Blackjack Switch
Lesson description
Blackjack Switch is a fun twist on the traditional casino card game. Learn the rules, gameplay, and payouts with Mr Blackjack.
Blackjack Switch is one of my favorites and you will find it at most local casinos as it draws in the biggest crowds and gives the player an advantage like no other.
The first variation between regular blackjack and Switch is you must play two hands at once. The dealer gives you two cards face-up for both of your hands and the dealer receives one card face-up and one card face-down. From there the dealer will ask you if you want to hit, stand, double, split or switch.
If you decide to switch, you just say, 'Switch!' and make the up-and-down finger motion for the camera and dealer.
At this point, the dealer, and only the dealer, switches your two top cards.
This is especially helpful if you have a soft 16 and a 15. Looking at our example, after you switch your two top cards you get 21 and 11. These are very good starting hands in blackjack.
Since you can switch your two top cards, the casino has made some rule changes to even out the odds for the house or even increase them:
The dealer pushes on all hands if they have 22. In comparison, in regular blackjack the dealer busts at 22 and pays everyone. In this game, it's a push against all hands. Even if you have 21 and they have 22. No one wins. The money stays there and a new hand starts.
The other variation is the blackjack payout. Normally, you would receive 3:2 payouts, but in this case, you only get 1:1 because you can easily switch cards to make 21.
These two small rule changes are so big in the casino’s favor that they will allow you to switch your top cards, giving you the appearance of basically robbing the casino.
What this lesson covers
- How Blackjack Switch works
- How the casino keeps its edge
- How the rules affect your winnings
Meet Mr Blackjack
With a career spanning two decades, Mathieu Blake knows his way around a blackjack table. He's taught and entertained over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel NeverSplit10's . In this series he'll take you through basic strategy, card counting, and bankroll management. Take a seat with Mr Blackjack and become a winning player.
Blackjack Variants
Blackjack Variants
Blackjack Switch
Free Bet Blackjack
Zappit Blackjack
Bet the Bust Blackjack
Run 'Em Twice Blackjack
Spanish Blackjack
Power Blackjack
Want to learn more about Blackjack?
You may also be interested in...
Top 10 most watched videos
Top 10 most searched videos
FAQs
- Is Blackjack Switch better than regular blackjack?
-
With two hands and the ability to switch cards, Blackjack Switch offers more excitement than traditional blackjack. However, the payouts are lower and a hand of 22 is a push, meaning a player’s odds of winning at blackjack are smaller.
- How do you play Blackjack Switch?
-
Blackjack Switch has only a few differences from regular blackjack. You play two hands simultaneously, and have the option to switch your top two cards. The gameplay follows traditional blackjack rules, with two exceptions. A 22 is considered a push, even if a player has 21. Blackjack payouts are 1:1 as you can switch cards to increase your chances of hitting 21.
- Can I play Blackjack Switch in Vegas?
-
The biggest casinos around The Strip in Vegas, like the Wynn and the Bellagio, offer Blackjack Switch.
- Should I play Blackjack Switch?
-
If you want to play blackjack for fun, then Blackjack Switch is a great choice. If you’re looking to make a profit, then stick to blackjack games with better payouts and rules for players.
- Can I use basic strategy in Blackjack Switch?
-
While basic strategy will tell you the best move to make on any card combination, it doesn’t take the ability to switch cards into account, or that a 22 is a push. While basic strategy can work on some hands in Switch, it is difficult to apply to tricky hands.
- Can I count cards in Blackjack Switch?
-
Yes, you can count cards in Blackjack Switch. Systems like Hi-Lo card counting work fine on this game.
- Can I play Blackjack Switch in online casinos?
-
Many online casinos offer Blackjack Switch due to its popularity. You will find Switch as a video blackjack and live dealer option at the biggest casinos online.