Blackjack Switch
Ever wish you could swap cards to improve your blackjack hand? Well, that’s the idea behind Blackjack Switch.
This game, created by former professional gambler Geoff Hall, is a variant where you must play two hands simultaneously, but you can swap a card between them after the initial deal.
The concept came from a night at the tables. While playing two hands of blackjack at once, Geoff noticed that he could improve both by simply switching one of the cards from each. And just like that, a new game was born.
Ready to learn? I’ll explain the rules, provide a strategy chart, and give advice on how to switch the cards correctly.
Table of Contents
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Blackjack Switch Rules
This game offers a fun twist on standard online blackjack. The goal is still to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
In this variant, however, there’s an extra trick. We play two hands at once and can switch one card between our 2 hands to get better totals.
I’ll break down the basic rules and show you how this game works.
Wagers
The start of each hand requires two equal wagers, one for each hand.
You make player decisions for each hand independently. Aside from the card switch, the game decisions are the same as standard blackjack.
Dealer Peek
The dealer peeks for 21 when they have an Ace or 10-value card faceup before the players can switch cards.
If the dealer has blackjack, all player’s non-natural blackjack hands lose.
Card Switch
You can switch the second cards dealt to each of your hands with each other if you want to.
A card switch can form 21, but the hand counts as 21 points, not a natural blackjack.
Insurance
If the dealer’s card is an ace, you can place a side bet that their hidden card is a 10.
Double Down
You can double down with any two cards, including after a card switch or splitting.
Split
You can split any two cards of the same value, including after a card switch and splitting. You can resplit pairs up to 4 times.
Payouts
A winning natural blackjack only pays the player 1:1. If the table offers insurance, it pays 2:1.
Dealer Pushes on 22
A dealer 22 pushes with all non-busted players’ hands. Only a natural blackjack beats a dealer 22.
Tie Rules
When you and the dealer’s hand have the same total, no one wins, and you get your original bet back.
Side Bets
Super Match is a side bet that pays for pairs, three-of-a-kind, two pairs, or four-of-a-kind in your initial four cards.
It has an estimated house edge of 2.5%.
# of Decks
Blackjack Switch uses four, six, or eight 52-card decks shuffled together.
The game played with eight decks has a slightly higher house edge.
Betting Limits
Online casinos have generous betting limits that are welcoming to all bankrolls.
These normally range from $1 up to $500 bet.
How to Play Blackjack Switch With Examples
If you’ve played standard blackjack before, you’ll have no issue picking up Blackjack Switch. The step-by-step below shows you exactly how to play a round from start to finish.
Understand the Game Layout
Start by looking at this table setup to familiarize yourself with the game.
The layout might look a bit different depending on the casino, but generally, you’ll see your balance and controls to mute, enlarge the screen, or exit at the top.
In the middle, you’ll see the dealer’s hand and your cards, and at the button, you’ll find the options to stand, switch cards, hit, or split.
Bet & Get the Cards Dealt
You start a new round by placing an equal bet on both hands. That means if you decide to bet $5 on the first hand, you must bet $5 on the other as well, for a total of $10.
After all the bets are in, the dealer will give each player two hands of two cards face up. The dealer will deal one hand for themselves consisting of two cards, one face up and the other face down.
Switch, Hit, or Stand
Your first decision is whether to switch the second cards in each of your hands.
I suggest you switch to see what your hands look like because you can always switch back. However, you will no longer be able to trade cards after taking any action on either hand.
Once you’ve settled on two hands, you can hit, stand, double, or split each one independently, as you would any other blackjack game.
Below is an example hand where I used the card swap function to create two better hands.
The dealer is showing a 6. I had to choose between playing a hard 17 and a hard 14 or swapping the second cards to get a hard 20 and a hard 11.
Based on the basic strategy, I decided to switch, making two hands that are more likely to win.
Dealer Plays & Winners Get Paid
Once all players decide, the dealer acts according to the house rules.
After I choose to swap cards, standing on the first hand for 20 and hitting once on the second hand for 14, they flip over their hole card to reveal a queen. At 16, they have to hit.
The dealer busted. I won both hands and received my payout.
Blackjack Switch Strategy Chart
Like other variants, this game has an optimal strategy based on your initial cards and the dealer’s up-card. For starters, you should always consider the results of a card swap at the start of the round.
If you can’t make two powerful hands from your available cards, try to make at least one strong hand. That way, you hopefully win at least one of your two hands and push at the end of the round.
The charts below tell you the best moves based on the cards you get, the dealer’s up card, and the statistical math.
You’ll find your hand on the left and the dealer’s up-card along the top. The spot where the two intersect is the recommended play you should make.
Blackjack Switch Odds
When using optimal strategy, Blackjack Switch has a 0.58% house edge, similar to the base game.
That makes it a worthy alternative for strategy players who want a livelier experience without sacrificing too much of the expected return.
Try Online Switch Blackjack for Free
The best way to learn about a game is by playing it. Test our recommended strategy and practice your skills in this free demo.
Make Your Bets and Enjoy the Double Wins
If you want to spice things up, Blackjack Switch is worth a try. The ability to switch cards between hands adds a fun twist, and the house edge is one of the lowest at 0.58%.
If you enjoy blackjack spinoffs with added strategy as much as I do, give it a shot at one of my go-to sites for playing blackjack: BetUS, and see how it goes.
Stick to the strategy, and you may walk away a winner!
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