Blackjack switch is a blackjack variant, which allows the player to
do what is normally considered as a classic cheating manoeuver, trading
cards between two hands. The player must make two bets of equal size
and is allowed to switch the second card dealt to each hand. Of course
nothing comes free, a dealer 22 results in a push and blackjacks pay
even money. Currently the game is played at Playtech Internet casinos,
it has had a run at the Taj Majal in Atlantic City, and other land
based casinos have plans to offer the game in the near future inlucing
the Four Queens in Las Vegas.
Rules
The following rules apply to the Playtech version. When the Taj
Majal offered the game the game ties went to the dealer instead of
a dealer 22 pushing. Other variants include the dealer standing on
soft 17 and a player blackjack pushing to a dealer 22. So the following
rules apply to Playtech only.
All rules are based on conventional blackjack unless otherwise
noted.
The player must make two bets of equal size.
Cards will be dealt face up.
The player may switch the 2nd card dealt to each hand. For example
if one hand has 5,10 and the other has 10,6 the player may switch
the 10 and 6 to have two hands of 11 and 20.
Six decks are used.
Dealer hits a soft 17.
Player may double on any 2 cards.
Player may double after a split.
Player may not resplit.
Winning player blackjacks pay even money.
Full European no-peek rule. Player loses total amount bet against
a dealer blackjack. A benefit of this rule is that the player can
switch to a blackjack, even if the dealer has a blackjack.
A dealer total of 22 will push against any player total of 21 or
less. A player blackjack will still beat a dealer 22.
Strategy
S Stand
H Hit
D Double if allowed, otherwise hit (except stand on soft 18)
P Split
The switch decision is more complicated. Most of the time it will
be obvious. The following table can be used to determine whether
or not to switch in any situation. Listed in the table is the expected
value of every possible initial hand. To use the table add the expected
values by switching and not switching and play the pair of hands
with the greater expected value.
House Edge
The house edge following optimal switching and playing strategy
is a very low 0.05%.
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