Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City Blackjack – Fun and Advantageous

Blackjack is a classic card game that has branched out into so many variations that players sometimes have difficulty choosing just one. With Atlantic City being a prominent gaming hub for casino fans, it is no surprise that blackjack is offered across numerous casinos in the area. In fact, one variation of the game of 21 was played so often across casino floors in the city that it adopted the name Atlantic City Blackjack.

Nowadays, Atlantic City Blackjack can be found at numerous brick-and-mortar casinos as well as at many online casinos. One of the reasons why this variation has enjoyed such popularity is its relatively low house edge, with Atlantic City Blackjack rules being almost as advantageous as those of classic blackjack. In this article, we will cover the rules of this blackjack variation as well as some tips you can use while playing the game.

Rules

Late Surrender

Useful Tips

Online Play

Rules of Atlantic City Blackjack

In this resort city, if a particular casino wants to change any of the rules, the request has to be approved by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Thus, many casinos prefer to use the same basic rules when it comes to this variation of blackjack because altering them is much more complicated. The basic rules of Atlantic City Blackjack are the same as the standard game. Players compete against a dealer who represents the casino, and their main goal is to form a hand whose total is as close to 21 as possible and beat the dealer. If they exceed this number, they bust and lose the game.

Atlantic City Blackjack is played with eight decks instead of the usual four packs of cards. At the beginning of the game, the dealer receives two cards – one face up and one face down. It is a hole-card game, meaning that the dealer peeks for blackjack. If the up card is an Ace or a 10-valued card, the dealer will check the hole card. Should the dealer have blackjack, players lose their bets and the round is over. In general, hole-card games are more beneficial because they prevent players from placing large bets when the dealer is bound to win.

In this variation, after players receive their first two cards, they are allowed to double down on any two cards, and they can also do so after splitting. It is possible to split a pair up to three times and create a total of four hands. Any 10-valued cards, regardless of their suit, can also be split. There is one exception, however: Aces can be split only once. If players split a pair of Aces, they will receive only one additional card for each Ace.

It should also be noted that if they split Aces and then draw a 10-valued card, the combination is considered 21 rather than blackjack. The dealer is required to stand on soft 17, and the payout for blackjack is either 3/2 or 6/5, depending on the casino. All other winning hands pay even money, just like in classic blackjack. Insurance is also available in this version and can be placed only when the dealer shows an Ace. In most cases, this side bet pays 2/1.

Atlantic City Blackjack: A Step-by-Step Gameplay Guide for New Players

1. Getting Started: Familiarize yourself with the table and its limits before you place a bet.
2. Kick Off with Knowledge: Remember, this game uses eight decks, giving it a unique edge. It’s a close cousin to classic blackjack but with a few twists that ramp up the excitement.
3. First Things First – Place Your Bet: Slide your chips into the betting circle, but don’t get carried away. Check the table limits to make sure they fit your bankroll.
4. Card Time: You’ll receive two cards face up, while the dealer gets one card face up and another face down.
5. The Hole-Card Peek: If the dealer is showing an Ace or a ten-value card, they’ll peek at the hidden card. If it’s blackjack, the round ends and losing bets are collected—no suspense, no fuss.
6. Your Move: Looking at your cards, decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split. If you’re feeling bold, double down on any two cards or split your pairs. Keep in mind that Aces can be split only once.
7. Ace-Splitting Rules: Split Aces receive just one extra card each, and drawing a ten-value card counts as a regular 21, not blackjack.
8. Dealer’s Rule: The dealer must stand on soft 17, which gives you a slight edge.
9. Blackjack Payout: Blackjacks pay at odds of 3 to 2.
10. To Surrender or Not? If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, you can opt for a late surrender, forfeiting only half your bet—a tactical retreat.
11. Insurance Side Bet: Insurance pays 2 to 1 when the dealer shows an Ace, but it carries a higher house edge, so proceed with caution.
12. Winning Wisdom: Split Aces, stand on tens, and surrender wisely. Remember, it’s not just about the cards you’re dealt but how you play them.

Late Surrender in Atlantic City Blackjack

What sets Atlantic City Blackjack apart from the classic game is the fact that late surrender is allowed in this variation. Late surrender offers players the opportunity to withdraw from their current hand after the dealer has checked for blackjack. In such cases, they lose half of their initial wager and keep the other half without playing the hand. However, it is worth noting that if the dealer has a natural blackjack, players cannot surrender and, as a result, their original wager will be completely lost.

A number of casinos in Atlantic City offer this move; however, it is not always displayed in a prominent place, as it has proven to be beneficial for players. In general, late surrender is not as favorable as early surrender because it doesn’t decrease the house edge as much. Nevertheless, when players know exactly when to use this move, it can be very beneficial. To clarify its usage, let’s look at some situations in which it is best to take advantage of it. For instance, if players’ hands total 15 or 16 and the dealer’s up card is a 9, 10, or Ace, it is a good idea to surrender. The same applies when players have 17 and the dealer shows an Ace.

Live Dealers Blackjack

Blackjack Tournaments

Blackjack Bankroll

Blackjack Bonus

Useful Tips

If players are dealt a pair of Aces, they should always split them because this way they will form two strong hands. In contrast, when they receive a pair of 10s, it is best to stand, regardless of the dealer’s up card. When it comes to late surrender, even though this move can be very beneficial in some cases, it should be used only when it is truly needed. Insurance is another available option; however, in most cases placing this side bet works in favor of the casino. It has a house edge of around 8%, which makes it highly unfavorable. Nevertheless, it can be a good option for card counters, provided they are able to determine the ratio of high-value cards to low-value ones.

In general, it is always a good idea to follow a basic strategy and adhere to it throughout the entire game. The same rule applies when playing Atlantic City Blackjack. To win and make the most of every game, players should prepare in advance and become familiar with the basic rules. It is also essential to have a money-management system because, without it, they won’t be able to retain their winnings.

Atlantic City Blackjack Strategy Chart

Rules:

• 6 Decks
• Dealer Stands on Soft 17
• Dealer Does Not Peek for Blackjack
• Double on Any Two Cards, Double After Split (DAS)

Legend:

• H: Hit
• S: Stand
• D: Double if Possible, Otherwise Hit
• Ds: Double if Possible, Otherwise Stand
• P: Split (Pair)

Atlantic City Blackjack Online

Due to the fact that Atlantic City Blackjack has gained considerable popularity over the years, it is now possible to play this variation online. Thanks to Microgaming, one of the most prominent software providers, players from all over the world have the chance to experience this exciting game from the comfort of their homes. A number of online casinos have teamed up with this software company in an attempt to provide only top-quality games.

There is no need to travel to a land-based casino to enjoy this variation, which is undoubtedly a great benefit. The online version features a very realistic design and exclusive features that ensure a high level of entertainment. Moreover, some online casinos also offer a live-dealer version of Atlantic City Blackjack, giving players the chance to experience the game as if they were in a brick-and-mortar casino. The action unfolds before players’ eyes, as it is possible to watch the cards being dealt in real time thanks to live-streaming video.

Conclusion

Atlantic City Blackjack is one of the most popular blackjack variations played today. Its basic rules are the same as the classic game; however, it has subtleties and exclusive features that make it both entertaining and challenging. The game can be easily found in every brick-and-mortar casino in Atlantic City as well as online, and it is entirely up to players to decide which way of playing is most convenient for them.

FAQ: Atlantic City Blackjack