Blackjack Switch

The Blackjack Switch strategy is an interesting one. Gamblers who’ve wished they could swap cards from one hand to the next should play Blackjack Switch.

Blackjack Switch, a casino gambling game invented by Geoff Hall and patented in 2009, is based on Blackjack. However, it differs because two hands are dealt instead of one. Once the hands have been dealt, the player can exchange (“switch”) the top two upcards between the hands, increasing the strength of one or both hands. This provides a tremendous advantage for beating the dealer.

Some casinos have other rules that mitigate this advantage. Some casinos offer a house edge as low as 0.20% (using the “Russian” rules). It is always wise to know how the various rules affect the house edge.

The Basic Rules

Unless otherwise noted, all the rules of Switch are based on the classic blackjack rules. Most casinos use either 6 or 8 decks. Switching from six to eight decks increases the house edge by 0.02%. In most land-based gaming venues, the dealer hits on a soft 17, but occasionally the dealer stands on a soft 17.

In Blackjack Switch, players’ cards are dealt face up. The dealer can peek for a blackjack if a 10 or an ace is showing.

If the dealer has a natural blackjack, all player hands lose automatically. If a player has a natural blackjack, that hand pushes.

Players can double on any two cards and double after a split. Re-splits are allowed up to four hands.

Dealer 22

To offset the player advantage, a dealer 22 is a push against a player 21 or less. A player natural 21 still beats the dealer’s 22.

The 1:1 Payouts on Natural 21

Another house-favorable rule is 1:1 payout on a natural 21. In classic versions, this is poor, but here it only offsets advantages, making it acceptable. Players must account for blackjacks paying less in strategy.

Switching Rules

If switched cards make a combined 21, it’s a regular “21,” not natural. The dealer’s 21 beats it.

Switch Tip

A deviation from classic rules: players must wager equally on both hands in Blackjack Switch. Betting only one hand results in breaking even at best. The goal is to build two strong hands.

Strategy Tips

Due to the dealer-22 rule, hit some hands you’d stand on in conventional 21. Be more aggressive, as the dealer busts less often.

If the dealer shows 7 or higher, it’s strong—play accordingly. Dealer 3-6 is weak; 2 is neutral since 22 isn’t a bust.

If holding 18-20 beating the dealer’s upcard (assuming other card is 10), bet strong. E.g., player 19 vs. dealer 8.

When Should a Player Stand

Stand on hard 17+. Hit hard 12-16 vs. dealer 7-A. Hit hard 13-14 vs. 2; hard 12 vs. 2-4. Stand on other hards vs. 2-5.

Stand on soft 19-20. Stand soft 18 vs. 2-8; hit vs. 9-A. Hit soft 17 or less before doubling.

Double 10-11 vs. 2-6; 9 vs. 6; A6/A7 vs. 5-6; A5 vs. 6.

When to Switch for a Stronger Winning Hand

Switch 18/14 to 19/13—19 > 18, and 13≈14 (hoping dealer busts).

The House Edge

Blackjack Switch switching rules add dimension, with a lower house edge than classic 21 under same rules.