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Online Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch

Various manufacturers of gambling games for online casinos have released different versions of blackjack with the opportunity to exchange cards between hands in recent years. Traditionally, this version is referred to as Blackjack Switch, but some developers may give other titles to their novelties.

In this article on Casinoz, we will briefly describe these games, consider their common characteristics and features, and discuss the best games of famous brands.

Blackjack Switch Rules

Let's start with a description of the rules that are valid in all (or almost all) versions of blackjack. The following common principles remain unchanged: gameplay, card values, score calculation, and so on.

Blackjack Switch

There are the following features of Blackjack Switch:

  • Users can play only two hands, making two equal bets on them.
  • It is allowed to exchange the top cards between hands.
  • The dealer hits on a soft 17.
  • If the croupier has a 22, it is a push (it loses only if the player has blackjack.)
  • Blackjack is paid 1:1.

Nuances of doubles, splits, surrender options, and other rules should be clarified directly at the casino.

House Edge

To be sure, the opportunity to exchange cards gives the player a huge advantage over the casino, which should be compensated for by the establishment. As you have probably noticed, this is done by making other rules less favorable for the player.

What is a conclusion? What is the theoretical payout percentage for those who play in accordance with the optimal strategy?

Experts believe that the house in Blackjack Switch ranges from 0.6% to 0.2%. Thus, having mastered its rules and chosen the most favorable model, you will be able to act on almost equal terms with the establishment.

Bonus Bets

All known versions of Blackjack Switch offer side bets. They can be made on a special field in the presence of basic bets.

Payouts for this bet are credited if a pair, three of a kind, two pairs, or four of a kind is collected in the four initially dealt cards. There are the following standard multipliers: 1:1, 5:1, 8:1, and 40:1, respectively.

The house edge of this bet slightly exceeds 2.5%. So, you should rather avoid making it.

Most developers offer Blackjack Switch with almost identical rules. Let's describe the models of several brands.

Blackjack Switch from Playtech

This blackjack of this well-known company has the same rules that we have already discussed above, including bonus bets and other nuances. The list of important advantages of this game includes a very convenient control panel, realistic animation, and various options.

Blackjack Switch from GameScale

The basic rules of this game are also similar to the traditional ones. We want to draw your attention to the design of this model with the unique panel. It greatly recreates the atmosphere of land-based casinos. This version will find its fans among the regular readers of Casinoz.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch from GloboTech

This game is one of the oldest in our review. However, we should focus on it, since it is the only version of European blackjack, i.e., the croupier deals one card to himself (instead of two) and does not check for blackjack. This reduces the house edge.

Blackjack Switch

Swap 21 Blackjack from Betsoft

This game differs from other games in its unusual name. However, there are no other significant differences. Like in all other games of this brand, the convenient interface with nice graphics, an intuitively understandable panel, basic options, and other pleasant additional features are embedded in this game.

Here are other online blackjack games.


Conclusion 

Is it worth playing Blackjack Switch? If you take the time to study the basic strategy for this version, you may try. The theoretical payout percentage is high enough to enjoy the gameplay and have a good chance of winning. You can easily choose a high-quality game from a famous brand and play at a reputable casino. Go ahead!

We are looking forward to knowing your opinion. So, feel free to write your comments.

Frequently asked Questions

🃏 What is Blackjack Switch and how is it different from traditional blackjack?

Blackjack Switch is a variation of the classic game where the player is dealt two hands instead of one. The key distinguishing feature is that after the initial deal, the player has the option to "switch" the second card from each hand to the other. For instance, if you have hands of 10-5 and 6-10, you can switch the 5 and the 10 to create two new hands of 10-10 and 6-5. This ability to swap cards offers the player more flexibility and opportunities to create stronger hands, but this advantage is balanced by a few key rule changes.

❔ What are the main rule variations in Blackjack Switch?

The ability to switch cards is balanced by two significant rule changes. First, a natural blackjack only pays even money, or 1 to 1, instead of the standard 3 to 2. Second, if the dealer's final hand totals exactly 22, it is a push (a tie) against any player hand that has not busted, with the sole exception of a player's natural blackjack. These rules are in place to offset the player's added advantage of being able to switch cards.

💲 How does the dealer play in Blackjack Switch?

The dealer's play is largely similar to traditional blackjack. They typically hit on a soft 17 and stand on a hard 17 or higher. The main difference, as mentioned, is the rule regarding the dealer's hand of 22. When the dealer gets a 22, it is not a bust and results in a push against any player hand of 21 or less.

✉ What is the basic strategy for Blackjack Switch?

The basic strategy for Blackjack Switch is more complex than traditional blackjack because it involves two distinct stages. The first decision is whether to switch your cards or not, which depends on the value of your two hands and the dealer's upcard. The general rule is to switch to create the best possible hands, but this is not always the optimal play. More advanced strategies involve a points-based system to evaluate the potential of your hands after a switch. After the switch decision is made, you then play each of your two hands using a modified version of standard blackjack basic strategy, taking into account the dealer's special rule for a 22.

👌 Is there a side bet in Blackjack Switch?

Yes, many Blackjack Switch tables offer an optional side bet, most commonly known as "Super Match." This bet is placed before any cards are dealt and pays out based on whether the four cards in your two initial hands contain a pair, two pairs, three of a kind, or four of a kind. While these side bets can offer a higher payout, they typically have a higher house edge compared to the main game.

🙋‍♂️ What is the house edge for Blackjack Switch?

The house edge for Blackjack Switch, when played with optimal strategy, is quite low. It is generally around 0.58%, making it one of the most favorable blackjack variants for the player. However, it is important to remember that this low house edge is only achievable by following a precise and correct strategy for both the switch decision and subsequent play. Making mistakes can significantly increase the house edge.

Denis Anipchenko
Denis Anipchenko
Editor-in-chief and online gambling expert

Denis is a true professional with many years of experience in the gambling industry. His career started back in the late nineties when he worked as a croupier, pit boss, manager and casino manager. This unique experience allowed him to deeply understand the world of gambling from the inside. Since the late noughties Denis has dedicated himself to writing articles and analyses about gambling, and since the early tens he has become a key figure in the Casinoz team. Here he not only writes and edits content, but also creates reviews, shares his expertise and helps readers understand the intricacies of gambling. Denis combines practical experience and in-depth knowledge, making him one of the most respected experts in the industry. His writings are always up-to-date, proven and useful information for anyone interested in the casino world.

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Facts checked Alex Vasilev Scientific editor and fact checker
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