Multi-hand blackjack is one of the most popular blackjack variants on the internet, and it’s easy to see why. The game allows players to play up to five hands against a dealer, with the potential to win all five of them. Of course, there is a lot more to the game for this, so let Gambling Zone break it down for you in more detail in this detailed how to play multi-hand blackjack guide.
Step-by-Step Guide on how to Play Multi-Hand Blackjack
If you want to learn how to play multi-hand blackjack, you are in the right place. To enjoy the game, you will need to play it as follows:
Set Your Stake
The first thing to do is set your stake. This is typically done by clicking on the stake display at the bottom of the game-screen. This will vary between different games, with a virtual chip being the most common display. To increase the value of it, you simply click on the chip and cycle through the available bets.
Placing a Bet
Once you have set the value of your stake, you will then need to place your bets on the table. This involves moving your coins onto the circular space on the table, known as the betting area. There will be five areas available, and you can place coins in as many as you want. This will determine the number of hands you are playing.
Start The Game
When your bets have been placed, hit the deal button, and the game will begin. The dealer will then start dealing cards to your hands, starting in the leftmost hand. They will also deal themselves two cards. One of the dealer’s cards will be dealt face-up, while the other, the hole card, remains face-down.
Game In Play
When the dealer’s cards have been dealt, the game is ready to begin. The control panel will then adjust, with players now able to ‘stand’ or ‘hit’. In most variations, you will also be presented with the option to ‘double’ or ‘split’.
You will then work your way through each of your hands, making the decision. The aim is score, or get as close to, 21 as possible, beating the dealer in the process.
Lady Playing Blackjack
Special Plays
As we’ve already mentioned in this guide to multi-hand blackjack, there are options other than stand and hit available. These are called special plays. These may not be available in every version of the game. The following are all of the special plays you can encounter.
Insurance
An Insurance bet is offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. If you accept the Insurance bet, the dealer will look at his card to see if he reveals blackjack. If they do not have blackjack, you lose your insurance bet.
Split
A Split option is presented if your first two cards are identical. When this happens, you will split the cards and create another hand with the same bet value.
Double
If you take the Double option, you will double your bet but can only receive an additional card in that hand.
Double after Split
When you have split your two cards, you are presented with the option to double down on both of the hands. It is important to remember that each hand is played separately.
Two Aces
Landing two Aces does not win the hand, as it does not equal 21. Instead, it will equal either 12 or 2. You are given the chance to split Aces, but only once.
Soft
This option is presented if you draw an Ace and the card next to it still allows you to bet the lower option. For example, if you draw a 6 and an Ace, this can be considered 7 or 17. You will then get the option to hit again, and the card will take the best-assigned value.
Buttons
The Buttons simply refer to the control panel that can be accessed beneath the table at any time. This will include options for the sound, settings, and paytable information.
Blackjack Free Bet Table
Rules in Multi-Hand Blackjack
The rules of Multi-Hand Blackjack may change with some variations but the following are the most common rules:
- The dealer stands on hard or soft 17.
- Splits are allowed.
- You can only split Aces once.
- A blackjack can not be called on a split hand.
- You can not hit after a double or split Aces.
- The player can not take a surrender or late surrender.
Difference between Single and Multi-Hand Blackjack
There are several main differences between single and multi-hand blackjack. The following are some of the key differences:
- In single blackjack, one deck of 52 cards is used. In multi-hand blackjack, anywhere between four and eight decks are used.
- The house edge in a single blackjack game is 1.45%, whereas in multi-hand blackjack, the edge ranges from 0.46% - 0.65%.
- Single-game blackjack has a house edge on insurance of 5.9%. This is much bigger at 7.5% for multi-hand blackjack.
In our experience, multi-hand blackjack, due to the nature of playing several hands at a time, can result in some huge fluctuations and wins. It is much harder to deploy blackjack strategies when playing multiple games.
Couple Playing Blackjack
Final Thoughts
Multi-hand blackjack is one of the most fun ways to play blackjack. While the game is slightly different, there is one that always stays the same, and that is the need to gamble responsibly at all times. If you feel as you though you need any help or support when playing multi-hand blackjack online, check out our responsible gambling resources here at Gambling Zone.
