What’s Crazy About Crazy Blackjack?

That is one of the most unique and exciting blackjack variations. The game has relatively low house edge and it is played with four decks of 52 cards which are shuffled together. In this game, the players are playing against the dealer and the objective is to beat the dealer’s hand. Some of the modifications include safe, highest hand side bets and the one of a kind 777 jackpot bet. The blackjack payout is 3:2 and this contributes to the low house edge, making this game favorable towards the players. Further information about the game rules and strategies are provided below.

Crazy Blackjack – How to Play

Same as the objective of the other blackjack games, Crazy Blackjack players should beat the dealer by accumulating cards whose value will not exceed 21 but will be higher of the dealer’s cards value. The game is played at a multi-hand table with four decks of cards. Before playing the game, it is important to know how the cards are valued. Face cards are counted as 10, while the Ace can be counted as 1 or 11. All the other cards are of the amount printed on them. For example, 3+5+7 equals 15, while a Jack and a 6 will have the amount of 16. The Ace can be combined in two ways. To exemplify, if the player has an Ace and 8, the cards can be counted 9 or 19. If the cards in a single hand go over the 21, the player busts and therefore loses his bet.

After placing the bet, the player and the dealer receive two cards each. Depending on the cards values, the player can choose to stand, hit, double his bet or split the cards. To stand means that the player wants to keep his cards, while to hit means that another card will be given to the player. The player can choose to hit as long as the cards reach or exceed the value of 21. Having seen the first two cards, the player can double the bet or split the cards if they are of the same value. Crazy Blackjack players have the option of placing three side bets which are safe, highest hand and 777 jackpot bet.

Lower House Edge

When it comes to the blackjack games, the house edge varies depending on certain game rules. This game is played with four decks of cards and this is not so bad for the player. For example, playing with four decks reduces the house edge for 0.06%, while playing with six decks reduces it for 0.02%. However, the fact that the dealer stands on soft 17 and the player can double after a split lowers the house edge. The good payout of 3:2 also puts the player in a good position. As a result, that is a game with relatively good and low house edge of optimal 0.3991%.

Side Bets, Insurance and Jackpot Bet

Besides the regular blackjack bets, that type of blackjack offers several other side bets. However, in order to be able to place them, the player has to first place a regular bet. These side bets may vary from one another, depending on the casino at which you decide to play. Players who think that their first two cards will have a low value can place a safe bet. The payout rate of safe bets is 3:2. Furthermore, they can place Highest Hand bet for two or three consecutive hands. Some casinos offer 777 Jackpot bet which can win £15.000 for £1 bet to players who will hit three sevens in a single hand. If the dealer has an Ace, the player can place an Insurance bet.

Strategy for Winning

Some of the basic strategy suggestions apply when playing Crazy Blackjack. Having the game rules in mind, when the dealer has any card in hand and the player has a hard hand from 5 to 12 it is advisable to hit. The exception is a situation in which the dealer holds 4, 5 or 6. If the amount of the player’s hand is from 13 to 21 he should always stand, unless the dealer holds 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.

It is recommended to double if the hand is 10 or 11, while the dealer has any card that is not 10 or Ace. The player should hit with a soft hand from 13 to 17 and stand when the amount of the hand is from 18 to 21. An exception to this would be a situation where the dealer holds 9, 10 and Ace and the player is advised to hit. Having in hand soft 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17, while the dealer holds 5 or 6, it is a good idea to double your bet and hit. In the same scenario, but you hold a soft 18 you should double your bet and stand.

Usually, splitting any pair of cards is good except for 10-10 and 5-5. In case of a pair of tens, the player should stand, while having a pair of fives is a perfect possibility for double and hit. When the dealer holds 5 or 6 it is good to split 4-4, in any other situation, it would be the best to hit another card.

Overall Review of the Game

This game is one of the most interesting variations of blackjack. You can play Crazy Blackjack exclusively at 888 Casino, which has been awarded as ‘Best Online Casino’ three years in a row. This variation keeps the basic game and betting rules, but it has some modifications as well. Besides the fact that usually the side bets increase the house edge, the side betting options of this game make it unique and exciting. Even though it is hard to score, the 777 jackpot and its huge prize are a real challenge for blackjack fans. Those who like playing the Classic Blackjack will probably dislike this relatively different game-play. However, those who want to try something new and thrilling will most definitely enjoy this game.