Blackjack Plus – Rules to Play & Win

Blackjack Plus is a special side game that is played alongside regular or classic blackjack.

The theme of the game is very similar to the traditional one, but the inclusion of some different rules creates a difference in the house edge and bets of the game.

Imagine this case: you are playing blackjack and still get a chance to win even after the dealer busts. This is possible with Blackjack Plus.

Almost all the rules of Blackjack Plus are the same and easy to understand, with the objective of getting 21 or reaching as close to 21 as possible without going over.

Learn more – Live Blackjack in NZ

Rules of Blackjack Plus

Blackjack Plus follows the same rules as traditional blackjack. Let me revise them for you, and at the end, I will explain the difference between both games.

1. Played with a deck of 52 cards.
2. It is played between the dealer and players.
3. The objective is to go as close to 21 as possible and beat the dealer.
4. All players and the dealer are dealt 2 cards each.
5. The dealer’s one card is face up, and one card is face down.
6. Players then get the options to “Hit,” “Stand,” “Double Down,” “Split,” or “Surrender.”
7. The dealer must hit until they reach a total of 17 or higher.
8. No one wins if the player and the dealer have the same hand value. This situation is called a “Push.”

Now, if we specifically differentiate the gameplay of Blackjack Plus from the traditional version, the differences are given below:

1. If the dealer gets 22, this situation is called a “Push.” The dealer doesn’t bust, but it is considered a tie, and no one wins.
2. There are various side bets, but they don’t affect the main blackjack game.
3. The insurance bet, available when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, has different odds or payouts.

These are the fundamental and distinct rules for playing Blackjack Plus at online and land-based casinos in New Zealand.

How to Play Blackjack Plus?

In addition to traditional blackjack, you’ll spot five optional bets ranging from 2 to 21.

Side bets are optional and allow the player to wager on what they think their first two cards will total.

Each player may place a bet on none, one, or all five side bets, but remember these wagers cannot exceed the original bet.

Follow the guide below to understand how this game is played:

1. Players must place the compulsory wager and, if they wish, can also place the side bet.
2. All players and the dealer are dealt two cards each. All cards are face up except for the dealer’s, which has one card up and one card down.
3. After this, the dealer counts the cards and pays out the side bets accordingly.
4. Once the side bets are settled, the dealer reveals their second card.
5. Based on the total of the cards, winnings are then paid.

Here, one interesting thing is that if the dealer gets 22, it doesn’t bust. Read the Dealer 22 Rule below.

Blackjack Plus Side Bets

The side bets are the main highlight here. These options make the typical gameplay more engaging and payout even before the dealer reveals their second card.

There are 5 side bets, each offering a unique payout:

• Bet between 2–8 pays 4 to 1.
• Bet between 9–11 pays 5 to 1.
• Bet between 12–16 pays 1 to 1.
• Bet between 17–20 pays 2 to 1.
• Bet on 21 pays 15 to 1.

These bets are placed on the total value of the first two cards dealt without considering the dealer’s face-down card.

You might wonder how the winnings are calculated and paid out.

For instance, if your two cards total between 2 and 8, you’ll receive 4 times your bet. The same payout method applies to the other side bets.

Dealer 22 Rule

The Dealer 22 rule is present in some variations of Blackjack, including Blackjack Plus. This feature affects the outcome when the dealer’s hand totals 22.

In traditional blackjack, if the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, it is considered a bust, and all players win automatically unless they have already gone over 21 themselves.

However, this is not the case in Blackjack Plus. When the dealer’s hand equals 22, it is not treated as a bust. Instead, it results in a “Push” (a tie).

In this scenario, players who haven’t busted or achieved a blackjack lose their chance of winning, and their wager is returned.

This rule benefits the house by lowering the player’s odds of securing a clear win when the dealer would have otherwise busted.

This rule affects players differently based on their hands:

1. When the Player Busts:
   • If a player’s total exceeds 21, they lose automatically, regardless of the dealer’s cards.
2. When the Player Gets a Blackjack:
   • If a player has a blackjack (an Ace + a 10-value card) and the dealer’s hand totals 22, the Dealer 22 Rule does not lead to a “Push.”
   • A blackjack always wins, and the player receives the standard payout, often 3 to 2.

