What is Double Exposure Blackjack and How to Play It

If you are looking for a new and exciting variation of the classic casino game blackjack, you might want to try Double Exposure Blackjack. This game is also known as Zweikartenspiel in German, which means “two card game”. In this game, both of the dealer’s cards are exposed at the start of the round, giving you more information to make your decisions. However, this advantage comes with some trade-offs, such as lower payouts for natural blackjacks and losing all ties except blackjacks. In this article, we will explain the rules, strategy and tips for playing Double Exposure Blackjack, one of the best casino games online.

Rules of Double Exposure Blackjack

Double Exposure Blackjack is played with a standard 52-card deck, or multiple decks depending on the casino. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer by getting a score of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. The card values are the same as in regular blackjack: Aces are worth 1 or 11, face cards are worth 10, and numbered cards are worth their face value.

The main difference between Double Exposure Blackjack and regular blackjack is that both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, so you can see their hand before making your move. This gives you an edge over the dealer, but also makes the game more challenging and fun.

To compensate for this advantage, there are some rule changes that favor the dealer, such as:

• Dealer wins on all ties, except on a natural blackjack (a two-card 21). This means that if you and the dealer have the same score, you lose your bet, unless you both have a blackjack, in which case it is a push (a tie).
• Player blackjack pays even money (1:1), instead of 3:2 as in regular blackjack. This means that if you get a blackjack, you only win the amount of your bet, instead of 1.5 times your bet.
• Player may split only once. This means that if you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original bet, but you can only do this once per round.
• Player may double on any first two cards or not. This means that after receiving your first two cards, you can double your bet and receive one more card, but this option may or may not be available depending on the casino.
• Player may or may not double after a split. This means that if you split your hand, you may or may not be able to double down on each split hand depending on the casino.
• Player may or may not split unlike 10 value cards (for example queen and king). This means that if you have two cards with a value of 10, such as a queen and a king, you may or may not be able to split them depending on the casino.

These rules may vary from one casino to another, so make sure to check them before playing. The number of decks used in the game also affects the house edge (the advantage that the casino has over the player). Generally speaking, the fewer decks used, the lower the house edge.

Strategy for Double Exposure Blackjack

The basic strategy for Double Exposure Blackjack is different from regular blackjack because you can see both of
the dealer’s cards and because you lose all ties except blackjacks. The basic strategy tells you what is the best move to make in any situation based on your hand and the dealer’s hand. To use the basic strategy, look up your hand along the top row and the dealer’s hand along the left column of a strategy chart and follow the action indicated by the cell.

The following table shows an example of a basic strategy chart for Double Exposure Blackjack when the dealer stands on soft 17 (a hand with an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11) and when double after split is allowed. The abbreviations used in the table are:

• S = Stand
• H = Hit
• D = Double if allowed, otherwise hit
• P = Split

To use this chart, you need to compare your hand with the dealer’s hand and follow the recommended action. For example, if you have a hard 16 (a hand without an ace or with an ace counted as 1) and the dealer has a 9, you should hit (H). If you have a soft 18 (a hand with an ace counted as 11) and the dealer has a 6, you should stand (S). If you have a pair of eights and the dealer has a 7, you should split (P).

The basic strategy chart is based on mathematical calculations and simulations and it gives you the best possible chance to win in the long run. However, it does not guarantee that you will win every hand, as the cards are dealt randomly and the outcome can vary. Therefore, you should also use your own judgment and intuition when playing Double Exposure Blackjack.

Tips for Playing Double Exposure Blackjack

Double Exposure Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games online because it offers a unique twist to the classic game of blackjack. However, it also requires a different approach and mindset than regular blackjack. Here are some tips to help you play Double Exposure Blackjack better and have more fun:

• Always check the rules of the game before playing. Different casinos may have different variations of Double Exposure Blackjack with different rules, payouts and house edge. Make sure you know what you are playing and what are the best moves for each situation.
• Use a basic strategy chart or a calculator. As we mentioned before, using a basic strategy chart or a calculator can help you reduce the house edge and make the best decisions based on your hand and the dealer’s hand. You can find many online tools that can help you with this.
• Be prepared to lose more often than in regular blackjack. Because of the rule that the dealer wins all ties except blackjacks, you will lose more hands than in regular blackjack. This can be frustrating and demoralizing, but you should not let it affect your mood or your strategy. Remember that in the long run, you will still have a better chance to win than in regular blackjack if you play correctly.
• Manage your bankroll wisely. Because of the higher volatility of Double Exposure Blackjack, you should be careful with your money and set a budget for your gaming session. Do not bet more than you can afford to lose and do not chase your losses. Know when to quit and enjoy your winnings.
• Have fun and enjoy the game. Double Exposure Blackjack is a fun and exciting game that can provide you with hours of entertainment and thrill. Do not take it too seriously or get too stressed about it. Enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to see both of the dealer’s cards.

Conclusion

Double Exposure Blackjack is a great game for blackjack lovers who want to try something different and spice up their gaming experience. It offers more information and more excitement than regular blackjack, but also more risk and challenge. If you want to play Double Exposure Blackjack online, you can find many casinos that offer this game, such as LoonieBet, where you can also claim a generous welcome bonus. Just remember to check the rules, use a basic strategy chart or calculator, be prepared to lose more often, manage your bankroll wisely, and have fun!