How to Play Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch introduced a new approach to the gameplay of the classic 21-card game. In most blackjack variants, players have no choice but to play the first two cards they are dealt. And more often than not, both or one of the cards would be weak. To change this experience, Blackjack Switch allows players to switch cards between two hands, giving them a chance to beat the dealer. However, this advantage comes with a unique wagering rule that some consider a drawback.
This article explains how to play Blackjack Switch, highlighting relevant rules, payouts, house edge, and winning strategies.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is a 21-card game variant in which players can play two hands and switch cards to improve their chances of winning. In simple terms, players will receive four cards, two in each hand, and are allowed to switch them to form an improved starting hand. This blackjack version was introduced in 2000 by Sir Geoff Hall at the G2E conference in Las Vegas.
Objective
The Blackjack Switch is played using a six or eight-card deck. The objective is the same as standard blackjack: beat the house dealer by having a hand value of 21 or less, but not over this set figure; otherwise, it's a bust.
Blackjack Switch Rules
Blackjack Switch has a few specific rules in the area of bet placement and gameplay actions.
Wagering Rules
- Dual hand bets: Players will receive four cards, two in each hand, at the start of the game. Two equal bets must be placed on both hands for gameplay to begin.
- Wager adjustment: Bets cannot be changed or withdrawn after placement.
Gameplay Rules
- Players are only allowed to switch hands at the start of a round, before any action (split, hit, and the like) is taken.
- The house dealer must check for a natural blackjack before a switch can occur.
- Only the second card dealt to each hand can be traded or switched.
- If any action has been taken, either hit, split, or double down, after the initial bet, switching of cards is no longer permitted.
- Players can only switch hands one time per round.
- A push occurs when your total hand is 21 or less, but also when the dealer's hand is 22. This means your initial bet will be refunded.
- A blackjack hand resulting from a switch can be treated as a soft 21 (ace plays 10 value card) in some cases, rather than a natural blackjack.
How to Play Blackjack Switch Like a Pro
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to play Blackjack Switch:
Place a Wager
Using chips, place an equal bet on your two hands. And if allowed, place the side wager (Super Match Bet or Buster Bet) alongside the initial wager.
Get Your Cards
The assigned dealer will deal the cards, face-up, to you and other participants. Each player gets one card per hand, and the dealer deals a face-up card to the house. Afterwards, the dealer deals a second card to each player. So each player will get two sets of two cards, for a total of four cards. Then, the house gets one face-down card.
Switch Cards
You can switch your second card of each hand if the dealer does not have a natural blackjack before the house's face-down card is revealed.
Take Action
For each of your hands, you can take action provided that the house does not have a blackjack. You can:
- Hit: Ask the dealer for an additional card.
- Split: Place a matching bet to split two identical cards (like 8-8) into two separate hands
- Double Down: Double your initial bet to receive one more card. You can double even after a switch.
- Stand: Hold on to your current hand and end your turn.
- Double After Split (DAS): You can double down after splitting.
- Re-split: You can re-split up to a total of four hands.
- Take Insurance: If the dealer has an Ace face-up card, you can take insurance, i.e, bet 50% (half) of your initial wager.
Winning and Losing
You win if your hand total is exactly 21 or lower, and high enough to beat the dealer's hand. You also win if the dealer busts with a 23 or higher. However, if you and the dealer have the same total, it's a push. A push also occurs when the dealer has a hard 22, and you have a blackjack.
You lose your bet if you bust with a 22 of higher; or your total hand value is less than that of the dealer.
Payout and House Edge
The house edge in blackjack is 0.58%. However, a few factors can raise or lower it.
- When eight decks are used: +0.02% = 0.6%
- Switched hands forming blackjack wins: -0.40% = 0.12%
- Natural Blackjack Wins: -0.21% = 0.37%
- Dealers are allowed to stand on soft 17: -0.30% = 0.28%
The table below highlights Blackjack Switch standard payouts:
| Condition | Odds |
|---|---|
| Natural blackjack | 1:1 |
| Winning Hand | 1:1 |
| Insurance | 2:1 |
Super Match Bet Payout
The Blackjack Switch Super Match Bet is a wager on matching card ranks among your four initial cards. Payouts vary based on the identical card ranks you have, and the house edge is 2.55%.
| Initial 4 Cards | 6-deck | 8-deck |
|---|---|---|
| Four of a kind | 40:1 | 50:1 |
| Three of a kind | 8:1 | 7:1 |
| Two pairs | 5:1 | 5:1 |
| Pair | 1:1 | 1:1 |
Buster Bet Payout
If available, a Buster Blackjack side bet wins when the dealer's hand total is 22 or more, regardless of the value of a player's hand. Payout is 11:1.
Blackjack Switch Winning Strategies
Strategies for switching initial cards in Blackjack Switch include:
Target Natural 21
Always switch if your cards can form a natural blackjack (Ace + 10-value card), and the dealer doesn't have an Ace.
The Cindy Liu Switching Strategy
Cindy Liu's Strategy suggests that:
- Against Dealer 7 or 8: Balance your hands by strengthening your weaker hand.
- Against Other Dealer Cards: Focus on your best hand to maximize its value.
Ranking in Order
If you want to switch cards, follow the following hand strength order: 21, 20, 19, AA, 11, 10, 9, 18, 8.
Strategy Guide
After you have switched your cards, you can use this Blackjack Strategy Guide to lower the house edge, which means more money for you. Keep in mind that you can print out our Blackjack Switch Stratedy Guide and use it on the table as you play. If you just want to remember the basics:
- Hit a hard 12 against a dealer's 4 up card
- Hit a hard 13 against a dealer's 2 up card
- Double down on a hard 10 if the dealer's up card is 8 or lower
- Double on a hard 11 if the dealer's up card is 9 and below
- Split Aces
- Do Not Split 10s
Final Thoughts
How to play Blackjack Switch is straightforward. Switch your second initial cards if you stand a chance to get a natural blackjack. Otherwise, proceed to gameplay as in the standard game. However, note that the dealer pushes on 22. Therefore, take actions cautiously. Use the winning strategies we have outlined to increase your chances of winning.
FAQs
What is the house edge in Blackjack Switch?
The standard Blackjack Switch house edge is 0.58%.
What does a natural blackjack pay in Blackjack Switch?
In Blackjack Switch, a natural blackjack hand pays even money (1:1).
Are there side bets in Blackjack Switch
Yes, the popular options include Super Match Bet and Buster Bet.
Can I switch cards to create a blackjack?
Yes, you can switch cards to form a 21. However, it's considered a soft 21 rather than a natural blackjack.
How many decks are used in Blackjack Switch?
Commonly, Blackjack Switch is played using six decks, but eight decks are also allowed.