Author: Olivia Brown | Edited By: Joe Clark
Last Updated: December 10, 2024
Rules of Double Exposure Blackjack
Objective
The objective is the same as standard blackjack—to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. However, this version throws a twist into the mix; the total values of the dealer’s cards are known from the start of the game, changing the strategies. Less favorable payout rules balance this advantage.
Key Features
- Both dealer cards are exposed.
- The dealer wins all ties except blackjack, tilting the balance back in their favor.
Game Details
- RTP: 99.33%
- House Edge: 0.67%
- Payout: Blackjack pays 1:1
- Developer: Play’n GO
- Best Casino to Play: BetMGM
Appropriate Betting Strategies
- You can’t easily count cards in Double Exposure Blackjack.
- Play your hand with precision.
- Focus on how the visible dealer’s cards influence your choices.
- You must adapt your approach with each round, refining your decision-making process in response to the open dealer’s cards.
Deck Used
This version of blackjack typically utilizes 6 to 8 decks of cards. However, it may vary depending on the specific online casino.
Number of Players
Double Exposure Blackjack allows multiple players to participate at the same time. While the number of players isn’t strictly defined, it’s most common to find tables accommodating up to 7 players, similar to a standard Blackjack game. Each player competes only against the dealer and not against each other.
Card Values
The card values in Double Exposure Blackjack are the same as in standard blackjack:
- 2 to 10 numbered cards are worth their face value.
- Face cards like jacks, queens, and kings are worth 10 points.
- Aces are considered as 1 or 11 points, depending on which value works best for a given hand.
The highest possible hand in blackjack is called a blackjack or natural: an ace and a 10-point card, totaling 21.
How do insurance and surrender work in Double Exposure Blackjack?
Insurance and surrender are typically not available in Double Exposure Blackjack. Because both dealers’ cards are visible, the insurance bet becomes useless.
How to Play Double Exposure Blackjack?
Initial Setup
Each player places their initial bet in the designated betting area. The dealer deals two cards to each player and two cards to themselves, both face-up.
Player Decisions
Starting from the dealer’s left, each player makes their decisions based on the standard options in blackjack:
- Hit: Take an additional card. You can keep hitting until you stand or bust.
- Stand: Keep your current hand. You should stand when you believe your total is strong enough to beat the dealer.
- Double Down: Take one more card by doubling your bet. Make this move when you have a strong hand, and the dealer shows a weak hand.
- Split: If you have 2 same value cards, you can split them into two separate hands. Each hand gets a new card, and you play both hands independently.
Dealer’s Actions
After the players have made their decisions, the dealer must follow specific rules to complete their hand:
- Hit on soft 17, a hand comprised of an ace and a 6, totaling 17 points.
- Stand on hard 17 or above.
Hand Comparison:
Once the dealer has completed their turn, each player’s hand is compared to the dealer’s hand.
- If their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, the player wins.
- The dealer wins if their hand is closer to 21 than the player’s or if the player busts (exceeds 21).
- In the case of a tie, also known as a ‘push,’ the dealer wins, except when both the player and dealer have a blackjack.
Payouts
Winning hands are typically paid even money (1:1), unlike traditional blackjack, where a natural blackjack (an ace and a 10-value card) might pay 3:2. In Double Exposure Blackjack, both dealer and player blackjack are paid even money.
For example, a $10 bet would yield a $10 profit.
The house edge is generally higher. It can vary, but it is typically around 0.67% to 1.44%, depending on the rules. The RTP is found to be around 99.33 percent.
Basic Strategy Chart
Hard Hands
| Your Hands | Dealer’s Upcard | Action |
| 5-8 | Any | Hit |
| 9 | 3-6 | Double Down |
| 9 | 2, 7-11 | Hit |
| 10-11 | Less than Your Hand | Double Down |
| 10-11 | Equal or Greater | Hit |
| 12-16 | 4-6 | Stand |
| 12-16 | 2-3, 7-11 | Hit |
| 17+ | Any | Stand |
Soft Hands
| Your Hands | Dealer’s Upcard | Action |
| 13-15 | Any | Hit |
| 16-18 | 3-6 | Double Down |
| 16-18 | 2, 7-11 | Hit |
| 19+ | Any | Stand |
Pairs
| Your Hands | Dealer’s Upcard | Action |
| 2s, 3s, 7s | 2-7 | Split |
| 2s, 3s, 7s | 8-11 | Hit |
| 4s | Any | Hit |
| 5s | 2-9 | Double Down |
| 5s | 10-11 | Hit |
| 6s | 2-6 | Split |
| 6s | 7-11 | Hit |
| 8s | Any | Split |
| 9s | 2-6, 8-9 | Split |
| 9s | 7, 10-11 | Stand |
| 10s | Any | Stand |
| Aces | Any | Split |
Practical Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the strategy chart before playing to make accurate decisions during the game.
- Different casinos might have slight rule variations. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Use free online Double Exposure Blackjack games to practice your strategy without risking real money.
Can card counting be used in Double Exposure Blackjack to improve the player’s chances?
Although card counting is theoretically possible in Double Exposure Blackjack, the game’s adjustments make it more challenging. Multiple decks are used, and the rule changes offset the player’s advantage gained from card counting, making it less effective than in traditional Blackjack.
Difference Between Double Exposure Blackjack and Standard Blackjack
| Features | Double Exposure Blackjack | Standard Blackjack |
| Dealer’s Card | Both the dealer’s cards are dealt face up. | Only one of the dealer’s cards is exposed |
| House Edge | High | Low |
| Payouts | A natural blackjack pays even money, or 1:1 | Natural blackjack typically pays out 3:2 |
| Insurance or Surrender | Insurance and surrender options are generally unavailable. | You may take insurance (a side bet) or surrender (folding the hand and losing only half the wager). |
How do the Double Exposure Blackjack gameplay and basic strategy differ from traditional Blackjack?
Players typically hit more frequently and double or split depending on the dealer’s specific hand rather than a specific card range.
Pros and Cons of Double Exposure Blackjack
Advantages
- Dealer’s cards are exposed: By seeing both of the dealer’s cards, you can decide when to hit, stand, or double down prudently.
- Easier decision-making: You can focus more on developing your strategy and refining your skills without worrying about guessing the dealer’s next move.
- Increased payout potential: Even though Double Exposure Blackjack’s general payout rate is slightly lower than the traditional game, players are more likely to win due to the exposed dealer cards.
Disadvantages
- No insurance: Since both dealers’ cards are exposed, purchasing insurance in Double Exposure Blackjack is impossible.
- Higher house edge: Double Exposure Blackjack usually comes with a higher house edge than traditional blackjack because of the altered rules and payouts.
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