The Rules of Vegas Strip Blackjack. Those who are already familiar with blackjack will experience no issues with the rules of the Vegas Strip variant of the game. The objective of the player is the same – you need to beat the dealer’s hand with a higher total without breaking your own hand, i.e. Without exceeding a total of 21. Rules of Vegas Strip Blackjack. Since this is a blackjack game, the objective is to get a hand total of 21 or close. You need to beat the dealer without going over a total of 21. What’s more, the same as the classic blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack uses four decks which are shuffled after each hand. The cards from two to nine are valued at.
Most blackjack games are played by the same basic rules. However, there are a number of variations that differ in the specifics. The main differences between blackjack variations include the number of decks, whether or not the dealer peeks for blackjack and hits on soft 17 (a 17-point hand that includes an Ace worth 11 points), and rules pertaining to splitting and doubling down. It is important to note that the main objective in all blackjack variants is to beat the dealer’s hand without busting by breaking a total of 21. However, when it comes to the more specific rules it is important to familiarize yourself with them before you begin playing a new blackjack game.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
One of the most popular blackjack variations is Vegas Strip blackjack. This is the most-played blackjack game in Las Vegas casinos and is popular online as well. The specifics of this game are as follows:
- 4 standard decks of cards are used
- Dealer peeks for Blackjack on 10s and Ace up-cards
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Players can double down on any two cards
- Players can double down after splitting
- Players can split their hand 3 times, making up to 4 hands
- Aces can be split only once
- Players can only take one card to split Aces
- 21 on a split Ace does not count as Blackjack
- Unlike 10-value cards may be split (i.e. 10-J)
- Blackjack usually pays 3:2, but sometimes 6:5
Atlantic City Blackjack
On the other side of the United States, in Atlantic City, casinos use nearly the same rules as in Las Vegas. The differences include the fact that Atlantic City Blackjack utilizes 8 standard decks of cards rather than 4, and late surrender is allowed.
European Blackjack
European casinos offer slightly different rules for their blackjack games. The differences between European Blackjack and Vegas Strip are as follows:
- 2 standard decks of cards are used
- The dealer does not peek for blackjack
- Players may only double down on hands with a value of 9, 10 or 11
- Players are allowed to split a hand only once
- Players may split only like-valued 10 cards
The above-mentioned blackjack rules are the most basic, typical blackjack rules used throughout the world. However, there are blackjack variants that change the rules up quite a bit to add excitement and variety for players. Some of the more popular blackjack variants include Multi-Hand Blackjack, Double Attack Blackjack, Spanish 21 and Super Fun 21.
Multi-Hand Blackjack
Multi-Hand Blackjack, unlike other games of blackjack in which players play one hand at a time, encourages players to play up to 5 hands at one time. The rules are pretty much standard. However the fact that players have so many hands to deal with at once adds a unique thrill to the game. Multi-Hand Blackjack is played by the rules listed above for European Blackjack.
Double Attack Blackjack
Double Attack Blackjack changes up traditional blackjack rules quite a bit. The specific rules of the game that differ from Vegas Strip are as follows:
Playing Blackjack In Las Vegas
- 8 Spanish decks are used (A Spanish deck is a 48-card deck created by removing the four 10s from a standard 52-card deck)
- After the dealer has dealt the first card, his own upcard, players may “Double Attack”, raising their bets up to double the amount of their original wager
- The dealer peeks only when players take insurance
- Blackjack pays even money
- Players may place side bets, called “BustIt” bets, that will be paid if the dealer busts on his third card
Spanish 21
Another popular blackjack game that is played with a Spanish deck of cards is Spanish 21. The specific rules are as follows, as they differ from Vegas Strip Blackjack:
- 6 to 8 Spanish decks are used
- A player with a hand worth 21 always wins
- Players may hit or double down after splitting any two cards (including Aces)
- Late surrender is allowed
- A 5-card 21 pays out 3:2
- A 6-card 21 pays out 2:1
- A 7-or-more-card 21 pays out 3:1
- A 6-7-8 or 5-5-5 pays out 3:2
- If a player has 7-7-7 and the dealer has a face up 7, the player earns a bonus between $1,000 and $5,000 and all other players at the table earn $50 “envy” bonuses
Super Fun 21
Super Fun 21 is a very liberal blackjack game with a lot of fun and exciting ways to win. It differs from Vegas Strip with the following rules:
- 1, 2 or 6 decks of cards are used
- The dealer hits on soft 17
- Players may re-split all pairs, including Aces, three times for up to four hands
- Players may hit and double down on split Aces
- Late surrender is allowed
- Regular blackjack pays even money
- A blackjack made up of diamonds pays 2:1
- Hands valued at 20 or less with 6 or more cards win automatically
- 21-point hands made up of 5 or more cards are paid 2:1
- Player blackjack always wins
All of these games, and other blackjack variations can be played in live casinos or online for free or real money. A free game is a great way to learn the rules and improve your skills before playing for real money.
