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Blackjack Switch is a variant of Blackjack that you’re most likely to see in large land-based casinos but is now available from BetConstruct in a live dealer format that you can play online.
The game is a modified version of Blackjack, where some of the rules have been changed to accommodate the additional functionality in the game.
These changes make it possible to switch cards between hands and also to offer different side bets than you’d normally see on a blackjack table.
All in all Blackjack Switch is an easy game to get to grips with, it’s fun to play but does need an understanding of how to play blackjack and a knowledge of basic strategy to get the most from the game.
Online live dealer Blackjack Switch is rare to find, and in this review, I’ll explain how to play, the strategy for switching cards and where you’ll be able to play online.
Blackjack Switch is a variant of regular Blackjack, but with a few rule changes that you’ll need to understand before playing.
The most obvious change is you’re playing two hands, not one, so the game is a little more expensive to play if you keep your bets at your regular limits.
I’ve produced this comparison chart that explains the major differences between the two games.
The main game rule that has been introduced is the ability to Switch or swap the second card from each hand with each other.
You might want to do this if it improves the two hands you’re playing, or for an opportunity to split or double a hand where you’ll make a better return than otherwise if the hands win.
The art with this game is to make a good decision to switch. if there is no reason to switch you shouldn’t.
A bet is needed for each hand.
A Bet Behind facility is available for people that want to play when there are no seats available on the table.
In this case, players place a bet behind the player, with the main player retaining complete control over the hand.
The Blackjack Switch game round starts with “Betting Time”, which is open for 14 seconds.
The seat you’re sitting at has two hands, so you’ll need to place a bet of the same amount on each hand.
This bet is sometimes called an Ante Bet and both bets will be placed when you place a bet on one of the positions.
There are two options side bets that can be played at the same time:
Hand | Payout |
---|---|
Player Win | 1:1 |
Player Blackjack | 1:1 |
Insurance | 2:1 |
Dealer Bust on 22 with Player Win | Push |
Super Match Hand | Super Match Payout |
---|---|
One Pair | 1:1 |
Two Pairs | 8:1 |
Three of a Kind | 5:1 |
Four of a Kind | 40:1 |
Perfect 4 Hand | Perfect 4 Payout |
---|---|
Perfect Four | 120:1 |
Coloured Four | 80:1 |
Mixed Four | 40:1 |
Once betting time has closed the dealer will deal two cards to each box and two cards to himself.
The player’s positions will end up with two hands, with all cards face up.
If the dealer Up card is showing an Ace, he will offer the table the chance to Insure their bets against a dealer’s Blackjack.
Once the timer has ended the dealer checks for Blackjack. If he has Blackjack the game round ends. All bets are lost and the players that have taken insurance will be paid at 2:1.
If the Dealer doesn’t have a Blackjack the game will continue as normal.
The first decision required is whether to switch each of the second cards with each other or to stay.
If the player has a hand of Blackjack it is automatically made a Stand, otherwise, the dealer will point to the first hand and ask for the player to make their decision.
This process is performed for each of the hands the player has.
Deciding what to do can be tricky. This is where having a playing strategy for the Switch and each hand comes in handy.
Once all players have completed their hands the dealer is next to act.
He will turn over his face down card. If the hand is Seventeen or over, he takes no more cards and the game is over.
If the dealer has less than Seventeen he will draw cards until he makes Seventeen or over at which point the game ends.
The dealer will stands if the hand has a Soft or Hard 17.
If the dealer busts with a twenty-two, he will return the players stakes as a push, regardless of whether they have beaten him or not. The only exception is if the payer has a Blackjack in which case he’ll be paid 1:1.
There are two aspects to the game that require some form of Strategy:
Having an understanding of Blackjack Basic Strategy is key to be able to make a sensible Switching decision.
I’ll do my best to explain the points you should consider before deciding whether to Switch or Not.
The first thing to do is look at your two hands and see if switching the second cards will make either or both hands stronger.
If the dealer is showing a six or less, look to see if there are opportunities to split or double your hands if you switch the second cards.
