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 we are going to briefly describe these games, consider their common characteristics and features, and discuss the best models of famous brands.
General 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.
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 with the help of making other rules less democratic: hitting, payouts for blackjack, push if the croupier has a 22, and so on.
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.
Popular Models
Most developers offer Blackjack Switch with almost identical rules. Let's describe the models of several brands.
Blackjack Switch from Playtech - The kind of blackjack of this well-known company has exactly 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, various options, download-based and web-based versions.
Blackjack Switch from GameScale - The basic rules of this game are also similar to the traditional ones. We want to pay 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 from GloboTech - This model 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.
Swap 21 Blackjack from Betsoftgaming - This game differs from other models 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, intuitively understandable panel, basic options, and other pleasant additional features are embedded in this model.
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 the good chances of winning. You can easily choose a high-quality model released by famous brands and will be able to play at the reputable casino. Go ahead!
We are looking forward to knowing your opinion. So, feel free to write your comments.