack, the dealer is required to hit on a soft 17. This variation impacts your strategy significantly, as you'll need to factor it in based on the dealer's upcard.
If the dealer achieves a hard or soft 16, they will promptly stand. In such cases, all bets on the table push, except for those totaling 21.
Unlike other blackjack games, you have the option to 'double up' your bet after receiving both cards in your initial hand, and you can split your hand once. However, once you double your bet, you can no longer hit, meaning you'll need to be committed to the state of your hand.
Additionally, certain games may include a feature called Bonus 16, where you can wager on the dealer's hand totaling 16. Guess correctly, and you'll earn a prize.
How To Play Double Up Blackjack
To get started, place a bet of your choice, ensuring it meets the minimum wager requirement. After betting, you and the dealer each receive one card facing up. Then, another card is dealt to you, while the dealer's second card remains face down.
If you're dealt a natural 21 (blackjack), you have the options to Stand, Hit for another card, or Double-Up your original wager on any two-card hand except for blackjack. Opting to double up entails receiving one more card before being required to stand. If you're dealt a pair, you can choose to Split, followed by the option to double up. When splitting, you play one hand at a time until satisfied or until busting.
Once you've made your decision to stand, the dealer proceeds with their game. If the dealer's hand totals 16 after receiving a card, all bets push, resulting in a draw. Additionally, the dealer must draw if their hand is less than 17, but if they have a soft 17, they must hit.
Double Up Blackjack In Casinos
At LeoVegas, you’ll find rewarding versions of Double Up Blackjack. They come with friendly user interfaces that help you to familiarise yourself with all the different rules and put your strategies to good use. Demo versions of the game can be a great way to get used to the rules and different mechanics.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Double Up Blackjack
Double Up Blackjack brings loads of fantastic additions to regular gameplay, including the following advantages:
A chance to score bigger wins thanks to the double up bet.
The Bonus 16 side bet can potentially result in a high payout.
Another layer of depth added to your strategies.
But there are a few potential downsides to this variation too, such as:
The chance of bigger losses because of higher bets.
Dealers get a huge advantage when landing a soft or hard 16.
Double Up Blackjack FAQs
What is Double Up Blackjack?
Double Up Blackjack is a variation of blackjack where you can double your initial bet once the first two cards have been added to your hand. It also adds more changes to the game, such as having the dealer stand on a soft or hard 16.
How Does Double Up Blackjack Differ From Traditional Blackjack?
In Double Up Blackjack you can double your initial bet. As opposed to regular Blackjack, here a dealer automatically stands when they get a soft or hard 16. You can also have a side bet called Bonus 16 added into the game, where you bet on the dealer getting a combined hand value of 16. Dealers also hit on a soft 17.
What Are Some Effective Strategies For Winning at Double Up Blackjack?
It’s best to understand soft hands and how these can flexibly change their value. This applies to both your hand and the dealer's. Consider the possible options that come from an Ace having a value of one or 11 and strategize accordingly.
Are There Any Specific Rules or Variations to Be Aware Of?
This variation makes some changes to the rules. The most notable is the fact that the dealer automatically stands on a soft or hard 16 and that dealers can hit on a soft 17.
Can You Play Double Up Blackjack Online?
Yes, there are several great versions of online Double Up Blackjack that you can access and play online.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Double Up Blackjack?
You should always consider the dealer’s up card before deciding on whether you should take or leave the double up bet. If the dealer has an ace there, then it might be best to let this one go.
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