If you already have these without switching don’t switch.
When the dealer is showing a seven or above you might want to be less aggressive with your switching. Aim to get two hands seventeen or above.
If you can’t switch hands to make them larger, don’t forget to look at making them a smaller value, so you can do an effective hit or double.
There are two ways to skin a cat!
Use the chart, to make your playing decision, regardless of whether you have switched your cards or not.
Blackjack Basic Strategy is the best way to get the full RTP from the game and also the best way to increase your playing time and preserve your bankroll.
Your Cards | Dealers Cards | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hard Cards | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
4-8 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
9 | H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H | H | H | H | H |
10 | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H | H |
11 | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H |
12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
13 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | Su/H | H |
16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | Su/H | Su/H | Su/H |
17+ | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Soft Cards | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
13 | H | H | H | D/H | D/H | H | H | H | H | H |
14 | H | H | H | D/H | D/H | H | H | H | H | H |
15 | H | H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H | H | H | H | H |
16 | H | H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H | H | H | H | H |
17 | H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H | H | H | H | H |
18 | S | D/S | D/S | D/S | D/S | S | S | H | H | H |
19+ | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Splits | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
2-2 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
3-3 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
4-4 | H | H | H | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
5-5 | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | D/H | H | H |
6-6 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
7-7 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
8-8 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
9-9 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | S | SP | SP | S | S |
10-10 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
A-A | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
Key:
Blackjack Switch has a high Return to Player of 99.80%
The side bets, as you would expect return lower:
The playing interfaces for Blackjack Switch follow the same standards that all BetConstruct games use.
Blackjack Switch Live can be played on all device types.
On Mobile, you’ll only be able to play Blackjack Switch in landscape mode. The controls are all a bit small, as are the images.
They seem to have tried the squeeze everything into the whole screen while offering some Mobile friendly options – but quite honestly it’s more functional than enjoyable to use.
I’d stick to playing on a desktop or tablet – something with a bigger screen than a mobile phone.
Blackjack Switch is an alternative version of Blackjack, where the player is dealt two hands and has the option to switch or swap the second cards of each hand. This is a way of improving the hands against the dealer’s hand that can lead to a better outcome for the player. The rules and payouts have been modified to support this additional functionality in the game.
Blackjack Switch requires more concentration than normal Blackjack that requires some additional strategy to play. Once the switch part of the game has been completed the game plays out like normal blackjack.
Two hands are dealt to each player and they have the ability to switch the second card of each hand with each other. The dealer Pushes on a bust hand of twenty-two and Blackjack’s are paid at even money 1:1.
Standard Blackjack Strategy can be used when you’re playing the main hand after switching has been completed.
The strategy for switching in Blackjack Switch focuses on whether you can improve either or both hands or take the opportunity to create splits or doubles when the dealer’s upcard is weak.
The RTP for Blackjack Switch is 99.80%.
Blackjack Switch offers an additional way for playing live blackjack. It’s a two-stage process using two hands that can bring added enjoyment to the game.
Blackjack Switch is available at all Betconstruct live Casinos. In particular, you can play at Vbet Casino.
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I’ve seen Blackjack Switch in the las vegas casinos I visit and have always steered clear of the table as it looked a complicated game to play.
Having not got under the hood of the game and been able to try it online with a live dealer, I’ve changed my opinion.
Blackjack Switch is a great alternative to standard Blackjack if you want to spice up your play.
The game rounds take a bit longer, as you have a few decisions to make. Online this is metered by a timer, but it still feels a long time before you get your turn.
My advice is to pick the first seat on the table so you don’t have to wait.
Other limitations of the game include the limited number of seats on the table, although Bet Behind is available if you want to bet on what another player is doing.
the changes in the game rules, skew the odds in favour of the house, but the house edge is a very respectable 0.20%, so players will do well on this game if they use a good strategy.
I’m really surprised only one live casino provider (BetConstruct) has developed this Blackjack Switch for online live dealer players. I’m thankful they have.