In land-based casinos, most blackjack tables offer multi-hand play. Online it's a specific variation. That is, the name of the game will carry the term multi-hand to indicate that it's an option. Most online casinos carry multiple RNG (as in you against the machine) variations of the game.
Depending on the version you choose, you'll be able to play between three and five hands against the dealer simultaneously. This can be exciting and engaging, with more potential for wins, as well as overall faster play.
However, you'll have to put up more money for bets per round, and have more to keep track of, with many decisions to be made in quick succession.
As such, online Multihand Blackjack in our opinion beats live versions, as you get the same benefits, plus the luxury of taking your time to calmly think your next move through.
Table of Contents
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Multi Hand Blackjack Basics
Most multi-hand blackjack games are based on the standard rules of the game. The twist is in how many hands you're playing, not in how you're playing them.
That being said, there may be small differences in the design in versions from different developers. Hence it's always important to double check by reading the game's rules for each variant.
For example, depending on which exact version you're playing, the dealer may need to hit or stand on a soft 17. Like we said, this depends entirely on the provider.
The same goes for additional bets. So while side bets aren't typically offered, insurance can occasionally be taken out.
As for the maximum number of hands that you can play, some providers set the limit at three, while others have upped that to five.
Another area in which tables can differ is the number of decks in play. This can range from a single-deck (rare) and reach up to eight decks at a time. Generally, the cards are reshuffled after each round.
Rules and special features
- Between one and eight decks of cards are used
- Whether the dealer has to hit or stand on a soft 17 depends on the provider
- Three to five hands can be played per round, depending on the variant
- Splits and doubling down are allowed
- Other than that the rules and strategy are similar to classic blackjack
In short: There is no one version of Multi Hand Blackjack, as the rules can vary slightly in detail. The unifying principle is that you can play more than one hand at a time which makes game play both more dynamic and riskier - a surefire recipe to keep things interesting.
Play Multi-hand Blackjack for Free
Many online casinos offer several multi-hand variants from different manufacturers. This means that there are a range of tables available, each with a slight twist either to the rules, or simply the graphical interface.
This lets you familiarize yourself with the mechanics of playing more hands at a time, and figure out how you'd like to bet and stay focused when doing so. To help you out, you can already try the demo version of Multihand Blackjack from BGaming, right here below.
Multi-hand Blackjack Demo Mode
Multihand Blackjack Providers and the Differences Between Versions
Whichever version you play, it will always have one thing in common. And that is the ability to play multiple hands in the same round. That function, as the name specifies, is the one absolute must.
Other than that, since it's not a trademarked term, the rest is up to interpretation. Truthfully however, most of the games are quite similar in terms of the rules. And for those who don't pay close attention to details, you might not even notice the differences.
However, in our Multi-hand Blackjack review, it's important to point out that subtle differences do exist. Which is why we've created this table (with details to follow), helping you better understand how they might look.
RTP | Hands | Decks | Insurance | Special Features | Dealer | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
99.51% | One split allowed, can double after the split | Stands on on all 17's, peeks with an ace/10/face card | |||||
99.33% | up to 3 | One split allowed, can double on 9/10/11, doubling down after a split is not allowed | Stands on on all 17's, peeks with an ace/10/face card | → Details | |||
99.37% | up to 3 | Can double on 9/10/11, can double down after a split, one split allowed | Stands on on all 17's, no hole card | → Details | |||
up to 5 | One split allowed, can double on 9/10/11 | Stands on on all 17's, no hole card | |||||
up to 3 | One split allowed, can double after the split | Stands on 17, peeks with an ace/10/face card | |||||
up to 3 | Can double on 10/11 and after a split, aces can be split once, Perfect Pairs side bet available | Hits on soft 17 |
Pragmatic Play
In Pragmatic Play Multihand Blackjack eight decks of cards are in use, and you can place bets on up to three hands at a time. Both splitting pairs and then doubling are permitted. However, you can only split your hand once.
The dealer stands on every 17, both hard and soft, and checks their hole card for a blackjack.
There are no side bets in the classic sense, though the option to take out insurance exists. If you do so, the pay is 2:1, whereas a blackjack is rewarded with 3:2 And in the event of a tie, it's a push, and you'll get your stake back.
To try it out yourself, you can already test this demo version of the game, which plays out exactly like the real-money mode.
By the way, if you want to employ the "perfect strategy" for this variant, Pragmatic Play provides you with it - with a detailed chart built in. Just click the 'Strategy' button in the lower right corner of the game screen and the comprehensive chart opens up, detailing your best move on any hand.
Game summary:
- Up to three hands can be played per round
- Eight decks of cards are used
- Dealer stands at 17 (even a soft 17)
- Doubling is allowed on all two-card hands
- Splitting is allowed once
- Doubling down after a split is allowed
- Dealer peeks at their hole card if the up-card is an ace or 10 value
- Insurance can be purchased
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- RTP: 99.51%
BGaming
BGaming Multihand Blackjack uses six (instead of eight) decks of cards, and lets you play up to three hands at a time. A natural blackjack, i.e. an ace plus 10 value card, is rewarded with a payout ratio of 3:2 on your bet.
