Double Exposure Blackjack: How to Play
What is Double Exposure Blackjack?
If you're familiar with the traditional blackjack game, this variant will not be too difficult to grasp.
Double Exposure, also known as Face-Up 21, is a blackjack variant where the dealer's cards are both revealed to the players around the table. This provides the player with a slight advantage when compared to other versions as the player will have extra information to inform their decision on whether to "hit" or "stand" with their hand.
House edge is still a prominent factor in this version of the game with payout odds being reduced from 3:2 to an even money bet.
It is a relatively recent variation of the game, with the concept coming from Richard Epstein in 1977. Double Exposure Blackjack then started to make an appearance in casinos in 1979. Since then, the game variant has become one of the most popular choices for players due to its unique rules.
Like most other casino games, players can play Double Exposure Blackjack online with both virtual and live blackjack games available.
How to play Double Exposure Blackjack
For those who aren't aware of the basic blackjack variants, the rules are quite simple for new players to become familiar with.
Before playing, you will need to enter the game by placing your initial bet. Many games will have a minimum bet requirement of as low as £1.00.
To begin, the dealer cards will both be visible to the player and two face-up cards will also be provided to the player. Once the cards have been dealt, the player must make the decision to "hit" or "stand" based on the value of their hand and the dealers.
When you choose to "hit", the dealer will draw another card for your hand. Selecting to "stand" will tell the dealer that you do not require any further cards, ending the round.
Picture cards are valued at 10. This includes cards, such as the Queen and King. Collecting an Ace can provide the player with the option to use the card as either a 1 or 11, depending on which value will suit their hand.
Once every player has decided to stand or they have gone bust, the dealer will end the game to discover who is the winner. If the player is able to achieve a hand that is valued at 21 or they are closer to that value than the dealer is, they will be the winner. In the event that the dealer has a higher-valued hand, the dealer wins.
There are other variations in rules that can vary depending on the game you are playing. Some examples include the option to double down only when yielding hard 9, 10 or 11 hands.
Betting options for Double Exposure Blackjack
After the two cards have been dealt to the player, you do have the option to select one of the following; Double Down or Split.
When doubling down, the player will place another bet that equals the value of their initial one (Doubling the bet amount). This is sometimes selected by players when they feel that they have a strong hand and a better chance of winning. In terms of splitting, this can only be done when the player receives two of the same cards. Splitting the hand will provide the player with two separate hands, meaning they will need to place two bets for each hand.
Side bets such as an insurance option, are not typically available in the Double Exposure Blackjack version due to the lower house edge.
Summary of Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure Blackjack does not vary too much from the classical game that players are most familiar with. In fact, the game is favoured by some as players can make more informed decisions with their initial hand based on the dealer's face-up blackjack cards.
Players should also be aware that Double Exposure does not always provide side bets due to the lower house edge. If players are looking for the option to place side bets, classical games such as European or American blackjack would be a better option.
Double Exposure Blackjack FAQs
Are there strategies for Double Exposure Blackjack?
The basic strategy for blackjack does change slightly in this version as players can now see both of the cards that the dealer possesses.
It is important to be aware that there are no strategies that guarantee you a win in Double Exposure Blackjack. The majority of strategies will guide players to make more informed decisions when being dealt specific hands. For example, choosing to hit when you have a hand that is valued lower than 11.
What is the house edge in Double Exposure Blackjack?
As the dealer's initial cards are both revealed, the house edge is said to be 0.67%. To counter this lower house edge, the payout odds are reduced to even money returns.
Is Double Exposure Blackjack better?
Double Exposure Blackjack does offer a better house edge than other versions of blackjack, but this does not necessarily mean it is the best version.
Selecting the best version will come down to personal preference with so many different varieties available. American and European blackjack variants are the most popular, offering greater payout odds than Double Exposure Blackjack.
Where does the double exposure name come from?
The name stems from the dealer's two exposed cards, creating one of the most unique versions of the popular blackjack game. Other names such as "Dealer Disclosure" have also been known to be used for this variant.