Blackjack Rule Variations and How They Change Player Expectations
When an ordinary gambler visits a casino, they only look for a particular game they like. If they find it and the betting limits are within their range, they play it. These types of players don't realize that casinos often change the rules of their games. And when they do, it can be either good or bad for the player.
Blackjack is not exempted from such modification. Over the decades, casinos have adjusted the rules of this game. Usually it is to thwart the attempts of advantage gamblers to win in the game. In other words, every time someone figures out how to beat blackjack or any other game in the house, the casinos may change the rules to protect its source of revenue.
Before you sit down at a blackjack table, make sure you check the rules first. If you see an unusual blackjack rule variation, you should know whether that is good for you or not. Good is if it adds to a player's expectations; bad is if it reduces them.
Here now is a list of some blackjack rule variations and how they change the player's expectations.
Blackjack Rule Variations
Multiple Decks
This is the bane of card counters. It was made just for them. The greater number of decks in the shoe, the greater the house advantage and the worse for the player.
Dealer Rules
When the dealer is made to hit at a soft 17, this is bad for the player. A soft 17 is a hand that has an ace in it.
Sometimes the dealer will win a push. This is one of the worst blackjack rule variations of all.
Blackjack Payoffs
A natural 21 is any two-card hand that totals 21. Usually it is paid at 3:2 odds. But sometimes they are paid differently. Some are good for the player, others bad.
Double Down
It is common for the double down rule to be modified. The less restrictions there are, the better for the player.
Surrender
If a surrender option is provided, it always favor the player. If the player can surrender before the dealer checks for a blackjack, it is early surrender and more favorable.
Splitting
Like the double down, the split is often modified. Some are good and others are not.
Tables of Bad Blackjack Rule Variations
Number of Decks Expectation Lost 2 0.32% 4 0.48% 6 0.54% 8 0.58%
Dealer Rule Expectation Lost Hits on a soft 17 0.20% Wins a push 9.00%
Double Down Expectation Lost Only on 11 0.78% Only on 10, 11 0.26% Only on 9, 10, 11 0.14%
Splitting Expectation Lost No re-splitting at all 0.03%
Tables of Good Blackjack Rule Variations
Double Down Expectation Gained Allowed after a split 0.14% No limit on card no. 0.24%
Surrender Expectation Gained Early Surrender 0.62% Late surrender 0.06%
Split Expectation Gained Split aces allowed 0.06% Draw allowed after aces 0.14%
Blackjack Expectation Lost Pays 1:1 2.32%
Tips on Blackjack Rule Variations
A common sense judgment is all that an experienced player needs when hunting for the game with the best blackjack rule variations. If you any doubts though, just refer to the tables above. We have several approved casinos that you can check out for yourself. All these casinos offer blackjack. Play free blackjack online now!