No Bust Blackjack: Rules, Strategies, and Expert Tips

Hate it when the dealer delivers a card at the blackjack table that’s just enough to make your hand a loser? Then you may want to give No Bust Blackjack a shot.

The game, also known as California No Bust Blackjack or 21st Century Blackjack, is as the name implies – there is an element where players can win even if they bust.

This is a stark contrast from traditional blackjack and adds some fun elements. Keep reading to to learn about California No Bust Blackjack.

What is California No Bust Blackjack?

An elegant blackjack table in a casino setting with players in formal attire. The table is covered in chips and cards, with players actively engaged in the game. The casino atmosphere is upscale, indicated by the meticulous layout and the attentive players around the table

Unlike traditional blackjack that was invented in the 17th century, No Bust Blackjack was invented in 1990 by Roger Wisted as a way to get around California state laws banning traditional house-backed games and altered traditional blackjack game rules for this new version of blackjack.

“The standard game of ’21’ was outlawed in California in 1873, but my game was different in that two aces was a ‘natural’ and technically that made the game ’22’, not ’21,'” the inventor said of his new game and also offering a bit of insight on game play.

In his version, players play against each other to avoid the house backing the game. Jokers are also used in the game as well.

There are also some unique “No Bust” rules that changes gameplay dynamics. If the dealer and the player both bust the the player still has a chance to win.

How to Play No Bust Blackjack

When playing California No Bust Blackjack it’s important to realize that there are some key differences from standard blackjack and players should be prepared for them.

The initial deal gives each player two cards and they then have the opportunity to hit, stand, double down, and split. The differences then expand from there. Here’s a look at the main changes:

Decks & Jokers – The game uses six decks of 53 decks – a traditional deck plus a joker. Therefore a total of six jokers are in play. Jokers are wild and automatically bring any other hand to 21, and standing is mandatory.
Naturals – Rather than a blackjack, “naturals” are the highest possible hands and can come in these combinations: two aces, two jokers, or an ace and a joker. A player receiving a Natural must declare the hand immediately.
Natural Payouts – A hand with two jokers pays 2 to 1 unless the dealer has the same hand.
21 Hands – An ace and a 10-value card still totals 21 and has the same value and rank as any other 21-count hands.
Dealer Joker – If the dealer upcard is a joker then the face down card is immediately turned over and players can’t draw cards. All hands below 21 are losers. If dealer’s down card is a joker, you only lose your original bet. Additional wagers from doubling down or splitting are a push.
No Peeking – The dealer doesn’t peeks at the hole card as in traditional blackjack when holding an ace up.
Surrender – You can surrender on any two cards, except is the dealer’s upcard is a joker.
Dealer Stands – When hitting a soft 17.
Double Down – Allowed after splitting.
Resplitting – Player can split to up to three time.
“No Bust” Rule – If the player and dealer both bust, the hand is a push if the player has a total lower than the dealer’s. If the dealer hand is lower or the same as the player then the player loses.

California No Bust Blackjack Rules

Because No Bust Blackjack rules are different and you don’t play against the house, there are some significant deviations from a the traditional casino game. First is that the house only makes a fee for running the game, as players aren’t competing against the house.

One person at the table acts as the player dealer (also known as the banker). This player acts as the house and plays a higher fee to back the game. The player dealer can only win players against all other players at the table and the only amount he can win is the cumulative amount of every original wager.

For example, if the table puts up a total of $200 to start the hand, if the player dealer wins against everyone else, he only adds $200 to his banker’s roll.

In California No Bust Blackjack, all other winnings are distributed to a pseudo-player knowns as “the corporation.” This is a heavily bankrolled player backed by a nonprofit entity that is contracted with the casino. The corporation “banks behind,” meaning it will cover bets that the player dealer can’t cover. The corporation doesn’t have to play every hand, but does so every time the bank rotates to them.

The banker option rotates around the table, but a player can only act as player dealer if he played the hand before. The game can be a little different from traditional blackjack and betting the minimum a few hands to to understand how things work.

California No Bust Blackjack Strategies

A lively game of blackjack taking place at a green felt table surrounded by diverse players in a richly decorated casino room. Players are seated around the table, with cards and chips spread out as they concentrate on their hands. The setting conveys a sense of traditional gambling ambiance with an intimate, focused group of players.

Just as in the traditional game, the best No Bust Blackjack strategy is based on the math behind the game. Those who know basic strategy have a better chance at winning. Here’s a look at a few concepts to remember.

Always Split Aces and Eights

You’ll want to split all 8-8 except against a dealer upcard that’s an ace. Then you’ll want to surrender or simply hit if that’s not allowed. Splitting aces is also always advised as you then have two favorable cards to hit winning hands.

Double Down on 10 or 11

As in classic blackjack, either of these can be a favorable double down hand. A No Bust Blackjack strategy chart will help determine all these types of situations. You’ll want to double with 10 against every player dealer’s hand expect 9, 10, or ace. With an 11 you’ll want to double on against every player dealer’s hand expect 10 or ace. Otherwise, simply hit. One great thing about this game as that you can also double after split and this can be worth taking advantage of.

Take Insurance with Caution

In No Bust 21st Century Blackjack, avoid taking blackjack insurance if offered as you would in the traditional game. This has heavy house edge.

Adjust Betting Based on Dealer’s Upcard

As with traditional blackjack, players will want to adjust their play based on the dealer’s upcard. A basic strategy chart offers the best way to determine what’s the best play to make. For example, a player with a 15 or 16 will want to stand against any 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, hoping to see the player dealer bust with one of the deck’s many high cards dealt.

Some basic strategy scenarios will differ greatly from traditional blackjack because the other various rule changes in this version. It’s imperative to consult a No Bust Blackjack strategy chart when playing. Those who can master basic strategy can but the house edge to less than 1%, which makes it a favorable game for players.

Conclusion

No Bust Blackjack was invented as a card game that would be allowed under California law and pits the players against each other rather than squaring off against the house.

The game comes with some unique strategy decisions based on the differing rules from traditional blackjack. It is best to use a California No Bust Blackjack strategy chart to make the best mathematical play, ensuring the best chance to win in the long run.

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