- Learn more about this exciting blackjack variant, as well as the best places to play Blackjack Switch online in 2021 We share information about tips, rules and payouts.
- When it comes to overall Blackjack Switch odds, the casino has a very small edge of around 0.5% for most games – essentially the same as standard blackjack. That makes it one of the better casino games for the player, roughly on par with other games such as video poker and craps.
Some of the basics in playing blackjack switch that players should know are its rules, basic and advance strategies as well as players' odds in this game. By having an idea on the fundamentals in playing blackjack switch, it is possible that gamblers will have an advantage over dealers when it is about time to play the exciting game in formal.
Blackjack Switch is a pretty rare variant, as it is only starting to grow in popularity. In essence, the game is played by taking two seats and playing them both. In other words, you will be playing two hands at a time, each round.
When playing this fun variant, you will encounter some very different playing rules. You may be confused by the way it is played at first, but it is simple enough to grasp after a few rounds.
Blackjack Switch Rules
The overall rules will be the same; same point value, same objective, and the same terms. There will be a few differences that you need to know about:
- Players must play 2 hands instead of only one. The player will receive 4 cards, split into two hands.
- Players must bet twice, once for each hand.
- Players can split cards once, and after splitting Aces, only one extra card will be dealt.
- You can double down after you split, and you can double down on any hand.
- Dealer has to hit on 17 or less. With a hand of 22, the players will push, unless they have a blackjack; in which case the payout is 1:1.
- Players are offered insurance if the dealer is showing an Ace.
- You are allowed to switch the second card of each hand. In other words, you can replace the second cards of each hand with each other.
How To Play Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch
You play blackjack switch like you would regular blackjack, with the only difference being you can switch the second card. This will really lower your odds of busting, but will also hinder the total amount you can get.
Blackjack Switch Hand Example:
Let’s say you are dealt a 7/5 and a 6/10. You switch the second cards in order to get a 7/10 and a 6/5. This allows you to have a 17 and an 11, which are much better options than what you had previously. There you can double down, hit, or stand depending on what card the dealer is showing.
Blackjack Odds Calculator
Blackjack Switch is a great game, but the house advantage is slightly worse than regular blackjack, but is much more exciting to play.
Blackjack Switch Odds Vs Blackjack
Single Deck Blackjack – Royal Panda Casino
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/switch/
I was surprised to see that the odds were as low as they are. Using the basic Vegas rules found on the page, the house edge is only 0.58%. Locally, our casino uses an 8 deck shoe rather than the Vegas 6 deck game, also, a 'natural' (non-switched) 21 is an automatic win so the HE changes to 0.58% + 0.02% - 0.21% so the HE changes to 0.39% (if my understanding/math is correct.)
The best rules for a regular Blackjack game realistically/typically is a 2 deck game where the dealer stands on all 17s, you can resplit Aces, Surrender, Double Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and this has a HE of 0.26%. This game is VERY rare, and is usually only found in the High Limit areas where the min bets are typically $100 (occasionally $50 bets per the wizard's blackjack survey page.)
As a recreational gambler, not a whale, I look for the best games with the lowest min bets balanced against good rules. Usually a shoe game, $10 to $25 min bet tables that never allow resplitting of Aces. Full game rules are at best in this min bet range; 2 decks, no resplit Aces, Surrender, Dbl Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and the dealer hitting or standing on Soft 17 is usually a function of a $25 min bet, although that's not always the norm. Usually even at $25 min tables, the dealer hits a Soft 17.
The HE under these game rules are; HE of 0.33% if the dealer Stands on ALL 17s or a HE of 0.53% if the dealer Hits on all Soft 17s.
Odds calculated using:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
It appears that the HE of Blackjack Switch (adjusted to 0.39%) is better than the most common low limit games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 and actually only marginally worse than the HE of the less common game where the dealer stands on Soft 17.
Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games.
Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it comes to the 'best' blackjack rules, this appears true. Since I can't afford to play $100 a hand High Limit games to gain that optimal advantage, is it really better to play Blackjack Switch or even Spanish 21?
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
