Blackjack Switch at Online Casinos

Aria Brown

6 min read

Blackjack Switch puts a fresh spin on the classic. The main difference is that it's played with two starting hands, and after two cards are dealt to each hand, you have the option to switch the second card between the two hands. This strategic move, obviously, can significantly impact your chances of winning.

Other than that, the game follows standard blackjack rules for each hand, including hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting. Unlike traditional blackjack where a natural blackjack pays 3:2, Blackjack Switch pays 1:1.

And rather extraordinarily, if the dealer has a total of 22, all player hands except for a natural blackjack push (tie). While Blackjack Switch offers an exciting twist, it generally has a slightly higher house edge compared to standard blackjack.

There's also the Super Match side bet that's popular at Vegas casinos and available in online versions), where various card combinations can lead to an additional win of up to 40 times. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's first take a minute to explore the basics.

Table of Contents

Best Casino to Play Blackjack Switch 2024

1.		90/100 Read Review	$1,500 + 500 Free Spins	visit Playzilla

MoreLess

⏱The brands and bonuses above were last updated on 3. October, 2024. We test and check casinos regularly to provide up-to-date information. However, there may still be instances where there may be differences between a casino's newest offering and the listing on this site.

Blackjack Switch Basics

Blackjack Switch essentially follows conventional game rules, and is usually played with six to eight decks of 52 cards, which are shuffled either before the game begins or between each round.

Since you're playing two hands with one bet, you will need to place an equal bet on both betting boxes, so if you place $1 on one of the fields, the same amount is also placed on the second field. This will be done automatically when playing online.

Once you've wagered, you will receive two cards for each hand. After the initial deal, you have the option to switch the second card between your two hands, after which the rest of the game plays out according to standard blackjack rules.

©Red Rake | Possible moves in Blackjack Switch.MoreLess

The dealer stands on a hard 17, but must hit on a soft 17. In most instances, the dealer must check their hole card for a blackjack if the up card is an ace or ten-value. If their hand is indeed a natural blackjack, the round ends immediately. All players who also have a blackjack get their bets back, while the rest lose unless they bought insurance.

Other than that, the key differences are that:

• Blackjack pays 1:1: Unlike regular blackjack where a natural blackjack mostly pays 3:2, in Blackjack Switch, it pays 1:1.
  

  ---

  A blackjack from an exchange of cards between hands does not count as a natural. The payout ratio is 1:1 in both cases anyway.

  ---

• Dealer 22 push rule: If the dealer's hand totals 22, it's a push for all players unless you have a natural blackjack.

Most casinos allow splitting of any pair, including aces. You also have the option of doubling down. Pointers for when these options make sense can be found in our Blackjack Switch tips table below.

Rules and special features:

• Four to eight decks of 52 cards are used.
• Dealer hits on a soft 17.
• 22 point dealer hand results in a draw (unless you have a natural blackjack).
• The top card in each hand (second card) can be swapped (i.e. the switch).
• Can be played with additional bets depending on the variant.
• In most game versions the dealer checks for a blackjack with an ace and ten-value card.
• Blackjack pays 1:1 instead of 3:2.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• Doubling after a split is usually allowed.

Remember: The house edge in Blackjack Switch is generally higher than in traditional blackjack or American blackjack due to the lower blackjack payout and the dealer push rule on 22.

Play Blackjack Switch for Free

As a relatively new spin on the game, making its Vegas debut in 2003 and officially patented in 2009, it's possible you haven't yet encountered it. Realistically that would be fair if you're more of an online player, as it's much more widespread in land-based casinos, particularly on the Vegas Strip.

As far as we know only two developers offer it online - Playtech and Red Rake Gaming - making it a rare but welcome find. But playing online gives you the distinct advantage of being able to play it for free. And both these developers offer it in demo mode at any reputable online casino their found.

Even better, we've included Blackjack Switch in demo mode, right here below, so you can try Blackjack Switch for free right from this very page. A true Blackjack.Guide exclusive!

Blackjack Switch Demo Mode

By pressing on "Play", I understand that I will be shown content from Red Rake Gaming. Red Rake Gaming

Play now at Playzilla

Blackjack Switch Providers and the Differences Between Versions

Blackjack Switch was invented by Geoff Hall, a prolific player and card counter, who wanted to do exactly what this game allows. That is, to be able to switch the top card of two weak hands to at least improve one or the other. His game originally debuted in a casino in Iowa, and after making some tweaks, found its first home in the Four Queens.

