Author: Olivia Brown
Last Updated: December 11, 2024
Rules of Blackjack Switch
Objective
The rules of Blackjack Switch are generally the same as those in regular Blackjack, and the objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand with a higher point value without exceeding 21 points. In Blackjack Switch, players are given the opportunity to switch the top two cards between two hands.
This rule adjustment opens up an array of strategy options, keeping veteran players on their toes and giving beginners a unique introduction to the game.
Key Features
- Players can switch the cards of two hands. You can choose to swap or not to swap.
- A dealer’s 22 isn’t a bust but a push against all non-busted hands, tipping the scale slightly more in favor of the house.
- Dealer hits on soft 17.
Game Details
- RTP: 99.87%
- House Edge: 0.13%
- Payout: Blackjack pays 1:1 rather than a usual 3:2 payout
- Developer: Playtech
- Best Casino to Play: Bet365
Appropriate Betting Strategies
- Use a balanced approach of aggressive betting when the dealer’s up card is weaker and defensive play when the dealer has high-value cards.
- Frequently adjust your betting strategies based on the game situation.
Deck composition
The blackjack switch is played with 6 to 8 decks of cards.
Number of Players
Up to 7 players can play this blackjack game with the dealer.
Card Values
In Blackjack Switch, the card values are identical to those in traditional blackjack:
- Number Cards (2-10): These cards are worth their face value. For example, a 9 of hearts is worth 9 points.
- Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each of these cards is worth 10 points.
- Aces: An ace can be worth either 1 point or 11 points, depending on which value best benefits the hand. For example, an ace and a 7 can be counted as 18 or 8.
Players Actions
Switch Cards
After the initial deal, players can switch the top cards of their two hands, a unique feature that allows you to create more favorable hands.
The switch should be made to maximize the potential of both hands. For instance, if you have one hand with a 10 and a 6 and another hand with a 5 and a 10, switching the 10 and the 5 would create two stronger hands:
- a 10 and a 10 (20),
- and a 5 and a 6 (11).
Hit
When a player decides to hit, they are asking for an additional card to be added to their hand.
You typically hit when your hand totals between 4 and 16, and you want to increase their total closer to 21 without exceeding it. However, hitting should be done cautiously to avoid busting (exceeding 21).
Stand
Standing means the player is satisfied with their hand total and does not wish to take any more cards.
You usually stand when you have a strong hand (typically 17 or higher) and want to avoid the risk of busting by taking another card.
Double Down
It allows you to double your initial bet in exchange for deciding to stand after receiving exactly one more card.
This action is often taken when your initial hand totals 9, 10, or 11, offering a strong chance to reach a high total with one additional card.
Splitting Pairs
If your initial two cards are a pair (e.g., two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands. Each new hand receives an additional card, and you must place an equal bet on the second hand.
Splitting is beneficial when it can turn a weak hand into two potentially strong hands. For instance, splitting a pair of 8s is recommended because an initial total of 16 is weak, but two hands starting with 8 can both be improved significantly.
Dealer’s rules and hand outcome
In Blackjack Switch, the dealer follows the rules determining how they play their hand.
- The dealer should hit on soft 17 (a hand with an ace and other lower cards), which can put players at a disadvantage if the dealer lands on 18 to 21 points.
- If the dealer gets a blackjack, it’s an automatic loss for the player unless they also achieved blackjack.
- The dealer’s hand of 22 results in a push rather than a bust.
In this game, blackjacks pay even money (1:1) instead of the traditional 3:2 ratio.
Are there any side bets available in Blackjack Switch?
One common side bet in Blackjack Switch is the Super Match wager, which allows you to bet on whether your initial four cards have any pairs, trips, or quads, with payout ratios increasing depending on the rarity of the hand combination. Also, check whether the online casinos offer such side bets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Blackjack Switch
- Place Your Bets: Each player must place two equal bets, one for each hand. The dealer will then deal two hands of two cards each to each player and themselves.
- Assess Your Hands: Once the initial cards are dealt, you can see the two hands you’ve been dealt. Evaluate the potential of each hand.
- The Switch Option: After assessing your hands, you have the option to switch the top cards between your two hands. For example, if you have a hand with a 10 and a 5 and another with a 6 and a Jack, you can switch the 10 and 6 to form new hands of 10 and 6, and 5 and Jack.
- Play Each Hand Separately: After making the switch (or deciding not to), play each hand separately. You can hit, stand, double down, or split your hands.
- Dealer’s Turn: After all players have completed their hands, the dealer plays according to standard rules. Typically, the dealer must hit until the player reaches at least 17.
- Showdown: In Blackjack Switch, a natural blackjack (Ace and 10-value card) pays 1:1 instead of the traditional 3:2. If the dealer busts with 22, all remaining player hands push (tie) except for a natural blackjack, which still wins.
Essential Tips for Beginners
- Learn the basic rules: Understand how the game’s structure differs from the traditional blackjack version and know when you can switch cards and when you can’t.
- Switch cards at the right time: Consider switching when it significantly improves at least one of your hands, preferably doubling or splitting.
- Card counting: Although card counting presents a challenge in Blackjack Switch, as the decks are frequently reshuffled, it’s still worth utilizing if you can. If you notice that more high cards have been played, there may be a higher chance of a lower card appearing next – giving you the edge in deciding when to switch.
