7 Card Blackjack: Understanding the Rules and Strategy
7 Card Blackjack (usually written as 7 Card Black Jack) is a British game that is often confused with the traditional casino game that’s found in Las Vegas and other gambling locations. This is different from traditional blackjack and not usually found in casinos.
The 7 Card Black Jack rules are much different and feature players receiving more cards and playing against each other. This is often thought of as a fun game to play with fairy and friends. Keep reading to learn more about this unique game of Black Jack with 7 cards.
What Is 7 Card Blackjack?
7 Card Black Jack shouldn’t be confused with the traditional game of blackjack found in casinos. There are distinct rules and gameplay differences and the British version is not a gambling game. 7 Card Black Jack may have more in common with the popular game of Uno than a typical game of 21.
Players are dealt seven cards and hope to play all their cards on a pile of cards in the center of the table. Players aim to discard those in their hand based on the last card played. The goal is to play a card with the same suit or number. The person who gets rid of all their cards first is the winner.
Blackjack Rules for 7 Cards
Are you looking to play the 7 Card Black Jack game? Here’s a quick guide to the general rules:
- The game can be played with up to 10 players. For up to five players, use a single deck. For games of six to 10, use two decks. Jokers are not used in the game.
- Each player is dealt seven cards face down.
- The remaining deck is placed in a pile in the center of the table.
- Turn over the first card so that all players can see it.
- One player then starts the game and each player must match the upturned card either in suit or number.
- You can play more than one card if they are all the same, such as playing 6♦6♠ on an upcard of 6♥. It’s also allowed to play multiple cards that are one lower or higher, such as playing 6♣6♥7♠ on a 5♥.
- The next payer then acts based on the top card on the pile.
- If a player can’t play, he or she is forced to take a card from the face-down card stack. This can be used immediately if possible.
- You may also play a trump card at any time – a K, J or 2. These cards can be played on any card on the pile.
- If a trump card is played, the next player must play a matching trump or draw cards. The number of cards to take is based on the trump card played and includes:
- King – Draw one card. If that player can also play a King, however, the next player draws double the cards. This continues if that player also can play a King.
- 2 – Draw two, unless that player can also play a 2. Then the next player must draw four, unless he also has a 2. If that is the case, then the next player draws eight and this continues.
- Jack – Draw six cards unless you can play another Jack. Tne the action moves to the next player who draws 12 if he or she can’t play a Jack and that continues.
- Players don’t get to play after drawing because of a trump card.
- There are some other special cards to consider:
- Aces – The player can change the suit. They can be played on any card except 2, 8, or Jack.
- 8 – Skips the next player.
- 7 – Reverses the order of play.
- If the drawing pile runs out of cards, remove the face-up cards except for the last one played and reshuffle.
Winning with 7 Cards in Blackjack
When a player has a single card left or multiple cards that can all be played together, this person must say “last card.” If this player does not, some rules stipulate that this player must draw a certain number of cards. The last person to play all their cards wins the game.
Players can score each game if they wish to play more. The first player to go out is typically awarded 2 points and the next player to go out is awarded 1 point. The player with the most points after the predetermined number of games is declared the winner.
It’s important to note that there are varying versions of the game and there may also be different rules. Some players may use different special cards and the number of cards to draw may also vary. Specific rules differ by region.
For example, some players insist that the player drawing card must continue drawing until he or she can play. There are numerous online sources to review the rules and add caveats that can spice up the action.
Strategy for Playing 7 Card Blackjack
The goal of 7 Card Black Jack is to play all cards before others, so playing more than one at a time can be ideal. Forcing other players to draw cards, especially those who may have only a few, is a good way to make sure others aren’t going to go out any time soon.
Saving trump cards until others play them can be a good idea, as you can avoid having to draw extra cards by playing them over others played.
Players may use an Ace to change a suit to hurt the chances for opponents. This also may force those other players to use their own Aces to indicate which suit they need to get rid of their remaining cards.
Conclusion
The British game 7 Card Black Jack shouldn’t be confused with the traditional casino game of blackjack where players hope to get as close to 21 without busting while also beating the dealer. In 7 Card Black Jack, players are facing off against each other and are dealt seven cards each.
The goal is to play based on the last card played. Players can lay down one or multiple cards if they are the same as the last card played or are in a sequence based off the last card. There are some special cards that can make other players draw cards, change the suit, reverse the order, skip the next player, and other options depending on the rules used in the game.
Exact rules can vary by region and personal preference. There are numerous online resources to help those looking to play the game. 7 Card Black Jack can be very exciting as players work to get rid of cards while also inflicting some damage (such as drawing additional cards) on fellow players.
For those who want to play some traditional blackjack, head to Lucky Block Casino. This can also offer plenty of card-playing fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules of 7 Card Black Jack?
The goal is to play all your cards before all other players. Players are dealt seven cards and hope to match the last card played in number or suit. You can also play multiple cards of the same number or sequence or a combination of both.
How do you win at 7 Card Black Jack?
This is not like casino blackjack and instead has players competing against each other. The goal is to play all your cards before other players. The first out is declared the winner. Players can also keep score over a certain number of games, with 2 points awarded for the first out and 1 point for the second player out.
Is 7 Black Jack a math game?
This may be less of a mathematical game. Although there can be some strategic considerations as the game progresses.