Evolution Power Blackjack: Review and Strategy Guide

Introduction to Power Blackjack

If I was trying to describe Power Blackjack to someone, I’d say that it plays like Blackjack but has the feel of a game of Ultimate Texas Holdem, where you can increase your bet by two, three, or four times, once the initial two players cards have been dealt.

Apart from the 9’s and 10 being removed from the deck, all normal blackjack playing rules apply, except for a playing strategy, which has been modified to cater for a reduced number of cards in the deck.

Power Blackjack also has four optional side bets that can be played alongside the main hand.

What is Live Power Blackjack?

If you already know how to play blackjack there are a number of rule changes and playing strategies you’ll need to adopt when playing Power Blackjack.

So, I’ve produced this nifty comparison chart to explain the major differences between the two games.

Similarities between Power Blackjack and Standard Blackjack

• Both games are played with 8 decks.
• The game is played to Vegas Rules (where the dealer gets 2 cards).
• The dealer peeks for Blackjack.
• Dealer stands on all 17’s (Hard and Soft).
• Double Down possible on the initial 2 cards.
• Split any pairs.
• Split Aces only get one card.
• Blackjack pays 3:2, insurance pays 2:1.

Differences Between Power Blackjack and Regular Blackjack

• All nines and tens have been removed from each deck.
• The eight-deck dealing shoe contains 352 cards rather than 416!
• The dealer will peek for Blackjack when he has a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace.
• Insurance is only offered when an Ace shows.
• Players can Double, Triple, or Quadruple down on the first two cards and splits.
• Basic Blackjack Strategy doesn’ apply you’ll need to use a Power Blackjack Strategy.

Power Blackjack is a One-To-Many game, which means an unlimited number of players play the same hand, with each player able to make their own playing decision. The decision is remembered by the system.

When the game round has completed, your playing actions are compared with the outcome of the dealer’s hand.

If you beat the dealer, you’ve won and will get paid. A tied hand will result in a push and your stake will be returned.

If you lose, your main playing bets are lost.

How to Play Live Power Blackjack

Betting on Power Blackjack

The Power Blackjack game round starts with “Betting Time”, which is open for 12 seconds – so you need to be quick!

An initial bet is placed to play the hand – sometimes it’s referred to as an Ante Bet.

Then there’s the opportunity to play up to 4 optional side bets:

1. Hot3 – You are betting on whether the player’s first two cards and the dealers up card make of total of 19, 20, 21 or are 3 sevens.
2. 21+3 – This is a bet on the players first two cards and the dealers up card forming a 3 card poker hand.
3. Any Pair – whether the players first two cards form a pair
4. BustIt – This pays out of the dealer busts. The more cards he busts with the greater the payout!

Power Blackjack Betting Options

Power Blackjack Side Bet Payouts

Decision Time

After Betting Time has completed the dealer deals two cards face up to the player position and one card face up and one face down to the dealer position.

This is where the first action of the game round comes.

The player has to make a playing decision on what to do next.

Depending on the cards that have been dealt to the player, there are six possible options to take:

1. Hit – To keep taking cards until the player decides to Stand or the hand goes bust. Remember the aim is to beat the dealer by either getting a hand as close to 21 without going over or forcing the dealer to go bust while you have a valid hand.
2. Stand – To stop taking cards and remain on the hand that’s been dealt to that point.
3. Split – Where the player’s hand contains a pair, the player can decide to split the hand into two hands and then play them independently.
4. Double, Triple, or Quadruple the main bet by taking only one additional card. It’s possible to take this action on Split hands as well.

Deciding what to do can be tricky. This is where having a playing strategy comes in handy.

Dealers Turn

Once all players have made their playing decisions the dealer can then act.

The dealer has one rule that he has to follow.

If his hand is 17 or above he has to Stand.

If it is below 17, the dealer has to keep taking cards until he hits 17 or above or goes bust.

The dealer stands on Soft and Hard 17.

Evolution Power Blackjack Strategy

A Winning Strategy for Power Blackjack?

Evolution Power Blackjack is not the same as other versions of Power Blackjack you’ll find online. So be very careful when you’re looking for a playing strategy for Power Blackjack, as there are a few out there and they are not suitable for this version of the game. Remember, 9’s and 10’s have been removed from the decks!