Pairs can be split on each hand for your initial two cards. This means in theory you can ultimately play up to six hands at a time.
If the value of your first two cards is 9, 10, or 11 points, there is also the option of doubling your bet.
Game summary:
- Up to three hands can be played at the start of each round
- Six decks of cards are used, and shuffled after each round
- Dealer stands at 17 (even a soft 17)
- Doubling is allowed if the first two cards add up to 9, 10, or 11
- Splitting is allowed once per hand, on your first two cards
- Doubling after a split is not allowed
- Dealer checks their hole card if their up-card has an ace or 10-value
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- RTP: 99.33%
Play'n GO
European Blackjack MH is the Play'n Go spin on the variant, in which "MH" stands for Multi Hand - with a maximum of three starting hands possible.
Side and additional bets are not offered, but splits and doubling are permitted, though splits are only allowed once.
The dealer always stands on a 17, hard or soft. A main difference from the other versions we covered is that here the dealer doesn't check their hole card.
- Up to three hands can be played at a time
- Six decks of cards are used and reshuffled after each round
- Dealer always stands with a 17 hand
- Doubling is allowed if the first two cards add up to a hard 9, 10, or 11
- Doubling is allowed after a split
- Splitting is only allowed once
- Dealer does not peek at their hole card
- Option to buy insurance
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- RTP: 99.37%
Strategy Table for Multi-hand Blackjack - How to Play Your Cards
It's important to note that the number of starting hands doesn't play a particular role in the game strategy, as ultimately, all hands are played and calculated independently of one another. As such, a separate decision must be made for each hand.
However, as three and sometimes up to five hands are played in quick succession, implementing a solid betting strategy is especially important. Since that can be very demanding, we've put together this at-a-glance chart to spell it out for you.
Keep in mind, the basic strategy we're presenting covers not all blackjack variants mentioned above, but most of them. As such, there are sometimes different instructions such as 'Double if possible, otherwise hit', because the options of what you can do may differ slightly.
Also, while the card playing chart is inclusive of most variants, if you come across others, when considering if it continues to apply, keep in mind it remains relevant only under the following conditions:
- Four or more decks of cards are being used
- Dealer stands on all 17's
- Doubling after split allowed or not allowed
- No surrender option available
Dealer's Up Card | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player's hand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Ace | |
5 to 8 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | |
9 | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H | |
10 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H | |
11 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | DP | H | |
12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H | |
13 | S | 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 to 21 | 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 | D | D | H | H | H | H | H | |
A,3 | H | H | H | D | D | H | H | H | H | H | |
A,4 | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H | |
A,5 | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H | |
A,6 | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H | |
A,7 | S | DS | DS | DS | DS | S | S | H | H | H | |
A,8 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | |
A,9 | 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 | SpD | SpD | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | H | H | H | H | |
3,3 | SpD | SpD | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | H | H | H | H | |
4,4 | H | H | H | Sp | Sp | H | H | H | H | H | |
5,5 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H | |
6,6 | SpD | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | H | H | H | H | H | |
7,7 | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | H | H | H | H | |
8,8 | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | |
9,9 | Sp | Sp | 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 (if possible, otherwise hit), DS = double (if allowed, otherwise stand), DP = double if dealer peeks (otherwise stand), SpD = split if double down is allowed (otherwise hit) / Note: Face cards also count as 10
Note: This table is intended to help you make decisions. Although it's effective, it's not a 100% guarantee, as there's no way to absolutely ensure a win; rather it's about playing your cards with better odds.
Also remember it's not a cumulative game. Each hand must be considered individually, as each garners separate results. As such, you'll need to consult the chart for the next best move, per hand.
Multi-hand Blackjack Tips & Tricks
As with all variations of the card game, it's important to learn the ideal strategy for Multi Hand Blackjack. The "right" move can make a significant difference and help you achieve a better overall win rate.
Given the large selection of multi-hand games from different manufacturers, it's also advisable to pay attention to the RTP rate. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge and the more money is returned to players in the long term. While it's only fractions of a percent in the versions we reviewed, over time and with larger value bets, this can add up to a decent sum.
Other than that, no special knowledge is required. Just a basic familiarity with blackjack rules so you understand the basics of card values, and moves (hit, stand, split, etc.).
And again, it's important to remember that you're playing each hand here individually, so you should essentially treat each one like a separate game.
To get a feel for it, you may want to practice online for free, or with very small wagers.
And speaking of bets - or money more accurately - since you're playing multiple hands at a time (which means three bets basically), bankroll management is more important than ever. That means in addition to setting a standard gambling budget (as we always recommend), you'll need to determine how that plays out over three hands per round, and accurately calculate accordingly.
In addition, you may want to set a loss limit, or even a win goal, so you have a hard stop in place indicating when it's time to call it a day.
