Blackjack has been a staple for casino players for a long time, so it is no wonder that it developed numerous variations over the years, including Blackjack Switch. The variations allow players to choose what kind of blackjack they want to play, though some players may be reluctant to try anything new.
If you are the kind of player that likes trying new things but are not sure if Blackjack Switch is better than blackjack and whether or not you should try it, you have come to the right place.
This Wizard Slots blog post will explain what Blackjack Switch is, its odds compared to regular blackjack and whether or not it is better than blackjack. Read on to find out!
What Is Blackjack Switch?
Blackjack Switch is a variation of blackjack that allows you to play with two hands. Both these hands have to have an equal bet amount. Additionally, unlike other multi-hand blackjack variations, you can switch the top cards between these two hands with Blackjack Switch. However, if you opt to switch your top cards, this has to be done before you have taken any other cards or hits.
This version of blackjack was patented in 2009 and has since gained popularity. The idea is that the card trades may slightly increase your chances of having good hands and minimise your chances of busting.
Blackjack Switch typically has the same rules as original blackjack unless the casino states otherwise. However, one noteworthy thing about Blackjack Switch is that instead of busting at 22, the dealer pushes all other hands with 21 or less, which means you neither win nor lose the bet.
Plus, if you land a blackjack as a result of a switch, you do not receive the usual 3:2 or 6:5. Instead, it pays out 1:1. This is because you are allowed to swap tops cards to your potential advantage.
Blackjack Switch is available to play at online and land-based casinos but is not as widely offered as the original blackjack.
Blackjack Switch VS Blackjack Odds
At face value, Blackjack Switch may seem to decrease the casino’s house edge and offer better odds for the player than classic blackjack. However, this is not entirely true. The odds can change or be similar depending on the different rules the casino may impose and whether the player is playing with basic strategy.
When playing classic blackjack, your odds of winning are usually around 42.22%, with the dealer having 49.1% odds. There is also an 8.48% odds of the game ending up in a push or a tie. Of course, these can fluctuate depending on your strategy or lack thereof.
With Blackjack Switch, your odds of winning are generally around 44% to 48%, depending on the rules, the deck, and your strategy.
Like most casino games, the casino always has an advantage over the player, so naturally, when playing blackjack, the dealer is more likely to win than you. However, this can change depending on whether or not the dealer stands or hits on soft 17. With the latter, the dealer is less likely to bust.
Typically, in Blackjack Switch, the dealer has to hit on a soft 17, which increases your chances of winning and the dealer’s chances of busting, ideally.
However, in Blackjack Switch, the dealer pushes at 22, which cancels out your 21 if it was not a natural blackjack, i.e. happened as a result of a switch. That slightly increases the odds of a push compared to classic blackjack to 9%. Again, these can fluctuate depending on the game’s rules, your level of skill and the rules, such as whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17. So, it may be best to check the casino and game rules before playing.
Is Blackjack Switch Better Than Blackjack?
Choosing to play classic blackjack or the Blackjack Switch variations comes down to your preferences and what experience you are looking for from the game. Though the games have a lot of similarities, they also have a lot of differences.
For example, switching cards in classic blackjack would be considered cheating, while in Blackjack Switch, it is part of the game. So let’s look at some key differences between these games:
- Payouts: In Blackjack Switch, a natural blackjack pays out even money (1:1) compared to the classic blackjack 3:2 payouts.
- Potentially More Opportunities to Win: In Blackjack Switch, you may have potentially more chances to win compared to classic blackjack because of the ability to trade cards. Plus, you are also playing with two hands instead of one.
- Dealer Pushes at 22: Typically, in classic blackjack, a 22 would result in a bust. However, in Blackjack Switch, a dealer does not bust at 22. Instead, all other players’ cards end in a push or a tie, even a 21, unless it was created naturally (not a result of card switching).
So, is Blackjack Switch better than blackjack?
Ultimately, this question depends on what you want to achieve from these online casino games, so consider the similarities and differences and take it from there.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
