Blackjack Switch
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- Appendices
- Miscellaneous
- External Links
- Would my time be better spent playing normal blackjack, blackjack switch, or another variant (freebet, Spanish 21, super fun 21)., 01:00 PM #2.
- Learn more and find out how to purchase the Super Blackjack Battle 2 Turbo Edition - The Card Warriors game for Nintendo Switch on the Official Nintendo site.
Introduction
Blackjack switch is a blackjack variant which allows the player to do what is normally considered a classic cheating manoeuver, trading cards between two hands. The player must make two bets of equal size and is allowed to switch the second card dealt to each hand. Of course, nothing good comes without a trade-off. In this case a dealer 22 results in a push against all non-busted hands and blackjacks pay even money.
The game goes by the name Blackjack Exchange at the Bregenz Casino in Austria.
Rules
- All rules are based on conventional blackjack unless otherwise noted.
- Six or eight decks are used.
- Dealer usually hits a soft 17. I hear in Ontario, Canada, the dealer stands on soft 17.
- The player must make two bets of equal size.
- Cards will be dealt face up.
- Dealer will peek for blackjack with an ace or ten up. If the dealer has a blackjack all player hands will immediately lose, except a player blackjack will push.
- The player may switch the second card dealt to each hand. For example, if one hand has 5,10 and the other has 10,6, the player may switch the 10 and 6 to have two hands of 11 and 20. The player may also switch cards to form a blackjack.
- If the player switches to a blackjack, it counts as 21 points.
- Player may double on any 2 cards.
- Player may double after a split.
- Player may resplit up to four hands.
- Winning player blackjacks pay even money.
- A dealer total of 22 will push against any player total of 21 or less. A player blackjack will still beat a dealer 22.
Russian Rules: Same as the rules above, except early surrender allowed (sometimes not against an ace), dealer does not take a hole card, and dealer stands on soft 17.
Playing Strategy
The following tables show the basic strategy under the 8-deck Las Vegas rules after the switch decision has been made. The reason for the differences compared to conventional blackjack strategy is the push on 22 rule.
If 6 decks are used the player should double 9 against a 5.
At this time I have not created a strategy for the Russian rules or Ontario rules.
Simple Switching Strategy
The following is the 'Cindy Liu Simple Switching Strategy,' appropriate under the Las Vegas rules. It is based on the following list of hands in order of strength:
- 21
- 20
- 19
- AA
- 11
- 10
- 9
- 18 or 8
- 8,8 with 2-8 up
Following is how to use it.
Against a dealer 7 or 8, balance the hands, by making the weaker hand as high as possible, using the above scale of hands, if you can.
Against any other dealer up card, maximize the strength of the higher hand, using the scale above, if you can.
If you can't achieve one of the desired hands in the list, then make the strongest hand possible from the following list, in order of strength:
- 7 or 17
- any hand that should be split
- any 12
- any 13
Exceptions:
- With A,A + 3,8 — keep the aces together.
- With A,A + 2,9 — keep the aces together if the dealer has 2-6
- With A,A + 2,8 — keep the aces together
The simple strategy, compared to optimal strategy, results in a cost of errors of 0.17%. It results in an error once every 18.6 hands, and an error with an expected value of more than 10% once every 82 hands.
Advanced Switching Strategy
The following is the 'Cindy Liu Advanced Switching Strategy,' appropriate under the Las Vegas rules. To use it, add up the points for each hand for both ways to play them, and play the one with the greater number of points. In the case of a tie, use the the simple strategy.
Let's look at an example. Suppose you have 8+4 and A+8 against a dealer 6, where the underlined card is the second one dealt. So you can play (1) 12 and soft 19, or (2) 8-8 and soft 15. Which pair of hands is better? According to the table, the 12 is worth 0 points and the soft 19 is worth 1, for a total of 1. For the alternative, 8-8 is worth 1 and the soft 15 is worth 1, also for a total of 2. So the odds favor switching to 8-8 and soft 15. Note that the simple strategy would incorrectly advise the player to not switch. My Blackjack Switch appendix 1 shows that the combined expected value of 12 + soft 19 is -0.2108+0.3634=0.1526, and 8-8 + soft 15 is higher at 0.1461+0.0365=0.1824.
The cost of mistakes in the advanced strategy, compared to optimal strategy, is 0.08% only. The player will make an incorrect decision once every 24.5 hands, and a mistake with an expected value over 10% once every 250 hands.
I also have a printer friendly version (PDF) of both switching strategies, as well as the basic strategy.
Arnold Snyder Switching Strategy
The Big Book of Blackjack by Arnold Synder contains an easy and intuitive switching strategy. Out of respect for copyright, I won't say more than that about how it works. According to Cindy Liu, the Sndyer strategy results in a cost of errors of about 0.2% compared to optimal strategy. Besides that, I highly recommend the book for breaking new ground in blackjack, which is not easy to do any more.
