Speed Blackjack at Online Casinos

Stefan Weber

4 min read

If you're a fan of blackjack but crave a faster, more intense gaming experience, this Speed Blackjack review is for you. Combining the classic appeal of blackjack with a unique "first come, first served" twist, Speed Blackjack ramps up the action by eliminating the traditional turn order and keeping the pace brisk. This high-energy variant is perfect for players who thrive under pressure and want to test their skills in a fast-moving environment.

In this review, we'll break down everything you need to know about Speed Blackjack, from the rules and gameplay mechanics to tips for mastering the table. We'll also provide an overview on how different gaming studios have interpreted the game, to help you choose a table. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the live dealer scene, this guide will ensure you're fully prepared to dive into the action.

Table of Contents

Best Casinos to Play Speed Blackjack 2024

The sites in the curated list below offer Speed Blackjack in their live casino sections and come highly recommended for real money play. For crypto gambling and high rollers, Stake is king, offering the highest max bet options. For more casual players, Playzilla offers an attractive alternative, especially with its generous welcome bonus package, and weekly live casino offer.

1.		93/100 Read Review	Up to $300+ 150 Free Spins	visit Playamo
2.		92/100 Read Review	$10,000+ 500 Free Spins	visit Lucky Dreams
3.		91/100 Read Review	$1,500 + 500 Free Spins	visit Playzilla
4.		91/100 Read Review	$500 or 5 BTC+ 180 Free Spins	visit BitStarz
5.		90/100 Read Review	$500	visit Stake
6.		89/100 Read Review	$1,250+ 125 Free Spins	visit Bizzo
7.		89/100 Read Review	$5,000+ 400 Free Spins	visit Just Casino
8.		89/100 Read Review	$3,000+ 200 Free Spins	visit Platincasino
9.		89/100 Read Review	$100+ 100 Free Spins	visit National Casino
10.		88/100 Read Review	$120+ 120 Free Spins	visit 20Bet
11.		88/100 Read Review	$2,500	visit Betandplay
12.		87/100 Read Review	$1,000 + 100 Free Spins	visit Instaspin

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⏱The brands and bonuses above were last updated on 20. December, 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.

Speed Blackjack Basics

The objective in Speed Blackjack is classic-get as close to 21 as possible without going over, while ensuring your hand beats the dealer's. If you're not up to speed on classic blackjack rules, take a look here.

Speed Blackjack stands out with a few key features. Players have just a few seconds to make their moves, and the player who acts first will get to play first-dispensing with the card game's traditional order.

The "first come, first serve" rule adds a unique twist, turning up the pace and creating a sense of urgency; players must act quickly, which keeps gameplay moving at a brisk speed.

Splits are limited to one per hand, and after a split, a 21 will pay even money at 1:1, rather than a traditional blackjack payout. Depending on the studio, side bets and insurance may also be available.

Speed Blackjack Key Features

• Seven Seats and Unlimited Bet Behind
• "First Come, First Served": the first player to act gets to make the initial move.
• Faster Gameplay from players competing for first move
• Splits allowed once per hand.
• Doubling down is permitted on any initial hand
• Dealer stands on all 17s.
• 21+3 and Perfect Pairs side bets are frequently available
• Other side bet offerings vary by studio.

Play Speed Blackjack for free

Like all live dealer games, Speed Blackjack is exclusively for real money play. There is no Speed Blackjack demo for free play available. However, you can always enter the game and observe the action at the table without placing a wager.

For those looking to practice blackjack strategy, you can play free Blackjack as a software based, RNG game at most online casinos. Choose a European Blackjack game for the rules closest to Speed Blackjack.

Slider: Visuals of Speed Blackjack by Pragmatic Play

Play at Lucky Dreams

Different Speed Blackjack Games by Studio

Speed Blackjack is available from multiple studios, resulting in several variations of the game. The core rules remain consistent so it's easy to switch between games. However, the selection of side bets, and the look and feel can differ depending on the provider.

Evolution Gaming

Pragmatic Play

Beterlive Gaming

Basic Strategy Table for Speed Blackjack

Speed Blackjack shares the same foundation as European Blackjack with some minor exceptions. The basic strategy chart therefore has some modifications. Optional side bets are available but do not affect the core strategy.

Although different studios do give their own touch to the game, as long as this list of conditions below is fulfilled, you can use the basic strategy chart below for playing Speed Blackjack.

• Four or more decks in play
• Dealer stands on all 17s
• Doubling down is permitted on any two-card hand
• Doubling after a split may be allowed or restricted
• No surrender option is offered
• Dealer does not peek for blackjack

Hard HandSoft HandPairs

	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	H	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	D	D	D	D	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	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	3,3	H	H	Sp	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	D	H	H
	6,6	H	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	S	S
	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	H

Legend: H = hit, S = stand, Sp = split, D = double / Note: Face cards also count as 10

Theoretically, you could print out the strategy chart or open it in a separate browser window for reference, but doing so can slow you down, which misses the point of Speed Blackjack. A more effective approach is to memorize the key moves so you can act quickly and confidently in game.