- Keep your bets balanced: If you play two hands with very different bet sizes, you risk losing your bigger bets on weak hands.
- Master hand evaluation: Weigh the potential outcomes of switching cards with the associated risks, such as increasing the dealer’s chances of hitting a 22 and inducing a push.
Blackjack Switch Strategy Chart
Here’s a comprehensive strategy chart for Blackjack Switch:
Player’s Hard Hands (No Ace or Ace counted as 1)
| Player’s Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | ||
| – | 2-6 | 7-9 | 10-A |
| 4-8 | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 9 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 10 | Double | Double | Hit |
| 11 | Double | Double | Double |
| 12 | Stand | Hit | Hit |
| 13-16 | Stand | Hit | Hit |
| 17+ | Stand | Stand | Stand |
Player’s Soft Hands (Ace counted as 11)
| Player’s Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | ||
| – | 2-6 | 7-9 | 10-A |
| A-2, A-3 | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A-4, A-5 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A-6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A-7 | Stand | Stand | Hit |
| A-8, A-9 | Stand | Stand | Stand |
Player’s Pairs
| Pair | Dealer’s Upcard | ||
| – | 2-6 | 7-9 | 10-A |
| 2-2, 3-3 | Split if allowed, otherwise hit | Hit | Hit |
| 4-4 | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 5-5 | Double if allowed, otherwise hit | Double if allowed, otherwise hit | Hit |
| 6-6 | Split if allowed, otherwise hit | Hit | Hit |
| 7-7 | Split if allowed, otherwise hit | Hit | Hit |
| 8-8 | Split | Split | Split |
| 9-9 | Split | Split | Stand |
| 10-10 | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| A-A | Split | Split | Split |
Switching Strategy
Here are some guidelines on when to switch cards between hands:
- Improve Both Hands: Switch cards if it results in improving both hands significantly. For example, if switching gives you two strong hands instead of one good and one weak hand, go for it.
- Avoid Busting: Switch to avoid busting one or both hands. If you have a high card on a weak hand that might bust, consider switching.
- Create Blackjacks: Always switch to create a blackjack if possible. This is especially beneficial since player blackjacks beat dealer blackjacks.
- Strengthen a Hand Against Dealer’s Upcard: If the dealer shows a strong upcard (7-A), switch to strengthen at least one hand as much as possible.
- Split Opportunities: If you have pairs, switch to create opportunities for splits. The switch can turn them into favorable splits.
Blackjack Switch Payout Chart
Standard Payouts
| Outcome | Payout |
| Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) | 1:1 |
| Winning Hand (Non-Blackjack) | 1:1 |
| Insurance Bet | 2:1 |
| Push (Tie) | Bet Returned |
| Dealer Hand Totals 22 | Push (All player hands except Blackjack) |
Side Bets and Payouts
Below are the typical payouts for this side bet:
| Super Match Outcome | Payout |
| Two of a Kind (Pair) | 1:1 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 5:1 |
| Two Pairs | 8:1 |
| Four of a Kind | 40:1 |
Variations of Blackjack Switch
Free Bet Blackjack Switch
This variation of the Blackjack Switch allows players to double down or split selected hands without placing additional wagers. The specific hands eligible for a “Free Bet” in this variation are any two-card hard total of 9, 10, or 11 and any pair, except 10-value cards.
Spanish 21 Blackjack Switch
Spanish 21 Blackjack Switch is played with a Spanish deck, which contains 48 cards instead of the standard 52, as all the 10s are removed from the deck. Like the standard Blackjack Switch, players can switch their top cards between their hands following specific switching rules.
However, in Spanish 21 Blackjack Switch, the dealer will hit on a soft 17, giving players an advantage.
Other unique variations
In “Power Blackjack,” you can double down on three-card totals and even replace double-down cards.
Another popular variation is “Super Fun 21.” This game offers players liberal doubling, splitting, and surrender rules while keeping the switching elements of the Blackjack Switch. It also includes bonus payouts for specific player hands.
Difference between Traditional Blackjack and Blackjack Switch
| Feature | Traditional Blackjack | Blackjack Switch |
| Number of Hands | One hand per player | Two hands per player |
| Card Switching | Not allowed | Allowed to switch the top cards between the two hands |
| Dealer’s Stance on Soft 17 | Typically stands on soft 17 | Dealer hits on soft 17 |
| Payout | Pays 3:2 | Pays 1:1 |
| Push on Dealer 22 | Not applicable | Pushes all non-blackjack hands if dealer busts with 22 |
| Betting | Single bet per hand | Equal bets on both hands |
| House Edge | Generally lower | Slightly higher due to card switching |
| Doubling Down | Allowed on initial two cards | Allowed after switching cards |
| Splitting | Allowed | Allowed, but conditions may vary slightly |
| Side Bets | Rare or not common | Common, with options like “Super Match.” |
| House Edge | 0.5% | ranges between 0.58% and 0.7%. |
Where to Play Blackjack Switch Online?
Play at our recommended blackjack casinos for the best Blackjack Switch experience and exclusive features, like innovative gameplay, exciting variations, regular bonuses, and promotions, along with advanced security measures and fair play guarantees.