Blackjack Variant: Double Exposure Blackjack

Double exposure blackjack is a variation of the traditional game whereas the dealer's cards are given facing up. That's why it's called double exposure. This blackjack variant also goes by the names face-up 21 and dealer disclosure. Now, it's highly advantageous for anyone to play against the house whose cards are exposed in the first place. So in addition to this rather tricky variation, certain rules are accordingly modified as well to make up for that added player advantage.

First of all, a push doesn't always count when a player and dealer ties. It's because the dealer wins in case of a tie. A push only counts in a tied natural 21 or blackjack where no money is lost or won.

Speaking of getting a natural 21 in double exposure blackjack, which is an ace and ten (face card or numbered card) on your initial deal, it only pays even money. That's a ratio of one is to one your wager. While in a traditional game, a player who gets a natural wins a ratio of three to one on their wager.

And because the dealer's hand is revealed in double exposure blackjack, basic strategy applicable here is different from the standard game as well. For instance, it's advisable to split tens when the dealer has a hard card total of 13 to 16 while it's better to hit on a pair of tens when the dealer shows a hard 20.

What's more, it's not always right to split aces as opposed to the golden rule in the traditional game. Specifically, it's better to ask for a hit on a pair of aces when the dealer shows a hard 11 and hard 17 to 20 initial-card totals in accordance with double exposure blackjack basic strategy.

Double exposure blackjack is so named because the dealer's two cards are shown already as opposed to the traditional game wherein the dealer's other card is dealt facing down. So, in order to make up for that player advantage, rules are accordingly modified too. Specifically, a push only happens with a tied natural but the dealer wins any other hand total ties. Also, a natural only wins a ratio of one is to one on their bet. Accordingly, basic strategy applicable in this blackjack variant is different as well. But without a doubt, coming to a decision of hitting, standing, doubling down or splitting is much quicker when you play this blackjack variant since you have the advantage of seeing the dealer's initial hand in the game.