Multi-Hand Blackjack

Blackjack is a casino game suitable for both beginners and seasoned players, offering plenty of variations that can suit different playing styles. As expert blackjack players often prefer a faster pace, they appreciate blackjack variants that allow them to play multiple hands at once. This way, they can enjoy more gaming sessions within the time they have set aside for their casino adventures.

While multi-hand blackjack tables offer a limited number of seats in land-based casinos, playing online gives you access to numerous multi-hand variations you can enjoy instantly. The rules are mostly the standard blackjack rules, but you need to be aware of a few specific features that some online versions may include. If you want to learn more, check out the Multi-Hand Blackjack review below.

Overview

The only difference between classic blackjack and the Multi-Hand game is that the latter lets you play more than one hand simultaneously. In most cases, you can operate up to five hands at once. All hands are separate, and each one requires an individual approach. Because they are treated independently, their outcomes can also differ. For instance, if you decide to play four hands at once, you might win three of them and lose one, or vice versa. If a certain hand exceeds twenty-one, that hand is removed from play, and you continue with the remaining hands.

Usually, the betting limits at each table are slightly different from those in other blackjack games. Because the game is played with multiple hands, you must place more bets, so the table minimums are reduced for players’ convenience. In general, this version is perfect for active players who want to enhance their gaming experience by tackling a more challenging game.

In most games, you are allowed to double down on each hand, giving you greater chances to increase your winnings. However, placing multiple wagers at once can deplete your bankroll much faster if you lose. Moreover, when the game is played online, card counters cannot apply their systems with the same success as in a brick-and-mortar casino. In fact, card counting is virtually impossible online because of the game’s digital nature.

Rules

The basic rules of this variation remain the same as in the original game. You compete against the dealer, and your main goal is to get a hand worth more than the dealer’s without going over twenty-one. All cards are worth their numeric value, except for Queens, Kings, and Jacks, which are worth ten points each. The Ace is counted differently, as it can be worth either one or eleven points. How the Ace is counted is entirely up to you, and you can switch its value as many times as you like. This online version is played with two decks of cards that are shuffled before the beginning of every game.

At the beginning of the game, you are required to decide how many hands you will play. After that, you must place a bet on each hand, and the amounts do not have to be the same. During the game, you can also increase or decrease your wagers, depending on your preferences. You play your hands from right to left, and you are required to make a move for each one. In this version, you cannot surrender, as this option is not available.

Screenshot of Classic Blackjack Rules

You must choose whether to hit, stand, double down, take insurance, or split if you have a pair. Your choice should be based on your first two cards, as well as the dealer’s up card. When it comes to splitting and re-splitting, you may do so up to three times. The only exception is when you have a pair of Aces, as they can be split only once.

You are given the chance to double down on any two initial cards, unless they are an Ace and a 10-valued card, which constitutes blackjack. This is the highest winning combination you can get while playing. It is also possible to double down after splitting a pair. Insurance can be taken, as usual, when the dealer is showing an Ace. It has been calculated that the house edge of this version is approximately 0.39%.

In this game, the dealer must stand when his total is seventeen or more, regardless of whether his combination is soft or hard. If he has a total of sixteen or less, he is required to hit. The rules also force the dealer to draw cards until he reaches a total of at least seventeen. If he doesn’t go bust, your hand and his hand are compared. You will be paid 3/2 for a blackjack, and if your insurance bet wins, the payout is also 3/2.

Multi-Hand Blackjack: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Playing multiple hands at once not only ramps up the excitement but also tests your strategy on a whole new level. Here’s how to navigate this adrenaline-fueled variant:

