Lila Thorn | January 3, 2021 | Updated on: January 4th, 2022
If you enjoy standard blackjack but want a little less guesswork, then Double Exposure blackjack is a fantastic choice. This variant allows you to see both of the dealer’s cards at all times while playing.
So, if you want to discover the rules, strategies, payouts, and how to play it, keep reading. We’ve listed our top tips and other important information below, plus our premium blackjack online casinos.
Simply put, Double Exposure blackjack looks just like the classic version, but both of the dealer’s original cards are face-up. That’s why it’s also known as Face Up Blackjack or Face Up 21.
However, it doesn’t follow the standard blackjack rules and payouts you’d expect. In Double Exposure, getting a natural blackjack (a ten-value card and an ace) will only pay one to one.
And tied blackjacks are the only hands that will push; otherwise, you will lose your bet.
Essential Game Rules
Since you can see the dealer’s hand in Double Exposure blackjack, your odds are better than most versions. But you can’t depend on the rules of other blackjack games to get you through.
With that said, this variant starts just like any other, with you placing your bets on the table. If you get a natural hand (blackjack) of an Ace and 10-value card, the game will end there.
If you don’t get a natural, you’ll have to decide what to do next within these rules:
Dealer – the dealer can either hit or stand on soft 17 and wins all ties except naturals;
Hit – you can request another card without placing another bet;
Stand – you can choose to do nothing until the next round;
Double Down – you can double on 9-11 and get another card if you’re confident you’ll win;
Split – you can choose to split when you have two cards of the same value and get two cards with an extra bet.
Note: there are no Surrender or Insurance options in this version of the game.
How to Play Double Exposure Blackjack
Besides the unique rules, playing Double Exposure blackjack is straightforward. You can follow these easy steps to get started:
First, choose your bet size and chip, then place it on the table in the correct sections.
Second, wait for the dealer’s cards to be placed face up and receive yours.
If no one has a natural, decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split.
This will continue until someone gets a card total close to 21, at which point you’ll receive your winnings.
Bets, Payouts & Odds
Double Exposure blackjack has a house edge of 0.67%, but casinos have lowered the payout to make up for it. All other payouts are dependent on the rules, so you can expect these returns:
Rules
Return
Dealer Stands on Soft 17
0,39%
Double After Split Allowed
0,32%
Tied Blackjack Win
0,22%
Players Only Split Once
-0,71%
Player Can Only Double on 9-11
-1,04%
Player Can Only Double on 10-1
-1,44%
Double Exposure Blackjack Strategy
While we have no problems with betting systems, we recommend staying away from using one. Instead, you should stick to one amount as you play and follow these tips:
Always hit when you have a hand of 11 or lower because you never know what the next card will be.
If the dealer has 20, you need to hit because you have to beat that with 21.
When you have an 11, and the dealer has 14-16, always double down because the dealer hits on those totals.
But if you have a total of 17-20, stand when the dealer has the same value or higher as you because the dealer wins all ties.
Never split a 10-value hand unless the dealer has 13-16 because you’re more likely to win a 20-value.
Always split aces unless the dealer has 11 or a 17-20 hand because you might get a ten.
Play Double Exposure Blackjack Free Online
Now that you know everything about Double Exposure blackjack to get you started, we have some extra advice. When you’re playing casino games, we recommend practicing for free at your chosen casino.
Then when you’re ready to enjoy real money games, take a bonus offer for table games. That way, you can boost your bankroll and have a reason to keep playing.
If you enjoy standard blackjack but want a little less guesswork, then Double Exposure blackjack is a fantastic choice. This variant allows you to see both of the dealer’s cards at all times while playing.
