Double Exposure Blackjack

Double Exposure Blackjack is one of the popular variants of traditional blackjack in which both the cards of the dealer are revealed to the player at the start of the hand itself. From a player point of view, this is a significant piece of information, and it will advantageous to any player irrespective of his/her skill levels if not for any change in rules. So naturally there will be some rule changes that favors the dealer so as to level out the differences, and it is done mainly by two rule changes - paying even-money on blackjack (opposed to 3:2 at normal tables) and ties losing (compared to pushing in standard blackjack).

Other rules detrimental to the players were also introduced over the years, and that includes restricting doubling down and splitting, and not allowing any doubles after splits. But, the game still holds a good level of advantage to the player, provided he/she is better equipped and prepared to meet the challenge. Double exposure blackjack offers a house advantage of 0.69% and is usually played with 8 decks.

Here is a recap of the changed rules,

· Both dealer cards are exposed.
· Dealer wins on all ties, except on a natural blackjack.
· Player blackjack pays even money.
· Player may split only once.

Other rules that can vary, but not restricted to, include

· Dealer stands or hits on soft 17.
· Tied blackjacks either push or go to the player.
· Player may or may not double after a split and he/she may or may not double on any first two cards.
· Player may split the card more than once.

Double Exposure Blackjack is thought to be invented by Bob Stupak, former owner of Vegas World and Stratosphere casinos. Double exposure blackjack is also known as Dealer Disclosure’ or ‘Face Up 21’.