Blackjack has always been a staple of most casinos but Microgaming decided to notch it up a few levels with this version of Blackjack. This is the Gold series version which features numerous improvements over the standard Atlantic City version also made by Microgaming. The first thing you will notice is how smooth the whole layout has been designed and how easy it is to navigate around.
The object of this game is to beat the dealer by either obtaining a total of 21 or less that is higher than the dealer’s total or by making the dealer go bust when they exceed 21.
This game is dealt out of a shoe made up of eight decks of standard playing cards. Each player makes a bet, and then receives a two-card hand, face up. The dealer also receives a hand with one face-up card, and one face-down card (also known as the hole card).
Each card is worth a certain number of points. All numbered cards are worth their printed value, while face cards are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth 11 points or one, depending on which is more beneficial for the hand.
For players, the object of the game is to beat the dealer by having a more valuable hand, one that is as close to 21 as possible without going over. The best possible starting hand is, appropriately, called a blackjack – and it is made up of an ace and any ten-point card. This “natural 21” will pay out at 3-2 odds, unless the dealer has also made one; in that case, the two hands push.
At the start of the hand, should the dealer have either an ace or a ten-point card showing, they will secretly check to see if they have a blackjack. In the case of them having an ace (where it is more likely that they will complete their hand), they will first ask if the players wish to buy insurance. This bet costs half as much as your initial bet, and pays out at 2-1 if the dealer reveals a ten-point card. If that happens, the player will lose their hand bet but win the insurance, which causes them to break even for the hand. When this offer is made to players with a blackjack, it is referred to as an “even money” offer; this is because mathematically, taking the insurance bet means that the player will make the same amount of money whether the dealer shows a blackjack or not, and as such can immediately be paid even money on their initial bet.
After players decide whether or not to take insurance, the dealer will do their check. If they have a natural 21, all players lose (except those who also started with blackjacks; those hands push). In all other cases, the players will now have the opportunity to play their hands. Players have a wide variety of options available to them, some of which are only available in certain situations. Players can take any of these actions on their turn:
Hit: The player receives one more card from the shoe, and then must make a new decision.
Stand: The player passes, locking their hand in place for this round.
Double Down: The player doubles their bet in exchange for one card from the shoe, after which they must stand. This option is only available on your initial two-card hand.
Split: If the player has two cards of the same rank (or any two ten-point cards), they may split them into two unique hands, each of which will receive a second card. Each hand will be played for one full bet. Players may resplit if they once again receive a pair, up to a maximum of four total hands. If the player splits aces, they only receive one card each and must stand at that point.
Surrender: The player may forfeit half of their bet to give up and stop playing the hand immediately.
The player’s turn can also end if their hand is ever worth 22 or more points. In this case, their hand is said to have busted, and they lose immediately, forfeiting all bets associated with that hand.
Once all players have taken their turns, the dealer will resolve their own hand. First, they will reveal their down card. Next, they will play according to a set of predetermined instructions. In the case of this Atlantic City version, the rules are simple: the dealer always hits with 16 or less, and always stands with 17 or more.
Should the dealer bust, then all player remaining player bets are immediately paid out at even money. If the dealer stands, then their hand is compared to the players’. If the player hand is higher, that hand wins at even money; if the dealer beats a player, then that player loses their bets on that hand. Finally, if the two tie, then all bets on that particular hand are pushes.
A cool thing about this version of Blackjack is that there are no restrictions to doubling down as long as you only do it with your first two cards and that the cards also form a split. It is possible to split your hand up to 3 times for a grand total of 4 hands. It is worth noting that Aces can only be split once and you and the dealer will only be given one card each before the Dealer makes you Stand.
The game’s presentation is wonderful and its layout is really easy on the eye. The Blackjack table is superbly detailed and all the chips, bets, and cards are easily accessible. Cards glide across the table in a smooth fashion and the animations are nice and crisp.
There is typical lounge-style music that accompanies this game and a nice softly spoken English lady narrates the game. It all adds up to quite an immersive Blackjack experience.
This game is supplied by Microgaming and is certified by the UK Gambling Commission as having been independently tested and up to the required standards for players in the UK. If you experience any difficulties with this game or any other game you should follow our Complaints procedure and contact us.
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