1. The Setup: Multi-Hand Blackjack lets you play up to five hands simultaneously. Imagine juggling five separate blackjack games, each with its own chance to win or lose. It’s like having a blackjack party all by yourself!
2. Independent Hands, Independent Outcomes: Treat each hand as its own mini-game. You could be winning big on one hand while the others take a different turn. It’s a rollercoaster of outcomes, making each round unpredictable and exhilarating.
3. The Bet: Since you’re playing multiple hands, the betting structure is a bit friendlier. Table minimums are usually lower, so you can spread your bets without breaking the bank. But remember, more hands mean more bets. Handle your stakes wisely to keep the fun going.
4. Doubling Down: Here’s where it gets interesting. You can double down on each hand, increasing your original bet for the chance to double your win. It’s a bold move that can significantly boost your winnings—or deplete your bankroll if luck isn’t on your side.
5. The Catch for Card Counters: If you’re playing online, forget about card counting. The digital shuffle makes it impossible to track the cards’ values. That said, we can conclude that the game is all about strategy and thrill.
6. Play Smart: With the opportunity to play more hands, you’ve got more chances to win. But it’s a double-edged sword. More bets can mean quicker gains or faster losses. It’s all about balance and smart play.

Strategy and Useful Tips

If you decide to give this exciting variation a try, you should learn a proper strategy to follow throughout the game. Without a reliable plan, you could lose four or five bets at once every time you play. In Multi-Hand Blackjack, the action can be very fast-paced, and if you make decisions impulsively, you might suffer severe consequences. However, with an efficient plan, you can greatly increase your winnings. Since all hands are played separately, you can try different strategies on each of them. This way, you have the chance to draw valuable conclusions and determine which strategy works best for you.

If you happen to have a hand whose total is eleven, it is advisable to double down regardless of the dealer’s up card. If you get a pair of Aces or 8’s, you should make the most of these situations by splitting them. However, if you have a pair of 5’s or 10’s, it is best to proceed differently. Whenever you have a pair of 10’s, you should always stand. When you have a pair of 5’s and the dealer shows nine, ten, or eleven, you should hit; in all other cases, you should double down.

Multi-Hand Blackjack by Microgaming – Strategy Chart

Rules:

• 5 Decks
• Dealer Stands on Soft 17
• Dealer Does Not Peek for Blackjack
• Double on Hard 9-11, No Double After Split (No DAS)
• Hit Split Aces

Legend:

• H: Hit
• H*: Hit with 2 cards, Stand with 3+ cards
• S: Stand
• D: Double if Possible, Otherwise Hit
• P: Split (Pair)

Multi-Hand Blackjack: Essential Tips for Winning

1. Understand the Basics: Just like classic blackjack, your aim is to beat the dealer without busting over 21. Cards hold their face value, with Kings, Queens, and Jacks worth ten points, while Aces can count as either one or eleven.
2. Choosing Your Hands: Decide how many hands you’re going to play at the start. Mix it up with different bet sizes for each hand to find your sweet spot.
3. Bet Wisely: You can adjust your bets as the game progresses. Remember, more hands mean more action but also more risk, so manage your bankroll wisely.
4. The Moves: Decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split. No surrender here, so every decision counts.
5. Splitting and Doubling Down: You can split up to three times, except for Aces, which only get one split. Double down on any initial two cards for a chance to double your joy (or sorrow). And yes, you can double after a split too.
6. Insurance: Though tempting when the dealer shows an Ace, insurance is generally not in your favor. Play it smart and skip it.
7. Dealer’s Rules: The dealer stands on 17 and up, hits on 16 and below. It’s a straightforward showdown for the win.
8. Blackjack and Insurance Payouts: Nail a blackjack and enjoy a 3/2 payout. If you go against the grain and take insurance that pays off, it’s also at 3/2.
9. Strategic Play: Don’t wing it. A well-thought-out strategy is crucial. With the game’s pace, impulsive decisions can lead to quick losses.
10. The Power Moves:
    • Double Down on 11: Always, regardless of the dealer’s up card.
    • Split Aces and 8s: Maximize potential wins by splitting these.
    • Stand on 10s: A strong hand that’s better left untouched.
    • 5s Strategy: Hit against dealer’s 9, 10, or 11; otherwise, consider doubling down.

Conclusion

Multi-Hand Blackjack is an exciting version which, unlike many other casino games, requires skill as well as luck. Proficient blackjack players advise that when playing this version, it is best to try different strategies for each hand. For instance, you can play one hand more aggressively by wagering a bit more, while adopting a more conservative approach with another. Remember, you are not required to handle five hands at once—always play with as many hands as you feel comfortable.

FAQ: Multi-Hand Blackjack