Speed Blackjack Tips and Tricks

1. First is not necessarily best. Speed Blackjack's fast pace and unique "first come, first served" rule add an extra layer of intensity. While the first player to act gets the next card first, this isn't necessarily an advantage.

2. Settings for Auto-Decisions

   Use Auto-Decisions when available. Use that feature to preset your moves based on basic strategy (tab 'advanced'). This eliminates human error when you find yourself under time pressure.
3. Stay calm and focused. Even if you don't rush to for the first move, the game still moves quickly as there are only a few seconds to make decisions regardless. The quick pace demands a clear head. Rushed decisions can lead to mistakes, so familiarize yourself with the game mechanics and keep your mind steady.
4. Master the Basics. This helps you stay calm and focused. Knowing your basic blackjack strategy inside and out is critical. Practice with free blackjack games to build confidence and speed. When the key moves become intuitive, you'll handle the time pressure much better.
5. Use the Bet Behind feature. If you're new to Speed Blackjack, use the Bet Behind feature. This allows you to place wagers on active players without sitting at the table, giving you a feel for the game's pace and flow without the immediate pressure of making decisions.
6. Approach Side Bets with Caution. Side bets like Perfect Pairs and 21+3 can add entertainment value but come with less favorable odds. Treat them as a fun extra rather than a main strategy for building winnings.

By combining preparation, strategy, and a measured approach, you can turn Speed Blackjack's fast-paced nature into an exciting advantage without losing control. Most importantly, as with any real money casino game, be aware of your financial limits and keep an eye out on your account balance.

More Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Speed Blackjack FAQ

1. How fast is Speed Blackjack?
2. Is there a seat advantage in Speed Blackjack?
3. Which gaming studios offer Speed Blackjack?
4. What is the Bet Behind feature in Speed Blackjack?
5. What is the payout in Speed Blackjack?

1. How fast is Speed Blackjack?

Because Speed Blackjack uses a "First Come, First Served" approach to dealing, how fast the game is fully depends on the players at the table. The first person on the table to signal a move gets the first card, followed by the next player to do so, and so on.

Experienced Blackjack players who know their strategy well can make a move almost immediately. So even though technically speaking, there are usually 10 seconds allotted to making a move, in practice it is much less than that.

Just as a comparison, Infinite Blackjack has an approximately 15 second timeframe for making a decision.

2. Is there a seat advantage in Speed Blackjack?

No. Although in classic Blackjack games, it is generally said that 3rd base is the best seat as it has the most information available to make a decision, this does not apply in Speed Blackjack. In Speed Blackjack, there is no order that must be followed once the initial cards have been dealt, so any potential advantages from seating are cancelled based on the "First Come, First Serve" basis of the game.

3. Which gaming studios offer Speed Blackjack?

At the time of review, Speed Blackjack was available from Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, as well as Beterlive Gaming.

The basics between the three are mostly the same. And all games offer the Bet Behind feature, which is a great alternative to enjoy the intensity and rewards of the game without the pressure of decision making. But only Pragmatic Play has built in a convenient auto decision feature into the game, where you can pre-define parameters for automating certain moves.

4. What is the Bet Behind feature in Speed Blackjack?

The Bet Behind feature in Speed Blackjack, like in other live blackjack games, lets you place a wager on one of the players currently sitting at the table. If the player you bet on wins, you win too. If they lose, you lose too.

5. What is the payout in Speed Blackjack?

Speed Blackjack offers the same standard payouts as other blackjack games, with the top payout being 3:2 for a natural blackjack. However, the game's side bets provide opportunities for significantly higher rewards.

In the 21+3 side bet, the highest possible payout comes from a three-of-a-kind in the same suit (e.g., three sevens of diamonds), which pays an impressive 100:1. Similarly, the Perfect Pairs side bet offers notable rewards, such as a payout of 25:1 for a perfect pair-two identical cards of the same suit and rank, like two sevens of diamonds.

However, because side bets have much poorer odds, they are best approached as a supplementary thrill rather than a primary winning strategy.

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Speed Blackjack was tested and reviewed by Stefan Weber

I'm lucky enough to have found both my job and my calling on the internet. As the online marketing manager for a major sportsbook, I began in the online gambling business over a decade ago. The business has been good to me and I love the dynamics of the industry. A blackjack enthusiast myself, I try to provide articles that combine practicalities with the strategic elegance of the game in a way that both rookies and experienced players can appreciate. And when I can, I like to spend my free time on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.