Since then it has become widely available, and rather popular, in Las Vegas casinos as well as others around the world. Online, however, it has yet to make as much of a dent, with only Playtech and Red Rake offering it as far as we know.

All versions of the game essentially follow the same rules. The top cards of the two hands that are dealt at the beginning can be swapped. And the dealer must always hit on a soft 17. However, there are small nuances in how each version may differ online.

Playtech

Red Rake

Strategy for Blackjack Switch - How to Play Your Cards

Strategies such as card counting don't work here as all cards are reshuffled after each round. Still, there are some tactics to use to optimize your odds.

For example, the following table shows when it's advisable to double down, split pairs, hit, or stand in playing out your hand, without accounting for the decision when to exchange cards for one another – we cover that separately below.

The table applies to Blackjack Switch with Las Vegas rules, as used by Playtech among others, where the dealer must hit with a soft 17. Variants, however, must also be considered where doubling down is only permitted once, as in the Red Rake Gaming version.

Hard HandSoft HandPairs

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	5	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	6	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	7	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	9	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
	10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H	H
	11	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
	12	H	H	H	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	13	H	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	17 +	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	A,2	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	A,3	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	A,4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	A,5	H	H	H	H	D	H	H	H	H	H
	A,6	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
	A,7	S	S	S	DS	DS	S	S	S	S	S
	A,8	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,9	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	2,2	H	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	3,3	H	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	4,4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	5,5	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H	H
	6,6	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H	H
	7,7	S	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	8,8	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H
	9,9	S	S	Sp	Sp	Sp	S	Sp	Sp	S	S
	10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,A	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp

Legend: H = hit, S = stand, Sp = split, D = double down, DS = double down if allowed, otherwise stand.

Blackjack Switch Tips & Tricks

There are actually several strategies for exchanging or switching cards. One is by assigning your starting hands a value, and try to increase the value of both hands as much as possible in order to have a better starting position for the rest of the game.

The following table assigns a corresponding value to the player's starting hands in combination with the dealer's visible card. This can then be optimized with a card swap if appropriate, after which the basic strategy can be continued from there.

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	21	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
	20 / A,9	2	2	2	2	2	3	3	3	2	2
	19 / A,8	1	1	1	1	1	3	3	2	1	1
	18 / A,7	1	1	1	1	1	2	2	1	1	1
	17 - 12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	11	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
	10	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
	9 or less	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
	A,6 - A,2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
	A,A	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
	10,10	2	2	2	2	2	3	3	3	2	2
	9,9	1	1	1	1	1	2	1	1	1	1
	8,8	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	0	0	0
	7,7	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
	6,6	0	0	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
	5,5	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
	4,4	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
	3,3	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
	2,2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1

To explain this table with an example, let's assume that you're dealt a 9 and a 4 card, as well as a 7 and a 10. This means you could swap the 4 for the 10. The dealer shows an up card of 6.

Note: To improve your odds, your switch decision should be based on your first four cards as well as the dealer's up card.

To decide whether it's worth exchanging the two cards, we first look at the value in the table. 9 and 4 are 13, which has a value of 0 compared to the dealer's 6. Likewise, 10 and 7, i.e. 17, also have a value of 0. This means that if we do not exchange the cards, we have a total value of 0.

But if we swap now, we have a 9 and a 10. That's 19, which has a value of 1 against the dealer's 6. The other hand would then be 7 and 4, which makes 11 and has a value of 2 according to the table. This swap would then give us a total value of 3, and is therefore recommended.

Another tip is to prioritize the stronger hand. That is, to create one really strong hand when you can, even if it may contradict the chart, so it's going to be up to you.

Really then, the best way to master the switch is through practice. In addition to following the table, you can experiment with different scenarios to find optimal strategies that you prefer.

Blackjack Switch FAQs

1. Should I always switch cards?
2. What are the betting limits for Blackjack Switch?
3. What is the payout percentage for a natural blackjack in a Switch game?
4. Are there any side bets available in Blackjack Switch?
5. Which casinos offer Blackjack Switch?
6. Can I play Blackjack Switch on my cell phone?