Blackjack games in 2021 sometimes seem caught in a rat race of outdoing each other with innovations and new features. They either try to put a twist on classic blackjack rules or fill it out with side bets and other gimmicks. With all that in mind, it can be refreshing to just sit down for a classic round of 21. And if you’re looking for classic, straightforward blackjack, ISoftBet’s version fits the bill perfectly.
ISoftBet Blackjack is as straightforward and lightweight of a blackjack game as they come. It’s just you, your hand, and classic Vegas Strip rules. No side bets, no gimmicks, no juggling 5 hands at a time. Those who enjoy hunting for value in blackjack probably know that’s for the best. Generally speaking, the main bet offers the strongest RTP in any real money blackjack game.
Of course, what some call “straightforward” others might call “barebones”. Simplicity is the defining feature of ISoftBet’s title. You should give it a wide berth if you’re looking for something to spice up gameplay.
Game Rules and Features
To start with, this is an RNG blackjack game, which means it’s an entirely single-player experience. You play against a computer dealer, and all outcomes are decided by random number generation. This also means that there are no timers for placing bets. Just open the game and put down the stake whenever you’re ready. Additionally, RNG blackjack also offers very low minimum bets, upwards of $0.10.
Once your stake is placed, you will be dealt the cards as per usual. ISoftBet uses 8 decks per shoe with medium deck penetration. If you’ve ever played 21 before, you’ll know how to play ISoftBet blackjack. Just get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
As far as the rules go, the dealer must draw to 16 and stand on any 17. You can split on any pair, and doubling is allowed after splitting. You can also double on any card total, but you’re only allowed one additional card after doubling.
The lack of side bets is fine, but we also would have appreciated some quality-of-life features. For example, an autoplay feature or the ability to quickly repeat the same bet. Still, thanks to the RNG mechanics, the gameplay is fast and smooth and you can play at your own pace.
Payouts and RTP
ISoftBet offers industry-standard payouts across the board, so there are no surprises here. Winning a hand pays 1:1, blackjack pays 3:2, and insurance pays 2:1. As always, though, insurance is a rather poor choice to make compared to most other options.
According to the blackjack house edge calculator, ISoftBet Blackjack RTP sits at 99.40%. This is a fairly decent return rate, but we would be lying if we said we’ve never seen better. The option to resplit would have gone a long way, for example. Still, player-friendly tules such as splitting on any hand ensure that the edge isn’t too far in the dealer’s favour.
Of course, such an RTP assumes you’re using basic blackjack strategy, which you should be doing at all times.
Recommended Tips
Just use our blackjack strategy chart for an 8-deck game, and you’ll be fine. Additionally, the game has a feature that warns you about particularly bad moves. It won’t guide you according to blackjack charts, but it’s enough to ensure you don’t make a major blunder.
The fact this game uses 8 decks means card counting would be quite difficult, but not impossible. However, since there are no side bets, you can also always be certain you’re making decent moves with a solid overall RTP. Avoid the insurance bet, and you should see decent long-term returns.
Las Vegas Strip Blackjack Rules
Summary
Las Vegas Blackjack Table Conditions
As you can see in our ISoftBet Blackjack review, there’s not a lot to this game. It’s easy to get into and designed to appeal to players who just want a simple round of 21. Obviously, if you’re looking for side bets and innovative features, you should look elsewhere. However, it’s overall a decent, well-polished product that delivers on its promises.