The game of blackjack switch became available online back in 2001 and its popularity has steadily been rising for the past 20 years. We take a look at the game and how the best blackjack switch casinos that you can play online.
The history of Blackjack Switch
The game of blackjack switch was invented by Geoff Hall and unveiled to the public at a Las Vegas conference in the year 2000. By 2001 the game was already being played and Geoff finally received his patent in 2009. The game has proven so popular that you can find it at most Playtech casinos online across the globe.
How Do You Play Blackjack Switch?
Each player receives 2 hands, as opposed to the normal 1. As the game title suggests, the player can make use of a special feature, which is the switch blackjack option. This means that the blackjack switch online player has the option to exchange the top cards from both hands and thus get a more advantageous hand.
The Initial Deal
The dealer deals the cards, putting 1 card facing up on each of the player boxes. Following the side bet process, the dealer will ask every player if they want to stick or switch their top cards. After this, the dealer plays his hand in the same way that as other online blackjack games. The difference hare though is that if the dealer hand is 22, he does not bust but a push against the hand of any surviving player.
Side Bet
In blackjack switch, players are permitted to make a side bet, after the croupier deals. Another name used for this is a super match. This game is generally played with 6 decks, which is the same as super fun 21 blackjack and the vegas strip blackjack variant. A 6 deck side bet gives a 1 - 1 pay out on a pair, 5 - 1 on a three of a kind, 8 - 1 for two pair and 40 - 1 on a four of a kind.
The Switch
The blackjack switch rules give the players an option to switch both of their top cards. For example, when a player has a 9-5 and 9-6, they are given the option of making the switch, which would then give them a 9-9 and 5-6. The player is not obliged to make the switch if they do not want to as it is only an option. Sometimes a player gets 2 identical cards on the top, which renders the switch option useless. This is where the side bet comes in and helps to give some edge back to the player.
Playing Blackjack Switch for Real Money
Given that this blackjack switch variant of the game has such a high RTP, it is one of the most popular options for playing with real money. It is easy for players to take a low risk approach and if the cards aren’t falling kindly for you, the side bet option comes in very handy. Aside from that, most of the common blackjack strategies can still be used here, once the switch option has been dealt with.
How Blackjack Switch Compares to Other Variants
The main difference that we can see with this game, is the massive RTP that is available to players. On average, if the blackjack switch is played correctly, there is a whopping 99.8% RTP. This gives the house of their lowest edges around, which is why you are more likely to be available online versus land based casinos. Having the option to switch your top cards does add a bit of spice to the game, which explains why this game is so popular among players.