Switching Calculator
My Blackjack Switch calculator, courtesy of Jing Ding, will advise when to switch in any situation. The calculator is based on the Playtech rules and an infinite deck assumption.
House Edge
Under the standard Las Vegas rules, with six decks, the dealer hits a soft 17, and a switched blackjack counts as 21 points, the house edge is 0.58%, assuming optimal strategy. Follow are the effects on the house edge of some rule variations:
- Eight decks: +0.02%
- Switched blackjack automatically wins: -0.40%
- Blackjack automatic winner: -0.21%
- Dealer stands on soft 17: -0.30%
The house edge under the Russian rules is 0.20%, assuming early surrender against an ace is allowed.
Side Bet
There is also a Super Match side bet based on the player's initial four cards. The following table shows the paytable, probability, and return of each hand:
Super Match Side Bet
| Hand | Combinations | Probability | Pays | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pair | 136401408 | 0.352205 | 1 | 0.352205 |
| 3 of a kind | 7577856 | 0.019567 | 5 | 0.097835 |
| 2 pair | 5941728 | 0.015342 | 8 | 0.122738 |
| 4 of a kind | 138138 | 0.000357 | 40 | 0.014268 |
| Nothing | 237219840 | 0.612530 | -1 | -0.612530 |
| Total | 387278970 | 1 | -0.025485 |
The lower right cell shows a house edge on the side bet of 2.55%.
C4
The Casino Bregenz in Austria offers Blackjack Switch under the name Blackjack Exchange. They add a side bet called the C4, which is based on the poker value of the player's initial four cards. The table below shows a house edge of 14.32%, based on six decks.
C4 — Six Decks
| Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four of a kind | 500 | 138,138 | 0.000337 | 0.168425 |
| Straight | 20 | 3,649,536 | 0.008899 | 0.177988 |
| Flush | 12 | 5,647,896 | 0.013772 | 0.165269 |
| Two pair | 10 | 5,871,528 | 0.014318 | 0.143177 |
| Three of a kind | 8 | 7,502,976 | 0.018296 | 0.146368 |
| All other | -1 | 387,278,420 | 0.944378 | -0.944378 |
| Total | 410,088,494 | 1.000000 | -0.143152 |
With four decks, the house edge of the C4 is 18.02%. With eight decks it is 12.40%.
Other Switch Pages
- Printer friendly basic and switching strategies (PDF).
- Appendix 1: Expected value table for each initial hand, for purposes of making accurate switching decisions.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to Cindy Liu for both her simple and advanced switching strategies, Jing Ding for his switching calculator, and to Gabor for his mathematical contributions.
External Links
- German translation of this article.
- Interview with the inventor of Blackjack Switch Geoff Hall
Written by: Michael Shackleford
You can also play live Blackjack for a more realistic experience as you will be playing with real dealers direct from a real casino studio.
About Blackjack Switch
If you like to play Blackjack, you will enjoy this interesting version of the game called Blackjack Switch. The game allows you to play 2 or more hands simultaneously and then switch cards.This is great to form high-value hands using cards you are playing on other hands. This Blackjack version is really outside the box.
I`d say it is a multi-dimensional Blackjack game as you get the cards from the dealer and can swap the cards with other hands you are playing.
Here you can play Blackjack Switch free game instantly on mobile, tablet, or computer. The free online version of BlackjackSwitch is responsive to all mobile devices and you can test your hands in this innovative 21 games by Playtech.
Now, let me write more about the game itself, and you will see why Blackjack Switch is one of the most played free games here at casinobillionaire.com -
How to play Blackjack Switch?
In this free online version of Blackjack Switch, you will be playing with 2 hands simultaneously. The game will deal two cards for each hand you are playing.Then you will have all standard options for the blackjack game (Double, Stand, Hit), plus one specific for this version: SWITCH. When you click SWITCH, the game will exchange the last card dealt between your playing hands.
Then you can check the value change for each hand and decide which one to proceed to Hit, Stand, or Deal. Sometimes when you exchange cards you hit Blackjack instantly.
You can use it to try to find a better gameplay condition. For example, I used to Switch cards when I got 17 on one hand. When I exchanged with 17, I usually get lower values and can Hit new cards to have more chances to get 20 or 21.
The HIT button is for each hand. So, the rest of the game is pretty much on the regular Blackjack rules. You will play one hand, then another.
The difference is really the Switch button that allows you to exchange the second card dealt. When you press HIT to get the third card, the Switch button will not be available anymore. So, you will only have the opportunity to switch the second cards dealt.
What are Blackjack Switch Limits?
In this free version, you can bet from 0.01 to 50 per hand. Some high limit Blackjack games allow you to bet 200, 500, or 1,000 per hand, but this free online version will allow you to bet the maximum of 50 per hand.Actually, you can play a maximum of $100 per game, counting your two hands betting the maximum. It is a good limit range to test your strategy for this version of Blackjack Switch, though.
