Face Up 21 Blackjack stands as a remarkable variant that brings an extra level of excitement to the classic game. With its unique gameplay and intriguing rules, this blackjack variation has garnered the attention of players seeking a fresh and thrilling experience. The major difference between the game and standard blackjack is that both dealers’ cards are dealt face up. Find out in the comprehensive guide what Face Up 21 is and what strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning. You can play this card game at one of the best US casinos online and win real money.
Top Face Up 21 Online Casinos 2023
Objective and Gameplay of Blackjack Face-Up 21
Face Up 21 Blackjack follows the same objective as traditional blackjack: to obtain a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. However, in this variant, all player cards and one of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up. This adds a new level of excitement and strategic decision-making to the game. The player’s goal remains unchanged: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.
Rules of the game
- In this card game, the dealer wins all ties, except for a natural blackjack (a 10-value card and an ace), which pays even money to the player.
- When splitting, the player can only do so once and with cards of the same value (not rank).
- Doubling down is only allowed for the player on hard totals of 9, 10, or 11.
- Surrender is not an option available to the player.
- On a soft 17 (a hand that contains an ace and totals 17), the dealer hits.
These rule changes increase the house edge, which is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to win in the long run. The house edge for Face-Up 21 varies depending on the number of decks used and other specific rules, but it is usually around 0.7%, compared to around 0.5% for standard blackjack.
Payouts and House Edge
Blackjack Face-Up 21 often offers different payouts compared to traditional blackjack. While the exact payout ratios may vary, they are typically adjusted to compensate for the added transparency provided by the face-up cards. It’s important to understand the specific payout structure and house edge associated with this variant to optimize your gameplay and potential winnings.
Winning Strategies of Face Up 21 Blackjack
Since you can see both dealers’ cards, you can use a different strategy than you would use for standard blackjack. Here are some general tips to help you play better:
- Always hit if you have a total of 11 or less, regardless of what the dealer has.
- Stand always if you have a total of 20 or 21, regardless of what the dealer has.
- If you have a total of 12 to 16, hit if the dealer has a higher total or a tie, and stand if the dealer has a lower total.
- Should you have a total of 17 to 19, stand if the dealer has a lower total or a tie, and hit if the dealer has a higher total.
- Always split aces and eights unless the dealer has a natural blackjack.
- Never split tens or fives, regardless of what the dealer has.
- Split other pairs only if the dealer has a lower total or a tie.
- Double down on hard totals of 9, 10, or 11 only if the dealer has a lower total or a tie.