Example

Let me explain this game with some examples. Here’s an example of gameplay for Blackjack Plus, with clear steps and explanations:

The player places a compulsory wager and a side bet on the total being between 17–20.

Dealer’s Cards:

Side Bet Result:

• The player’s hand total (18) falls within the range of 17–20, making the side bet a winning bet.
• The payout for this side bet is 2 to 1, meaning the player earns 2 times the side bet amount.

Compulsory Wager Result:

• The dealer’s hand total (19) is higher than the player’s total (18).
• As a result, the player loses the compulsory wager.

So, in short, the player wins 2 times the side bet but loses the compulsory wager due to the dealer’s stronger hand.

Tips to Play Blackjack Plus

1. Understand the Dealer 22 Rule

While the Dealer 22 Rule appears fascinating, it actually disadvantages you more often than not. With the dealer’s hand adding up to 22, it’s a push – a tie – but it also means that you lose your original stake unless you had made a blackjack. This is perhaps the most demoralizing part: you lose your main stake without actually losing the deal because the dealer should bust but ‘doesn’t.’

2. Be Careful of Side Bets

Again, it is a side wager that might overawe you. But this is where lies the trap. It’s a trap because the house always has better odds, and although they might pay off, they are very risky. If you are a side gambler, then in the end you might have more losses instead of wins. Pop up the side bets if you know what you’re doing and can lose some money with ease.

3. Don’t Overdo the Doubling Down

Doubling down can benefit you, but do not push your luck too far. When the dealer has a good card on display, you might want to consider doubling your wager on your losing hand. Opt for this choice with caution and always remember – it is not a magic wand that guarantees success.

4. Side Bets Can Drain Your Bankroll

Yet, it is quite easy to squander your entire balance attempting such side bets. If you realise that the game is not going as planned, abandon the side bets and stick with the mandatory wagers until further notice.

5. Avoid Chasing Losses

Confirm you are not tempted to go after your losses by placing higher wagers while betting. Attempting that may end up losing you more money than you have, along with overshooting your betting limit. You need to also recognise that losses do come with the territory, so adjusting your plan should not be an option.

6. Know When To Stand Still

If you find yourself providing a total close to 17, standing still should be the next action. Patience is a virtue; therefore, while adjusting your hand, there should be no eagerness to draw additional cards to improve your hand. Most people who go down that route tend to overshoot, so they do not win the round. You must not risk your draw if you find yourself in a reasonable range.

7. Be Brave Enough To Set Boundaries

This pointer is more common yet very important to reiterate. The game’s tension can make you forget the limits set. Do not aim to adjust your budget whilst side betting or doing the dealer 22 rule. Define the amount that you are willing to lose and stick to it. Always remember that the house advantage will always be there.

Yes, the twist of Blackjack Plus makes it more amusing, but it sets a lot of traps that make it easy to lose the game before you know it.

Where to Play Blackjack Plus?

Blackjack Plus is a version of blackjack played in New Zealand, and it’s available at several popular land-based casinos like SkyCity Casinos in Auckland, Queenstown, and Hamilton, as well as Christchurch Casino.

At SkyCity Auckland, you can find Blackjack, Blackjack Plus, and Blackjack Ante. Christchurch Casino also offers this game.

Both online and offline versions of Blackjack Plus are available at these casinos.

In addition to these, Blackjack Plus is offered at various online casinos, including

• Jackpot City Casino
• Royal Vegas Casino
• Zodiac Casino
• Captain Cooks Casino

What Do We Think?

Blackjack Plus adds a fun twist to the traditional blackjack game with its side bets and the Dealer 22 rule. While these new features can make the game more exciting, they can also be risky. Side bets might look tempting, but they can lead to losses if you rely on them too much.

When it comes to the house edge, Blackjack Plus has a slightly higher edge compared to regular blackjack because of the side bets. The main game has a low house edge, around 0.5% to 1%, but the side bets increase it, making it harder for players to win. So, while the game offers something new, it’s important to know that the odds aren’t always in your favor if you focus too much on the side bets.

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