Blackjack Switch Rules, Strategy & Tips

Blackjack is one of the favorite casino games, but for players who wish to change things up, there is another exciting variant, and that is Blackjack Switch. The good news is you do not have to learn how to play blackjack all over again, because it’s based on the same rules as regular blackjack.

Blackjack Switch offers a slightly different playing experience and a lot more excitement because, in this variant of the game, you play with two hands where you can switch the top cards between the hands. Here, our experts discuss all the particulars of playing Blackjack Switch, and we’ll share tips and playing strategies you can try when you play this game at your favorite online casino.

Blackjack Switch Rules

Blackjack Switch is based on the regular blackjack rules, with some exciting twists. The game was invented and patented by Geoff Hall in 2009, and the main difference from regular blackjack is that the player gets two hands and can switch the top cards between the hands. Here are the primary Blackjack Switch rules you need to know:

• The game uses between six and eight 52-card decks shuffled together
• The player must place two bets of equal size for the two hands they are dealt
• The cards are dealt face-up
• The dealer usually hits on soft 17
• The player can switch the top cards between the hands to create a better hand
• If the player switches their cards to a blackjack, it is an automatic win
• If the dealer gets a blackjack, the players automatically lose, except if a player also has a blackjack
• Doubling is allowed on any two cards
• The player can double after splitting
• The player can re-split for a total of four hands

Credit: 20Bet

✅ The Push 22 Rule

Now, let’s talk about a key rule that adds a dose of excitement to Blackjack Switch – the Push 22 rule. Per this rule, if the dealer gets a score of 22, the bets are push (tie), and only a player who gets a blackjack can beat the dealer.

In regular blackjack, if the dealer gets a score over 21, he goes bust; this is an automatic win for the player. So, the Push 22 rule in Blackjack Switch makes the game more interesting, as it can significantly affect the style and strategy you need to apply when playing this casino game.

Blackjack Switch Strategies

As you can note, the rules of Blackjack Switch make the game exciting, and one of the fundamental rules is the Push 22 rule that you can use to hone your blackjack strategy. Here we list the main Blackjack Switch strategies you should consider when you join an online casino to play this game:

✅Split Aces, But Not Always

Just like in regular blackjack, you should consider splitting a pair of Aces, as the Ace can be counted as 1 or 11, so you have a hand equaling 12. When you split the Aces, you turn a mediocre hand into two potentially winning hands, especially if you get a face card (which counts as 10). However, you should carefully consider splitting your Aces if your other hand features a 2,8, or 3,8, as in this case, you again have two weak hands. Also, don’t split your Aces if the dealer has an up-card between 2 and 6.

Here is an example so you can easily understand what we are talking about:

• Your hands: AA & 28
• If you switch the cards between the hands, you will get these hands: A2 & A8
• These are still mediocre strength hands that have weak winning potential
• Also, if the dealer has an up-card between 2 and 6, and shows a face card, they will automatically have a better score than yours

✅ Play Side Bets

The side bets in Blackjack Switch are even more exciting and appealing than those in regular blackjack. Per the Super Match side bet rules, you can place a bet that the four cards you get will create one of four different poker hands. The Super Match side bet somewhat mitigates the disappointment of not being able to switch your cards when you get a pair. The payout if you win with a blackjack in Blackjack Switch is 1 to 1, but the payout for winning a side bet is very appealing, and depending on the bet, it goes up to 40 to 1. Here are the Super Match side bets you can place in Blackjack Switch:

✅ Use the Switch Option Often

Take advantage of the switch option often, as you can combine the cards to make a better hand that has a higher winning chance. You can see what your hands will look like after you switch them, but please note that you can always switch them back before you make a final decision. After you decide to hit, double down, split, or stand, you can’t switch back your cards.

✅ Stand on Soft 19

The strategy to stand when you have a score of soft 19 can be beneficial to you, especially when you consider the rule that the dealer must hit soft 17. In most cases, hitting on soft 17 means they’ll go over 21 or over 22, which means the dealer will go bust, and you have a chance to win your payout, as you have a score closest to 21 without going over.

✅ Stand of Hard 17, Hard 18, Hard 19, and Hard 20

Standing on hard 17, 18, 19, and 20 is another wise strategy in Blackjack Switch. Statistically, there are more cards in the deck that will make you go over 21 if you hit than there are cards that can play in your favor. This is a simple blackjack strategy you can apply in Blackjack Switch, and if you play it wisely, you can turn the hand in your favor and

Expert Blackjack Switch Tips to Try

Now that we’ve covered the basic Blackjack Switch strategies, here are some essential tips that you can apply that we believe will help you become a better player:

• Avoid the Insurance Bet – the insurance bet is available when the dealer has an Ace as an up-card, but no matter how appealing it may seem, this side bet comes with a higher house edge and is a losing strategy in the long run
• Consider the House edge – the house edge is the ever-present statistical advantage in favor of the casino, and this means the player will lose more than they’ll win. If the player and dealer both go bust (over 21), they both lose, which is the casino’s win. Still, Blackjack Switch has an RTP of 99.87%, which means it is a game with a low house edge, which is favorable to the players. Still, the side bets and Insurance Bet come with a higher house edge, so it may be better to avoid these bets
• Manage your bankroll – always set a bankroll amount before you start playing the game. Knowing how much money you can play with is a crucial thing, as it will help you decide how much to bet and how many rounds you can play
• Don’t chase losses – never chase losses, as this is a sure way to lose more money than you can afford. Instead, play only with the money you can afford to lose, and stop playing after you spend this amount

Credit: Nomini

FAQs

Is Blackjack Switch better than regular blackjack?

Blackjack Switch is slightly different from regular blackjack, and is one of the newer versions together with VIP Blackjack that evolves the original concept. If you play it wisely, you can utilize the lower house edge and better-playing odds. However, you will need a larger bankroll, as you need to pay for the two hands you are dealt each round.

How do I play Blackjack Switch?

To play Blackjack Switch, you need to place identical bets on the two hands. You’ll get the option to switch the top two dealt cards between the hands if you think you can create a better hand. If the dealer gets a 22, the result is a push, except in the case of the player having a natural blackjack. There are side bets available, like the Super Match side bet, where the player can bet that their initial four cards will create a winning poker hand.

Does the dealer hit or stand on a soft 17 in Blackjack Switch?

The dealer usually must hit on a soft 17 in Blackjack Switch, but the exact rule depends on the rules of the particular online casino you select to play.

What are the odds of winning at Blackjack Switch?

Blackjack Switch is a casino game with a very low house edge, or 0.58%, which means you have a very high chance of winning Blackjack Switch than you have any other blackjack game.

Is Blackjack Switch a game of skill or luck?

Blackjack Switch is a game of skill where you decide whether you stand, hit, split, or double down, but it is a game of luck where the outcome depends on the next drawn card.

Can you count cards at online Blackjack Switch?

Blackjack Switch is played with 6 to 8 decks of 52 cards that are shuffled together. The gameplay is also quick, which makes counting cards rather challenging.