Multi-Hand Blackjack Online – Rules & Advantages

When discussing the most popular blackjack variations, it is a must to mention Multi-Hand Blackjack. As the name suggests, this game allows you to play more than one hand per game. Generally, it is played with five, six or eight decks of cards and the rules are almost the same as the other blackjack games. Nevertheless, players all over the world recognise it as one of the most attractive and exciting blackjack variations.

For further information about the game rules of this specific blackjack variation, house edge, and optimal playing strategy keep reading this text.

Multi Hand Blackjack Rules

This is a game played with five, six or eight decks of 52 cards. The player in this game can play more than one hand in a single game session. This rule makes blackjack variation unique and exciting to those who want fast-paced gameplay. Every hand is played separately and the main objective is to score a blackjack and beat the dealer’s hand. Certain casinos allow the dealer to peek for blackjack, while others do not allow this. The same can be said for standing or hitting on soft 17. In any case, a card score higher than 21 is considered a bust and whoever has it (player or dealer) loses the game session.

No matter the Multi-Hand Blackjack variation, the player is not allowed to surrender. However, some rule modifications allow the player to double on any hand, while others allow doubling on 9-11 only. Similarly, in some casinos, the player can double after splitting and in some, he cannot. This is why knowing the exact game rules is crucial for a good game strategy. However, the player can play simultaneously more than one hand in a single game and use different strategies for any of the hands. Placing insurance bets with a payout 2:1 is possible right after the player and the dealer receive the first two cards. The game continues until the player and the dealer finish their hands and the winner is known. If the player wins, he gets a payout 3:2, while if the dealer wins the player loses his bet amount.

Lower House Edge

In that variation of the game played according to the rules explained above the house edge is 0.58%. However, if the game variation allows the player to double after splitting, the house edge instantly is lowered to 0.46%. Also important is the number of decks used in the game. For example, playing with eight decks of cards without changing any of the rules will increase the house edge for 0.02% and result in a house edge of 0.60%. Other rules that affect the house edge are peek or no peek, double on any or double on 9-11 only.

Insurance as a Way Out

Since Multi-Hand Blackjack has all the regular rules, the players are also allowed to place an insurance bet. After the player has received two face-up cards and the dealer has received one face down and one face-up card, the player is offered to place an insurance bet. If the player loses the game, the blackjack bet is lost. However, the insurance bet has a payout 2:1 and returns the lost amount to the player. In any case, the house edge on the insurance bet is always high and it is not recommendable to place insurance bets.

A Few Useful Tips for Playing

The most common Multi-Hand Blackjack game is played with six decks of 52 cards, at Ladbrokes Casino. The rules state that the player can double on any card, but cannot double after splitting and cannot surrender. The dealer stands on soft 17 and peeks for blackjack. Here is the optimal playing strategy for the game with these rules.

The player should hit on hard 5-12, no matter the dealer’s card. An exception is a scenario in which the player has a hard 12 and the dealer received 4, 5 or 6. Additionally, the player should hit on hard 13-16 if the dealer holds 7- 10 or Ace. In the same situation as the previous, if the dealer has 2-6 the player should stand. Hard 17+ hands are always a sign to stand. The player should consider doubling if he has hard 9- 11 across a dealer’s 3-6. Furthermore, the player should double on hard 10 or 11 when the dealer shows 7- 10.

A player’s soft 3-7 should result in a hit, while soft 8-10 with a stand. An exception to this rule is a situation in which the dealer shows 9, 10 or Ace and the player has a soft 8. If the dealer’s face-up card is 3-6, the player should double on soft 7 or 8. Furthermore, it is advisable for the player to double on soft 5 or 6 if the dealer has 4, 5 or 6.

A pair of tens should always result in a stand, while 8-8, 9-9 and two Aces should be always split. Only if the dealer shows 7, 10 or Ace and the player has 9-9, it is advisable to stand. If the player has 2-2 or 3-3 he should split them if the dealer’s card is 4-7. A pair of sevens should be split if the dealer holds 2-7, while a pair of sixes should be split if the dealer has 3-6. A pair of fives is a sign to double unless the dealer has 10 or Ace. All other combinations should make the player to hit.

Game Overview

Multi-Hand Blackjack is definitely one of the most popular blackjack variations, which you can play at 888 Casino. Depending on the house rules, the game usually has a medium house edge which makes it as good an option as the other game variations. Some casinos offer Blackjack games more favourable towards the players and others choose rules to help the house. In any case, the possibility to play several hands at the same time makes this Blackjack variation extremely fast-paced and exciting for those who want to think fast and have more than one chance to win in a single game session.