Evolution has developed their own Power Blackjack Strategy and it’s this version I’m going to share with you. For your convenience, I have created a Power Blackjack Strategy Chart that you can use when you’re playing online.

The Playing Strategy Explained

Like Basic Blackjack Strategy, Power Blackjack Strategy suggests the action the player should take after his first two cards have been dealt. The action is dependant on the value of the player’s hand and the visible card of the dealer.

Evolution points out that this may not be the most optimal method to play the game. But it’s what they have used to create the RTP for the game, which stands at 98.80% based on the first hand in the shoe.

Splitting Strategy

• Split 2’s if the dealer has a 6, otherwise hit.
• A Pair for 3,s should be split if the dealer has 2-8, otherwise hit.
• Split a pair of 4’s if the dealer has a 6, otherwise hit.
• Never Split a pair of 5’s!
• Split a pair of 6’s if the dealer has 2-8, otherwise hit.
• A pair of 7’s should be split if the dealer has 2-7, otherwise hit.
• Always Split a pair of 8’s
• Never Split a pair of Jacks/Queens/Kings.
• Split a pair of Aces when the dealer has 2-6 and 8-JQK, otherwise hit.

Double/Triple/Quadruple Down Strategy

When doubling down, bet either 2/3 or 4 times.

• Double down on a pair of 5’s when the dealer has less than 10. Otherwise hit.
• On a hard 10, Double down if the dealer has 2-7, otherwise hit.
• On a hard 11 double done when the dealer has 2-8. Otherwise hit.
• With a soft 15 and 16 double down if the dealer has a 6. Otherwise hit.
• With soft 17, double down when the dealer has 5-6. Otherwise hit the hand.
• On soft 18, double down if the dealer has 2,4,5,6, otherwise take a card.
• On soft 19 double if the dealer has a 6. Otherwise hit. ( I would say this is marginal, especially if the dealer is showing a 7 or 8).

Hit or Stand Strategy

• Always hit on a hard 14 or less.
• Hit on hard 15 unless the dealer has a 5.
• Hit on hard 16 unless the dealer has 2, 4-6. In that case you should stand.
• Stand on a hard 17 unless the dealer has an Ace.
• Always stand on hard 18 or more.
• Hit on soft 17 or less.
• Stand on soft 18 unless the dealer has 8-Ace, then you should hit.
• Stand on soft 19 or more.

Evolution Power Blackjack Strategy Chart

Key:

• S – Stand.
• H – Hit.
• SP – Split
• QD – Double/Triple or Quadruple – Whatever you can afford.

Evolution Power Blackjack Video Review

If you just can’t face reading my written review, take a look at my video review, where I demonstrate the playing strategy and talk generally about the game.

Return to Player (RTP)

Power Blackjack has a poor return to player than regular Blackjack, so I have to ask myself why you’d want to play this version?

Power Blackjack returns to the player, based on the first hand in the shoe is 98.80%.

• The Any Pair Side Bet returns 96.58%
• The 21+3 return 96.09%.
• Hot3 Bet – 96.21%.
• BustIt – 94.71%.

Playable Devices

Desktop View

Mixed Mode

The playing interfaces for Power Blackjack follow the same standards that all Evolution Blackjack games use.

Power Blackjack can be played on all device types, with mobile devices having the option of being played in landscape or portrait modes.

Summary

When I first started playing Power Blackjack I struggled to understand why you’d play this game over something like Infinite Blackjack or even 7 Seat Blackjack.

The published RTP of 98.80 % is the worse of all Evolution Blackjacks, so that’s not the reason to play.

The Power Blackjack Strategy isn’t full proof, even Evolution point that out.

The side bets are interesting but no different from other games.

Well I think its the fact that you can double, triple or quadruple your bet after you’ve seen your initial cards. This option is where the money can be made in this game.

But, it’s a high-risk tactic, especially if you’re used to doubling down in normal blackjack.

The fact that 9’s and 10’s have been removed from the deck, changes the dynamics of the hands.

I found my confidence levels were less – perhaps because I’ve not played the game much, and I didn’t use the facility as much as I though.

Knowing the standard basic Strategy by heart doesn’t help, so my enjoyment of the game was hampered by having to keep referring to my strategy chart.

Overall I think it’s a good addition to Evolution Blackjack selection and it will have its loyal fan base.

Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be a regular player at this table.