Double Attack Blackjack is another variant of this popular table game. During recent years alternates have been appearing (and disappearing) from the casino pits. The most active variants today are Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, Free Bet Blackjack, and Three Card Blackjack.
Blackjack rules for Double Attack Blackjack gives the player the opportunity to double the play bet if he or she thinks the casino dealer has a weak up card.
How the Game is Played
A Spanish Deck s used which has 48 cards instead of the usual 52. The four 10’s are removed. Ace through 9, and J, Q, K, are all in play. Eight 48 card decks are used. Insurance pays 5/2 but a player blackjack pays even money instead of the usual 3/2 or 6/5 in some jurisdictions.
After all players place their initial wager the dealer will reveal his or her up-card. It’s important to note that this is done before any cards are dealt to the players.
Based on the value of the dealer up-card, players then have the option to Double Attack the dealer’s hand by placing an additional bet in the appropriate position. The amount must be equal to or less than the initial wager. After two cards are dealt to each player the following options are playable:
- Double Down – on any two cards on the initial and double attack wagers up to the original bet.
- Split – any pair. Players must place an equal amount for both the initial and double attack bets.
- Surrender – When the dealer does not have a blackjack players can surrender one half of their wager(s) including after hitting, splitting, or doubling down.
Optional Bust It! Side Bet
This optional side bet pays if the dealer busts with exactly three cards. Otherwise the bet loses.Players can wager as little as one dollar up to their initial bet but not mor than $50. Here is the winning pay table:
Third Card Bust
- J, Q, K – Pays 3/1
- Nine – Pays 6/1
- Eight – Pays 8/1
- Seven – Pays 10/1
- Six – Pays 15/1
- Bonus 8-8-8 Same color – Pays 50/1
- Bonus 8-8-8 suited – Pays 200/1
Things to Consider When Playing
According to simple blackjack basic strategy:
- If a dealer’s up-card is a 2 or 3, he or she is considered neutral
- If the dealer has a 4,5, or 6, the dealer is considered weak
- If the dealer has a 7 through ace, he or she is strong
Remember that players do not have any cards when choosing to attack or not.
The insurance payout of 5/2 (for the few players that take this option) is more than double the standard 2/1 however when taking insurance players are betting that the dealer has a blackjack. With 32 10’s removed from an eight deck game, there are fewer blackjack possibilities for the dealer and player. Doubling down is also less effective in that there are fewer 10’s.
Here’s a recommended strategy when deciding to double attack or not:
- If a dealer’s up-card is 2 or 3, make your minimum attack bet
- If the up-card is a 4,5, or 6 make your maximum attack bet
- If the up-card is 7 through Ace, do not make an attack bet
The game is not as prevalent in brick and mortar casinos as the aforementioned blackjack variants. For you readers in or near Niagara Falls, Canada, the game is at the Fallsview Casino. It is also available online for free and real play.
Good Luck!