1. Should I always switch cards?

The beauty of this game is the choice that it offers. You can switch cards, but you don't have to. Ultimately the decision is in your hands.

If there is potential for at least one strong hand to be created in doing so, it can be helpful to swap the second cards dealt. Even better if the swap makes both your hands better. In so doing, this can sometimes increase the probability of beating the dealer with at least one of your two hands.

To get a sense of when it's considered worthwhile by the pros, take a look back at our Blackjack Switch tips and tricks above, where we outline constellations in which swapping can be worthwhile.

2. What are the betting limits for Blackjack Switch?

There are no set betting limits for Blackjack Switch per se. Rather, it depends on where you're playing it. For example different Vegas casinos will set their own minimum and maximum bets, as will the individual provider if you're going the online route.

The minimum and maximum bet amounts will be displayed on the table, or in the game rules online. Playtech for example, is a $1 per hand to $1,000 range, though it may vary between operators. Generally, however, the minimum bet for Blackjack Switch is higher than for standard blackjack due to the increased potential payout. And the fact that you're playing on two hands.

3. What is the payout percentage for a natural blackjack in a Switch game?

While it is typical for the table game to pay out a natural blackjack at a rate of 3:2 - and that's the preferred odds we generally look for - there are also plenty of variants like single deck blackjack that pay out slightly less at 6:5. Both are considered fairly standard.

Blackjack Switch therefore is quite the outlier, with a 1:1 payout rate. This you might say is a downside of the game, as it lowers the prize value. However, it makes up for those odds, in our opinion, in the card swap thing.

4. Are there any side bets available in Blackjack Switch?

For those who like additional bets, you'll be happy to know that there's a great one associated with this game; and that is the Super Match side bet.

It gives the first four cards you're dealt the chance to garner an additional win, reminiscent of successful poker hands. Pairs pay out at a rate of 1:1, three-of-a-kind are rewarded at 5:1, two pairs give you 8:1, and four-of-a-kind a super high 40:1.

Some versions will offer you the option to buy insurance as well, but rarely any other side bets. For example, Playtech has insurance, but no 21+3 side bet.

5. Which casinos offer Blackjack Switch?

Blackjack Switch, officially patented in 2009, is one of the newer versions of this beloved card game. It has since become very popular at casinos in Las Vegas, and now increasingly other locations around the world.

Somewhat surprisingly, very few developers have created online versions of the game, which we'd imagine is in great demand, with Playtech and Red Rake Gaming standing out from the competition.

That means, not every online casino you'll visit will have Blackjack Switch games. However, if you look to our recommended casinos list, you can be sure these places will have them. To find online Blackjack Switch games, your best bet when visiting a new operator is to do an onsite search by typing the term Blackjack Switch into the casino's search bar, to pull up any options.

6. Can I play Blackjack Switch on my cell phone?

As pretty much all online casinos are browser-based these days, making the switch between your desktop and mobile is a simple process - exactly like you're used to doing for any website you frequent.

When you do so, you'll find all the options available at your fingertips, regardless of the device you're using - phone, laptop, tablet, or PC. This includes Blackjack Switch needless to say, which is part and package, so long as it's a title carried by the casino.

As such, with no download required or casino app to save, playing mobile Blackjack Switch really couldn't be easier.

Blackjack Switch Summary

Overall, Blackjack Switch is a nice modification on the standard card game. That is, you get the same familiar rules and play for the most part, with the added option of being able to switch two of your cards in your initial hand, to hopefully create at least one with better chances of winning.

Since it's easy to make the jump from regular games, and even has a free play option, it's definitely recommended. Especially if like its creator Geoff Hall you're a card counter, or have been frustrated in the past by certain limitations of the game. This gives you a new set of options that are completely unique. And to be honest, it's just really fun.

Visit Playzilla to play Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch was tested and reviewed by Aria Brown

I am trained as a tax consultant, mostly because my father insisted that I get a normal job. Luckily, I listened to my heart and followed my passion in writing. Today I work as an online editor while traveling the world, which is why I'm rarely in my hometown, Toronto. By pure chance, I discovered the online casino review industry about ten years ago, and I have been testing and reviewing gambling sites since then. Personally, I prefer Blackjack and Poker games. I think the skills and strategies involved make them much more interesting than slots.