Blackjack Switch: Rules, Strategy, and Tips

No doubt many blackjack players have thought about how great it would be to exchange a card with another player at the table. A quick switch would make better hands for both players and a better chance to win – perhaps even a blackjack. That’s the idea behind the blackjack variation known as Blackjack Switch.
While players won’t switch with a neighbor, they will play two hands and can exchange cards between those two hands. Keep reading for more on this unique version of classic blackjack.
What is Blackjack Switch?
This is a blackjack variant where players are dealt two hands and can switch the second card of those hands. This presents some interesting dynamics as players can try to improve both hands with an additional option beyond just simply taking a hit.
Blackjack Switch Rules
This game has some different rules from traditional blackjack. Most games are dealt with six or eight decks and the player makes two bets of the same amount for two hands dealt to him. Once receiving the second cards, you can switch those cards between the two hands.
For example, a player receiving 10-5 and 10-6 may switch a 10 and 6 to have two hands of 11 and 20, much better than a 15 and 16. A player could also switch cards to create a blackjack when dealt hands like A-4 and J-3.
To make up for the fact that players can switch the second card dealt, the house has an advantage in its favor in this game – if the dealer busts on 22, all non-busted hands are considered a push. An additional favorable rule for the house is that all blackjacks are paid out at only even money. Here’s a look at some of the game’s other rules:
- The dealer usually hits soft 17.
- Dealers peek for blackjack with ace or 10 upcards. If the dealer has blackjack, all players with non-blackjack hands immediately lose and all blackjacks are a push.
- Players can usually double down on any two cards.
- Doubling down after a split is also usually allowed.
- Resplitting up to four hands is usually allowed.
Blackjack Switch Odds
Like traditional blackjack, Blackjack Switch has a low house edge – as low as 0.58% for those who can master basic strategy as well as gain a grasp of the best switching strategy (see more on these concepts below). Like classic blackjack, this remains one of the best games in a casino when it comes to a low house edge.
Blackjack Switch Strategy
Considering the rule changes for Blackjack Switch, the strategy decisions change significantly from the classic game. Basic strategy charts incorporate plays like hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting. Blackjack Switch strategy charts differ slightly from traditional basic strategy because of the push at 22. Here’s a look at a Blackjack Switch strategy chart for determining the best move to make.
When it comes to switching there are also some considerations. The “Cindy Liu strategy” is used by many fans of the game and is based on ranking the best hands in this order:
- 21
- 20
- 19
- A-A
- 11
- 10
- 9
- 18 or 8
- 8-8 with 2-8 up
Considering these hands, you want to make one or both as good as possible when switching cards. If possible, switch to get both hands into one of the above hands for the best chance at winning. But if possible to make one hand higher in ranking than the other, that is still the optimal play.
You always want to give yourself the best chance to win on at least one of your hands and then hope for the best with the second. You’d rather have one solid hand than two weak ones. If you can’t make one of the top hands, aim for these hands that give players a better chance at winning:
- 7 or 17
- any 12
- any 13
- any hand that should be split
There are a few exceptions to these above however. Those include:
- A-A and 8-3 – Don’t switch and keep the aces together.
- A-A and 2-9 – Keep the aces together unless the dealer is showing 2 through 6.
- You have an A-A and 2-8 – Keep the aces together.
Advanced Blackjack Switch Strategy
The Cindy Liu strategy offers even more advanced options based on a point system. Players add up the points for both ways to play the hands and play them based on which ones have the higher point totals.
This is a more advanced strategy and players should proceed with caution to avoid mistakes. WizardofOdds.com also offers players a handy switching calculator to learn the best moves to make and practice.
Side Bets of Blackjack Switch
Like many blackjack variants, Blackjack Switch often features some side bets for players to make in addition to their bets on each hand. Here’s a look at a few of these more popular wagers.
Super Match Side Bet
This is a side bet that pays out based on what a player is dealt on the two hands. Here’s a look at the payouts for each possible hand.
Hand | Payout |
Four of a kind | 40 to 1 |
Two pair | 8 to 1 |
Three of a kind | 5 to 1 |
Pair | Even money |
Some casinos also may pay out based on whether the two cards are of the same suit. Consult the pay table at the casino to learn the payouts for this side bet.
Push 22 Side Bet
This is a bet that the dealer will hit the 22 that is a push on all non-busted hands, only losing to player blackjacks. If the dealer does indeed draw to 22, this side bet pays 11 to 1.
Conclusion – Play Blackjack Switch at Lucky Block Casino
Those looking for a different blackjack experience may want to check out Blackjack Switch for some unique rules that can make for a fun time at the tables. Players are dealt two hands and are allowed to switch the second cards on each hand.
There are a couple of caveats, however, that add to the house edge and make up for this player-favorable rule. When the dealer draws to 22, all non-busted hands are considered a push. Also, blackjacks pay only even money, not 3 to 2 or even the lower 6 to 5 found at many casinos.
Those looking to give this game a test drive should head to Lucky Block Casino for some great options. Getting started only takes a few minutes and players can expect a nice experience at this fun online gaming platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackjack Switch better than blackjack?
That depends on a player’s own preferences. Both games feature an overall low house edge, but there are some significant rules and strategy changes for Blackjack Switch to consider that cn make for a fun experience.
What is the Super Match in Blackjack Switch?
This is a side bet that pays players a bonus based on the two hands the player is dealt. Four of a kind pays out 40 to 1, two pair pays 8 to 1, three of a kind pays 5 to 1, and a pair pays out even money.
How to play Blackjack Switch?
All players make two separate bets and receive two hands for each. A player can then switch the second cards between those two hands. This is a favorable rule for players, but the house tempers that by making all non-busted hands a push when the dealer draws to 22. All blackjacks also only pay out even money.
Does Blackjack Switch have better odds?
Blackjack Switch can have a slightly lower house edge than traditional blackjack – checking in at 0.58%. However, players must master basic strategy and also use correct switching strategies. This can be challenging as there are so many strategy considerations. Players at Lucky Block Casino will have more time to make these decisions using strategy charts than at a traditional live casino.