29 Nov 2024
As a game with hundreds of years of history, it is not a surprise that numerous ways for the game to be played were created. While in the last century or so these variants were largely restricted to smaller regions, the advent and popularisation of online casinos have allowed these variants to be enjoyed by players around the globe with live blackjack letting players have an authentic gaming experience whenever and wherever they like.
One of the most popular variants of Blackjack is Vegas Strip Blackjack and in today’s article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how this variant is played in an online casino and a live casino setting.
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What is Vegas Strip Blackjack
Named after the global icon of gambling ‘Las Vegas’ and the centre of the city known as ‘the Strip’ Vegas Strip Blackjack, naturally, was first played at the real-world casinos on the Vegas Strip. Four decks of cards are in the majority of Vegas Strip Blackjack games. Of course, given the popularity and scope for experimenting with traditional approaches online variants may operate with one or two decks.
Still, the game's goal is the same as in any blackjack game; achieve a hand value as close to 21 as possible that beats the dealer's hand value (but does not exceed 21). Thus the fundamental gameplay of ordinary blackjack is retained in Vegas Strip Blackjack.
Where Vegas Strip Blackjack differs is that, except for split aces, players can split their hand four times and double down on any hand—from a split or their original hand. Typically players cannot hit on split aces, and a split-ace 21 is not blackjack. Some versions will also let you split face cards as though a pair even if they have different faces, say a hand comprising of a queen and a king.
Basic Rules of Vegas Strip Blackjack
The basic at-a-glance rules of Vegas Strip Blackjack are as follows:
- Objective: The aim of the game remains the same, have a higher value hand than the dealer without going over 21.
- Unique Rules: Players can split their hand four times and double down on any hand (except for split aces).
- Deck: Vegas Strip Blackjack can be played with any number of decks but most commonly will use 6 or 8 decks.
- Dealer Rules: Unless stated, the dealer will always hit on a soft 17.
How to Play Vegas Strip Blackjack
To play Vegas Strip Blackjack follow these steps:
- Start the Game: Select the Vegas Strip Blackjack game you want to play on your preferred device (read the table information before selecting your game to ensure they suit your budget). The dealer deals two cards to each player, face-up, and two cards to themselves with one face-up, and one face-down. If the dealer's face-up card is an ace the player can make an insurance bet.
- Player Options: This is where the game differs from traditional blackjack. If you have pairs, you will be able to split to get two hands — and if another pair is made; perhaps split once more. Unless you split aces, at this time you can also double down on your original hand or any you have split. You then choose to hit or stand (adding cards to your hand or leaving it as is).
- Dealer’s Turn: The dealer's face-down card is revealed and they take their turn in accordance with the dealers' rules provided. While some Vegas Strip Blackjack tables feature a dealer stand on soft 17, others have them hit on soft 17.
The Outcome: If your hand is stronger than the dealer's (closer to 21 but not beyond 21), you'll win at odds of 1:1 or 3:2 if you have blackjack.
Tips & Strategy When Playing Vegas Strip Blackjack
- Gameplay Strategy: The optimal strategy for traditional Blackjack is also optimal for Vegas Strip Blackjack which makes it an accessible variant for those experimenting with blackjack for the first time. You can use a blackjack strategy chart for Vegas Strip Blackjack to help you make optimal gameplay decisions depending on the hand you’ve been dealt.
- Doubling Down: You can double down after your first two cards just like in regular blackjack, or, after splitting, which can be useful if you’ve split cards worth 9 or lower; as it is impossible to bust from this position.
- Splitting Pairs: In Vegas Strip Blackjack, you can split up to four times, however, Aces can only be divided once, and you can only add one card to each Ace, so you won't have much freedom after splitting. Like-value cards, such as image cards or 10s, can also be split; however, splitting 10s results in two inferior hands rather than a strong 20, thus it's generally not a smart idea unless you have a specific strategy in mind.
Vegas Strip Blackjack vs Classic Blackjack
Compared to other variants with more drastic rule changes, Vegas Strip Blackjack is remarkably similar to Classic Blackjack; which is why the same general gameplay strategy applies to both types. The only difference comes during the player's turn. In Classic Blackjack players are only able to split once under specific circumstances, and cannot double down after hitting or splitting. Vegas Strip Blackjack allows players to split not just once, but twice, as well as being able to double down after splitting their hands.
The Fun of the Vegas Strip With Convenient Online Gameplay
Vegas Strip Blackjack is a very beginner-friendly variant. It makes a great jumping-off point for classic blackjack fans to try something new without feeling like they have to relearn the entire game. The option to split multiple times and double down after splitting gives players more freedom with how they’d like to play their hand.
Online casino gameplay means that you can bring the bright lights of the city that never sleeps to your front door. Vegas Strip Blackjack is just one of the many online blackjack variants available to play at Genting Casino, alongside live blackjack too. If you’d like to flirt with different blackjack variants both in the online and live casino world, sign up and play today.
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