Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, played at countless gambling sites and land-based venues. If you’re in the mood to play a few hands, you can take your pick of variants at the best blackjack sites — Classic, European, Pontoon, Spanish 21, and Progressive Blackjack to name a few.
But let’s not forget about Double Attack Blackjack. If you’re unfamiliar with this game, read on to learn everything you need to know about it before you start playing.
Double Attack Blackjack: Gameplay Basics
Double Attack Blackjack is a Spanish 21 variation. That means it’s played with 48 cards instead of the standard 52-card deck — all the 10 cards have been removed. Eight decks are typically used in a game.
Players start by placing their bets. Once all bets have been made, the dealer deals their own upcard.
Here’s where the Double Attack comes in: once you’ve seen the dealer’s upcard, you can double your original bet before you receive your cards. The Double Attack bet can’t be any bigger than the original wager, though.
Deciding whether to launch a Double Attack can be difficult. It’s all about whether you’re prepared to take on an increased risk for the chance that you’ll get closer to 21 than the dealer.
Double Attack Blackjack Rules
Here are a few rules to bear in mind when playing:
- The dealer always stands on a soft 17.
- Players may split a hand as many as four times, though not aces. Splitting aces gives just one card.
- If a player does split, they need to make the bet equal to their Double Attack wager.
- Insurance bets pay out 5:2 when the dealer has blackjack.
- Players can surrender or double whenever they like, even after a split. Doubling can be done up to the total of the initial bet and Double Attack wager. Surrendering players get half the original and Double Attack bets back.
- Players can only double a hand once.
- Dealers can peek to check for blackjack.
What Does Double Attack Blackjack Pay?
This variant usually pays 1:1 (even money) on blackjack. That’s a drop from the conventional 3:2 payout, so you may want to think carefully about whether you go for a Double Attack.
What Side Bets are Available?
If you want to make a side bet alongside your main bet, you can try Bust It! (also known as Buster). This is a bet on whether the dealer will bust on their third card.
You can only make the Bust It! side bet before the dealer deals their upcard. Payouts are based on the revealed card’s rank:
- Face cards — 3:1
- 9 — 6:1
- 8 — 8:1
- 7 — 10:1
- 6 — 15:1
On top of that, another payout can occur when the dealer’s hand contains an eight and they draw a second eight of an identical colour or suit, then goes bust. If the eight is the same colour or suit, the payout is 50:1 or 200:1, respectively.
The Bust It! bet can pay if the dealer holds a specific number of cards when they bust:
- 3 - 4 cards in hand — 2:1
- 5 cards in hand — 4:1
- 6 cards in hand — 12:1
- 7 cards in hand — 50:1
- 8 cards in hand — 250:1
Conclusion
Double Attack Blackjack is generally best for more seasoned players than total newcomers. The Bust It! side bet and the Spanish 21 rules can make it complicated for novices to pick up. But if you’re looking for a different way to approach blackjack, this variation is definitely worth a try.
Not sure where to play blackjack online? Find the top places to play in Gambling Zone’s guide to the best blackjack sites!