Blackjack Multihand FAQs
- Is Multi Hand Blackjack better than Single Hand Blackjack?
- Schould you play Multiple Hands Blackjack?
- What is the RTP for Multi Hand Blackjack?
- Is Multi Hand Blackjack a reliable game?
- Can I count cards in multi-hand blackjack?
- What additional bets does Multi Hand Blackjack offer?
- Do I have to play multiple hands in Multihand Blackjack?
- Can I play Multi Hand Blackjack on mobile?
1. Is Multi Hand Blackjack better than Single Hand Blackjack?
The main benefit of Multi-hand Blackjack is undoubtedly the added excitement. Playing more than one hand at a time can make the game more interesting and engaging.
Similarly, it also features faster gameplay. Since you can make decisions and play multiple hands quickly, it essentially speeds up the overall game pace.
In addition, you might say there are higher potential winnings, as playing with more hands means that there's a greater chance of winning multiple bets, or at least one.
2. Schould you play Multiple Hands Blackjack?
While we recommend this game variant, like all good things in life, it also has a "downside", if you're inclined to call it that.
The main one is that there is a higher risk. Simply put, playing multiple hands means you're risking more money on each round.
Correspondingly, this makes for the potential of faster losses. If you make poor decisions on multiple hands, you can lose more money quickly.
Plus, there's an element of increased complexity. Managing multiple hands can be challenging, especially for beginners - though this is actually just the thing that more experienced players enjoy.
3. What is the RTP for Multi Hand Blackjack?
In principle, blackjack offers a fairly high payout rate, especially in direct comparison with slot machine games.
However, since the RTP can fluctuate to a certain extent - with the software studio and casino operator having influence on which payout rates apply - no absolute figure can be given. Generally, when it comes to blackjack the RTP value is usually well above 98%, and for multi-hand versions above 99%, making it perhaps the best paying game around.
In order to benefit from the best possible payout rates, it's worth comparing the offers of different manufacturers - such as Multihand Blackjack from Pragmatic Play and European Blackjack MH from Play'n GO, as we've done for you in the chart above.
You can also explore the portfolios of our recommended Multihand Blackjack casinos, for a full comparison, if RTP is a deciding factor for you.
4. Is Multi Hand Blackjack a reliable game?
If by reliable you mean fair, then yes, the game itself - as in the way it's played - can be described as fair. That is, so long as you're playing at a licensed online casino (always recommended), which uses games from licensed software providers that use an RNG to shuffle and draw the cards the game is inherently fair. Needless to say, the versions we reviewed meet those criteria.
If by reliable you mean consistent and dependable, then again yes. Multi-hand Blackjack is that too, again so long as you're playing at a reputable online casino, and have a strong internet connection to support connectivity throughout game play,
5. Can I count cards in multi-hand blackjack?
Counting cards is a popular strategy among blackjack players, but it cannot be implemented in Multi-hand Blackjack. The reason for this is that the decks are reshuffled after each round. This means that try as you will, no conclusions can be drawn about the number of cards remaining, making it an ineffective strategy for Multi-hand Blackjack play.
6. What additional bets does Multi Hand Blackjack offer?
There is no set rule for side bets in Multi Hand Blackjack. Basically, the manufacturer decides which additional bets are offered in the game. Therefore, a general statement cannot be made regarding side bets.
However, many if not most variants of Multi Hand Blackjack don't have any additional bets at all. At most some offer insurance.
With insurance, we'll remind you, you're basically adding another wager to protect your initial bet against a potential dealer blackjack. However, experience shows that this is a poor investment, so we recommend refraining from doing so, despite the temptation.
7. Do I have to play multiple hands in Multihand Blackjack?
Despite the name, playing multiple hands is an option, not a requisite. As such, you're free to decide just how many hands you play at a time, up to the max allowed by the game.
That means you can play just one hand as in traditional blackjack if that's what you're comfortable with. Or, if you want to optimize the opportunity, three or more hands at a time.
Personally we'd go for at least a couple, as that's really the main reason to play this version of the game. Otherwise, you might want to go for a classic European or American blackjack game, since it would then be pretty much the same thing.
8. Can I play Multi Hand Blackjack on mobile?
Online casino games are now 100% mobile compatible. This is pretty much a given in today's iGaming world, and applies to Multihand Blackjack as well.
Better yet, no download is required, as you'll be playing direct from your phone's browser, making it super accessible from anywhere at any time. And since it's mobile optimized, that means it will be easy to see all the details, and click on the commands to play your cards comfortably.
Multi-hand Blackjack Summary
Multi-hand Blackjack is a variation of the classic casino card game that simply allows you to play multiple hands simultaneously at the same table.
If you already know how to play blackjack, there is no learning curve involved as it has straightforward, familiar rules. The only difference is figuring out how to bet most effectively on multiple hands per round, so you can optimize your bankroll.
As such, for many players, it's an excellent choice that can significantly increase the excitement and potential rewards of the game.