Where to play Blackjack Switch in Las Vegas?
Some Las Vegas casinos like Casino Royale, Wynn, and Hard Rock uses to offer Blackjack Switch tables.Because they constantly change their games, you must check where you can play Blackjack Switch in Las Vegas. Honestly, I`d recommend you to play at online casinos which will be a better option to either learn or improve your gameplay.
Is Blackjack Switch the best version?
In my opinion, Blackjack Switch is the best version of the game simply for the fact of allowing you to exchange the latest cards.This action can really get your good hands. Blackjack is very popular and players from the UK, Canada, USA, India, and Australia are the most interested to play Blackjack not only in Las Vegas but also at online casinos.
This blackjack version gives you the possibility to combine two hands which certainly will result in more winning hands. For this reason, yes, I think Blackjack Switch the best version of this popular card game.
Is there a Blackjack Switch with live dealers?
Unfortunately, you cannot play live Blackjack Switch with live dealers. There are no online casinos offering a live version of this game so your only option is to play the online BlackjackSwitch for fun here at casinobillionaire.com or the real money variants available at online casinos.Currently, there are no live dealers versions for Blackjack Switch
Hopefully, in the near future, we could have the opportunity to play BlackjackSwitch with live dealers at online casinos. The live casinos are growing fast offering live gaming from real casinos in Las Vegas, Malta, UK, and more. I believe that it is a matter of time until we have some live dealer BlackjackSwitch games.
Have fun playing this version of Blackjack Switch free game, and if you want to check all casino table games we have added to play online, check our table games option on the top menu.
We keep our page updated to offer you all popular casino table games including different versions of Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and many other games.
There are also some versions of Blackjack virtual dealer which is a great option if you want to practice and test your strategies before face a real dealer. You will have a lot of fun in these free-play versions of online Blackjack.
More about Blackjack Switch?
Blackjack Switch is very easy to play and fast to learn. There`s nothing different than the classic Blackjack version unless the option to exchange the second card dealt, and obviously the fact of play two hands simultaneously.
It will take just a few minutes to learn how to play. Check the video above and practice in our online, free game which can be played instantly in your web browser. Basically, in this variant of the classic Blackjack game, you will play with two hands and have the option of trading the second card.
Is Blackjack Switch better than the classic game?
I`d say it depends on the type of Blackjack player you are. There are players who prefer to stay on the classic Blackjack table playing a single hand and using the default options of the game.Other players like to play Blackjack multi-hand betting as many hands as possible. Even at Las Vegas casinos, I already saw some gamblers who play Blackjack with the entire table closed playing 5 hands.
The same case for Blackjack Switch - there are players who like to play Blackjack with two hands, and adding the possibility to switch cards is an extra feature that makes the game very attractive.
It is impressive how sometimes you can literally change the whole game only by changing the cards. For players looking for something different, this version of the Blackjack game is very interesting.
It gives you more chances to win because of this possibility to combine the cards with your other betting hand.
Blackjack players will love it
What is considered a cheat in the classic version of Blackjack is allowed in Blackjack Switch. Here you will learn how to play Blackjack Switch and also check some strategies to increase your chances to win.Blackjack Switch Las Vegas
This Blackjack version became very popular here at casinobillionaire.com with a lot of players having fun playing a free demo version of the game and also checking our top casinos ranking to play with real cash.So, are you searching for information about how to play Blackjack Switch? Let’s check more details about Blackjack Switch game below.
In Blackjack Switch, you will play with two hands and have to place the same bet for both. You can trade the second card dealt to get a better combination on each hand.
After switching the cards you can 'hit', 'double', 'split' or 'stay' on the first hand and finally 'hit', 'double', 'split' or 'stay' on the second hand.
Blackjack Switch
If you think both hands are good, you don’t have to switch the cards. Instead, continue to play as usual choosing your action for both hands.Conclusion
If you are a casino player for many years, you’d probably are tired to play Blackjack in the same old way.The classic Blackjack game will never lose its position as one of the favorite card games, but punters can now play some different versions including multi-hand and Blackjack Switch.
Blackjack Switch App
With the possibility to play live Blackjack at online casinos, there are still some versions that are only available online. BlackjackSwitch is only available online and you will not find a live BlackjackSwitch with real dealers at online casinos yet.
Differently than online casinos, some Las Vegas casinos use to have some BlackjackSwitch tables, but honestly, I don’t know on which casino you can find. In terms of strategy, you can apply the same for your classic Blackjack game.
The best of all is that you can play a free BlackjackSwitch game to test your skills and strategies without spending money. You can play the game on free demo mode on your mobile, tablet or PC (no download, no deposit).
This is the perfect way to start getting used to this Blackjack version and have a lot of fun. Enjoy!