Playtech Online Blackjack Switch

• Published: August 7, 2014
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The software provider Playtech offers an online blackjack variant Blackjack Switch at its online casinos. The player plays with two hands, each having equal bets. After the initial two cards are dealt to each player hand, the player has the choice of interchanging the second cards dealt to each hand. Then each hand is played independently as usual.

The objective of making the switch is to increase the combined strength of the player hands. If the combined strength of the hands is not being increased then you should not make the switch. Assessing the combined strength of hands is far from easy. In order to do this correctly special Blackjack Switch tables have been devised. You need to memorize or refer to these tables while playing Blackjack Switch. The tables are based on “expectation values” which have been determined through computer simulation for player’s two card hand values and the dealer’s face up card. The expectation values range from close to +1 to close to -1. An expectation value close to +1 indicates a high likelihood of winning from that that combination. An expectation value close to -1 indicates a high likelihood of eventually losing. You have to first add the expectation values of both hands as dealt and then of both hands as if the switch will be made. If the total of expectations after the switch is greater than the total before the switch only then must you go for the switch. The switch move gives you an advantage, which must be compensated for. Therefore, blackjack pays even money instead of 3 to 2 and the dealer pushes on 22 whereas the player busts on 22.

Playtech Blackjack Switch also offers an optional side bet called Super Match. This bet is decided on the first four cards dealt to the player. A pair pays even money, three of a kind pays 3 to 1, two pairs pays 8 to 1and four of a kind pays 40 to 1. If you place this bet you may have to consider taking chances of busting in order to try for the higher payouts.

Apart from the Blackjack Switch tables, there is the strategy card that codes the optimum moves for each situation. If Blackjack Switch is played using optimum strategy both for the switch move and the main game, then the average return to the player is 99.4%. The Super Match side bet offers a lower average return of 97.5%.