Vegas Strip Blackjack

Vegas Strip Blackjack Offers an Authentic Casino Experience for Everyone

Whether it is blackjack or any other type of casino entertainment, it is hard to think of any city other than Las Vegas. Home to numerous world-famous casinos, the Vegas Strip boasts a large number of blackjack tables that follow rules typical of Sin City. Offered at any top-class brick-and-mortar casino in the area, Vegas Strip Blackjack is one of the best variations of the card game you can play.

While Vegas Strip Blackjack used to be available only in high-limit casino floors located on the famous strip in Sin City, nowadays you can find it at numerous online casinos. The best part is that the rules are almost identical to the original Vegas version, but you can often enjoy betting sessions with much lower limits. If you want to learn how to play this game and apply the right strategy, we recommend you continue reading our review.

Vegas Strip Blackjack Rules

Vegas Strip Blackjack is one of the most popular variations of blackjack, and it can be played either as a single-hand or a multi-hand game. As a version of the classic game, its basic rules remain the same. The dealer represents the casino, and you compete only against the dealer. Your main goal is to form a hand whose total is as close to twenty-one as possible. However, if you surpass this number you go bust – in other words, you lose your bet.

In order to determine the total of your hand, add together the values of your two initial cards. For this purpose, blackjack uses its own card system: face cards are worth ten points, the ace can count as either one or eleven, and the remaining cards are valued according to their numbers. Just like in the classic game, in this version you can choose from four options – hit, stand, double down, or split. Bear in mind that your decision should be based not only on the total of your hand but also on the dealer’s up card.

Screenshot of Vegas Strip Blackjack

Even though this variation closely resembles the classic game, it has its own specifications and notable differences. One of them is that the game is played with four standard decks that are reshuffled after every round. It should be noted that this variation was initially played with a single deck, which is no longer the case, as today there are many efficient card-counting systems that could significantly increase players’ odds of winning. The dealer deals the cards from a shoe—in other words, from a box specifically designed for this purpose.

In Vegas Strip Blackjack, you may split into a maximum of four hands, and after you do so you are still allowed to double down. You can also double down on any two cards, which works in your favor. A pair of aces can be split only once, and if either ace receives a 10-valued card the resulting hand counts as twenty-one rather than blackjack. You can split any two cards of equal value, such as a queen and a jack. To take advantage of this move, you need to place a wager equal to your original bet. Re-splitting pairs is permitted, but you may do so only twice.

This variation usually offers the standard blackjack payout of 3/2, although you may also find games that pay differently. Some casinos offer a 6/5 payout, which is why it is always best to check the rules before you play. Another key point is that the dealer is required to stand on soft 17. In addition, this variation does not include the surrender option, meaning you cannot give up your hand and keep half of your original wager if you expect to lose.

Vegas Strip Blackjack: Quick Step-by-step Guide

1. Game Objective: Your mission is simple – beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going bust. Over 21? You’re out. Remember, it’s you against the dealer.
2. Understanding the Deck: Vegas Strip Blackjack plays with four decks, which makes card counting a bit trickier but contributes to a more exciting game. Each round starts with a fresh shuffle for endless possibilities.
3. Placing Your Bet: Kick things off by placing your bet. Check the table limits to ensure they match your budget and strategy.
4. Your Cards: After betting, you’ll receive two cards face up. The dealer also gets two but shows only one. It’s time to make some decisions based on what you see.
5. Dealer’s Hole Card: If the dealer’s up card is an ace, they’ll peek at their hole card for a possible blackjack. You have the option to take insurance, betting half your original wager against the dealer hitting blackjack.
6. Playing Your Hand:
   • Hit: Ask for another card to inch closer to 21.
   • Stand: Happy with your hand? Keep it as is.
   • Double Down: Feeling confident? Double your bet and get exactly one more card.
   • Split: Got two of the same? Split them into separate hands, doubling your bet but getting a new card for each.
7. Splitting Nuances: Split up to four hands, including aces, but remember— a split ace with a 10-value card counts as 21, not blackjack. You can re-split twice.
8. No Surrender: Unlike some blackjack variations, Vegas Strip Blackjack doesn’t offer a surrender option. Once you’re in, you’re in for the round.
9. Dealer Stands on Soft 17: A rule that slightly tips the scale in your favor. The dealer will stand on all 17s, giving you a clearer path to victory.
10. Payouts: Standard blackjack pays 3/2, though some tables might offer 6/5. Always check before you play. Insurance bets pay 2/1 if the dealer hits blackjack, but remember, it’s a risky move.

Vegas Strip Blackjack Gameplay

Just like in the classic game, at the beginning of this variation you need to place your bet. After that, you receive your first two cards, both dealt face up. The dealer also receives two cards; however, only one of them is exposed. The other face-down card is the hole card, which the dealer is required to check if the up card is an ace. In such cases, you are offered insurance— a side bet equal to half of your original wager. If the dealer ends up having blackjack, you win the insurance bet but lose your initial wager. In this version of the game, the insurance payout is usually 2/1.

Vegas Strip Blackjack Strategy Chart

Rules:

• 4 Decks
• Dealer Stands on Soft 17
• Dealer Peeks for Blackjack
• Double on Any Two Cards, Double After Split (DAS)

Legend:

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

Rule Variations of Vegas Strip Blackjack

In general, the house edge of this variation is fairly favorable for players, provided the game is played with the rules outlined above. However, some casinos offer slightly different rules, either to attract more players by making the game appear more exciting or to simply increase the house edge. If you want to be able to fully enjoy the game and have fun, it is essential to play a variation that offers you realistic chances of winning. Therefore, let’s look at some of the blackjack rules and how they influence the house edge.

If you encounter a game in which the dealer is required to hit on soft 17, keep in mind that this rule benefits the casino. In fact, it increases the house edge by approximately 0.22%. Another rule that is not beneficial for you is when you are not allowed to double down after you have split a pair. As you might already have gathered, the alternative payout of 6/5 for blackjack also works against you.

Conclusion

Vegas Strip Blackjack is a fast-paced variation that offers a high level of entertainment and excitement. It allows you to put your skills to the test and try your luck while having fun. This variation can be found in many brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online, which enables you to choose the most convenient way to play. It can undoubtedly be a great source of entertainment; just make sure you are acquainted with its rules and gameplay so you can fully enjoy yourself.

FAQ: Vegas Strip Blackjack