Online Blackjack Variant: Switch

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What is Blackjack Switch

The unusual inclusion of the "switch" option has made Blackjack Switch among the most popular blackjack variants on the internet. While many blackjack variants are over a hundred years old, Blackjack Switch made its debut in Vegas in the year 2000 and was and installed in Harvey's Casino in Iowa in 2001. Since then the game has grown in tandem with the rise of the internet, it has become a staple of online and live casino entertainment.

In Blackjack Switch, players of the game have to gamble on two hands. You have options to hit, stand, or switch once these hands have been given and the dealer has their own cards (think of it like the swap option in Deal or no Deal). Should you switch, the top two cards will be moved between hands. As it is possible to create a blackjack by rearranging cards, the switch option certainly adds a dynamic element to gameplay.

As a variant most largely influenced by the internet varied game versions have been created all with similar varied rules. This means that in some games you will be able to choose which cards are exchanged while in others you will only be able to switch the top cards.

Basic Rules of Blackjack Switch

The basic rules of Blackjack Switch are as follows:

• Objective: The goal remains the same as Classic Blackjack, to beat the dealer without going over 21.
• Unique Rules: Players are dealt two hands by the dealer. After seeing their two Blackjack starting hands, players have a choice to switch the second card of each hand. Then each hand is played according to the normal house rules of Blackjack. Players can double down after splitting. A blackjack that is achieved using a switch is valued as 21; which means it can be superseded by a ‘true’ blackjack.
• Deck: Blackjack Switch is commonly played with 6-8 decks.
• Dealer Rules: The dealer receives one face-up and one face-down card and will check for blackjack when showing an Ace or 10. The Dealer hits on a soft 17 and a dealer's hand of 22 pushes against players' hands of 21 or below.

How to Play Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch can be played by following these simple steps:

1. Start the Game: Choose the Blackjack Switch game you want to play on your preferred device. Be sure to check the table limits and also any additional rules (as these can change slightly between games), before committing to play. The dealer deals two two-card hands to each player face up and two cards to themself one face down and one face up. If the face-up card is an ace or a 10 they will peek at their face-down card to check for blackjack.
2. Player’s Turn: Now it's up to you to mix and combine your cards to form the best starting hands feasible. Before you hit (take another card), stand (take no additional cards), double your stake (double down), or divide your hand, where applicable (split), you have the option of switching two of your cards to create two new hands. You'll then proceed with these as if they were two regular blackjack hands. Then you can proceed with the classic blackjack gameplay, choosing whether to hit, stand, and so on.
3. Dealer’s Turn: After players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their hidden card and must follow house rules, such as hitting or standing on certain totals. The dealer will turn over their facedown card and play their hand, just like in a conventional game of blackjack, before comparing their hand to each of yours in turn. Standard Blackjack Switch Rules dictate that a dealer must hit on a soft 17 and can still push your hand with a 22 if your hand is 21 or lower (remember a blackjack made from a switch is classed as '21').

Winning and Losing: When the dealer’s turn is done, winnings are paid out for those players whose hand value beats the dealer. Blackjack pays 1/1 instead of the usual 3/2 and an Insurance bet is available paying 2/1

Tips & Strategy When Playing Blackjack Switch

• Know When to Switch: Remember, you don’t have to switch every time, and can instead play rounds of Blackjack Switch as though it was traditional Blackjack. Look at both hands and consider them, before switching or sticking in Blackjack Switch. Switching can boost the odds of winning both hands if both include a weak card like 2 or 3. However, if one hand has a powerful card (e.g., 10 or Ace) and the other has a weak card, it may be advantageous to preserve the strong card and switch the weak card with a new one from the dealer.

• Know When to Split: Splitting Aces and 8s is another Blackjack Switch technique. Splitting Aces provides you two chances to make 21 or close. Splitting 8s provides you two chances to make 17 or 18, a solid hand.

• The Dealer Does Not Bust on 22!: When the dealer's hand reaches 22, in normal blackjack players would be celebrating, but remember, in Blackjack Switch the dealer doesn’t bust on 22 and instead pushes all player hands save blackjack. 

Blackjack Switch vs Classic Blackjack

The difference between Blackjack Switch and Classic Blackjack is pretty clear. While the same core blackjack rules remain; players are dealt two hands and can switch them with the hope of improving their chances of achieving 21. Blackjacks in Switch are paid out at 1/1 instead of 3/2 as seen in Classic Blackjack. Also, the dealer pushes every hand on a 22 aside from blackjack,

Conclusion

Blackjack Switch allows you to Switch up your traditional blackjack gameplay with two hands to play with in the hopes of increasing the chance of achieving that all-important 21. Now, thanks to online casino and live casino gameplay, you can make the switch to Blackjack Switch whenever and wherever you like.

At Genting Casino, you can play a huge selection of online and live blackjack variants such as Blackjack Switch. Sign up and play today to discover more.

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