Table games have always been an integral part of the gambling industry. The explosion of online casinos and their popularity didn’t stunt the growth of these games, and nowadays, we have hundreds of unique variations for each classic title. Blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most played live dealer games out there, with millions of players enjoying it daily. In this article, we’ll be discussing Blackjack Switch, a popular version of the game that has taken casinos by storm. Let’s see why it has been such a cult hit and why you should consider playing it yourself.
What is Blackjack Switch?
Across the entire market, players can enjoy dozens of unique blackjack variations. These usually implement innovative mechanics and features that allow us to play the same game but with a different approach. Some variations completely overhaul the rulesets, while others make minor changes that have more negligible effects on the playing field.
Blackjack Switch introduces a relatively simple mechanic, but it significantly impacts decision-making for players. The main selling point here is that punters are dealt two hands instead of one, each consisting of two standard cards in a face-up position, while the dealer receives one face-up and one face-down card. The two hands are counted as separate bets.
Once you’ve been dealt the initial cards, you will be prompted to choose whether or not you want to switch the top two cards of your hands with each other. This is the game’s driving mechanic, allowing players to be flexible and create combinations that can maximize their winning potential.
After switching the cards or leaving the pairs as they are, you can still choose to hit, stand, or double your hands. Making smart decisions, switching at the correct times, and doubling creates an entirely new blackjack environment considerably different from the standard game.
Now, if players are granted a significant advantage over the house, a couple of rules balance things. First, blackjack is paid out even $ 1:1 instead of the regular 3:2 because you will hit a blackjack much more often with the switch mechanic being added.
Secondly, if a dealer busts on a hand of 22, all player winnings are counted as a push. This is arguably the most significant change that brings back the edge more to the house, as dealers landing hands of 22 isn’t uncommon. Be that as it may, the RTP of the game still stands at a very favorable 99.80%, which makes it a brilliant choice for anyone looking to maximize their cashout chances.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are two additional side bets, but they can’t be placed after the switch mechanic. Super Match allows you to bet on any of the first 4 cards, being a pair, a two pair, a three of a kind, or a four of a kind and has an average RTP of 98.54%
The second optional side bet is The Perfect Four, which lets you bet on the first 4 cards of the same value with different suits. As the chances of that happening are meager, the average RTP of this side bet stands at a measly 1.72%, so you should never consider it a valid option.
Implementing Strategies and Becoming a Better Player
One of the biggest appeals of Blackjack is that players can regularly improve their skills and become better over time. It isn’t so luck-dependent as many other casino titles are. If you’re playing games like roulette or slots, you won’t have such a high-skill ceiling to climb, making the outcomes feel out of hand.
Blackjack is notoriously easy to get into but hard to master, so millions worldwide praise it as the best choice for fans of live dealer games. Blackjack Switch is no different, as it adds an extra layer of complexity with the switching mechanic on top of the already established formula.
This gives punters added depth to the game, with new strategies being implemented and discussed regularly in the community. You must know the base blackjack rules and strategy to implement the tactics properly. Since this variation doesn’t detract from the standard rules, you mustn’t play it until you’ve mastered the original.
Those who don’t want to spend a lot of time acquiring the skills might consider using the blackjack strategy chart at least. This can assist them in making the right decisions with any pair of hands without too much headache. Even though this won’t teach you the ins and outs of the title, it can considerably benefit you.
Now, regarding switching, you must be entirely focused when playing this version of the game. Since you are constantly being dealt two hands, you must make more decisions quickly, so always keep your eyes on the table.
You should switch the top cards only if doing so will strengthen at least one of your hands in value. If your dealer has a six or less, carefully consider if switching will allow you to split or double your hands for a higher winning potential. On the other hand, if the dealer has a 7 or above, you might want to keep things as is.
Switching hands to make a smaller value is also a valid strategy, allowing you to choose a favorable hit or double. Remember, the switch mechanic won’t be helpful in every case, and you shouldn’t try to use every chance you get. Think carefully about the possible outcomes and make your decisions based on them.
Not Suitable for Complete Beginners
As you can see, Blackjack Switch is far from a simple table game, and that’s why we wouldn’t recommend it to beginners. If you have no experience with table games and blackjack, you will undoubtedly put yourself in a losing position by playing this variation.
In this case, start by playing the game’s original version with standard rules. Learning the ropes this way will be much easier, and later on, you can transfer the knowledge you’ve gained to other variations, such as the one we are discussing today. Becoming a better blackjack player revolves around making intelligent decisions, and you can’t do that if you don’t know available options.
On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned player with years of blackjack experience and looking for something new and refreshing, you shouldn’t look any further than the switch variation. It breaks the monotony of an overplayed title by implementing a mechanic that introduces a new perspective and allows skilled punters to express their gameplay abilities.
Double the Budget
Another essential thing to consider with this popular table game variation is the required budget. Regardless of which blackjack switch title you play, you will always have two hands, which means that your initial stakes will be doubled as opposed to if you were playing at regular tables.
Those who prefer playing gambling games with minimal budgets can have uneventful sessions before they burn through their balances. Be that as it may, you certainly don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy this title, but playing it with medium budgets is generally advised.
Remember that budgeting is an essential part of being a responsible gambler. You never want to lose more than you can afford, so ensure you correctly limit your spending. It’s never worth crossing your established line for a chance to win, as chances are you will end up on the losing side.
BetConstruct’s Blackjack Switch
While there are numerous blackjack switch titles, almost all of them are in a digital form, which many players need help finding appealing. The only live dealer version of this game comes from software developer BetConstruct, and it’s undoubtedly the most played variation out of all the options.
Playing a legendary table game will always be better in a live casino setting, providing players with plenty of immersion and atmosphere. Even though this doesn’t directly impact the gameplay, the experience you gain can’t be compared to digital titles of the same game.
BetConstruct delivered its iteration with unmatched quality, which is precisely why the community appreciates it. The game features high-definition video streaming, gorgeous visual effects, an intuitive user interface, and professional dealers with years of experience.
This is all accompanied by a significant social aspect, as players can chat with each other and share their knowledge and tips through the chat room. Considering everything, this is objectively the best way to play this version of Blackjack.
Conclusion
In summary, Blackjack Switch is a perfect twist on a classic casino game many love. It is an excellent choice for punters with experience in the genre, as this variation allows them to improve their skills further and get better results. The added switch mechanic is simple but influences the game considerably, so it has more substance than ever before. Since its inception, it has garnered a cult following in Canadian casinos, and we hope to see more live versions being developed and released by software providers in the future.
