An Expert Strategy for Double Attack Blackjack

Double Attack Blackjack Rules

Unlike most types of blackjack, Double Attack Blackjack does not use a conventional deck of cards. The game is similar to Spanish 21, as all 10s are removed from the deck. Usually, there are either 6 or 8 decks used in the game and there are a number of other changes that make it stand out.

The basic blackjack rules remain the same. The aim of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going bust (exceeding 21). You will be up against the dealer, so as long as your hand is better than the dealers, you will win the round.

All picture cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 10, whilst Aces can be worth either 1 or 11. Thus, in order to form Blackjack (the strongest hand), you should combine a picture card with an Ace.

The dealer serves the cards once all bets have been placed. Once this has happened, the dealer will deal one face-up card to the player position and takes a face-up card themselves. Here is where the Double Attack part enters the fray.

The player will have the option to double up their bet if they wish. This is purely based on their initial card and the dealer’s revealed card value.

Should the player wish to double their bet, they may do so. The round will then proceed as usual. The player receives a second face-up card whilst the dealer reveals a face-down card. The player may place an Insurance bet if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. This costs half their stake and warrants a 5:2 pay-out, slightly higher than the standard 2:1 offered on most blackjack games. This is due to the lack of 10s in the deck.

The dealer will also check for Blackjack if they reveal a picture card. Should the dealer have blackjack, this ends the round faster and without further spending. The only way to avoid a loss is if the player can show a Blackjack hand as well. In that case, the round ends as a push – with neither a profit nor loss. The round continues as usual if the dealer does not have Blackjack.

During the round, the player has a number of potions. They can do the following – depending on their cards:

• Hit: The player decides to take on another card. There is no limit on how many cards a player can take but they must remain cautious not to exceed 21.
• Stand: The player does not want any additional cards and is satisfied with their hand.
• Double Down: The player takes on a single additional card whilst doubling their bet. Unlike in most blackjack games, Double Attack Blackjack allows the player to Double Down at any point, not only after receiving their two initial cards.
• Surrender: The player decides to forfeit their hand, receiving back half of their initial stake. Players may Surrender at any time, even after a Double Down.
• Split: The player decides to split their hand, provided their two initial cards are a pair (have the same value). This will double their bet whilst both hands take on additional cards. Split hands can be both Doubled and Surrendered.

Dealer Rules

If the dealer has 17 or higher, they must stand. Likewise, the dealer must hit on any 16 or lower hand, until it reaches at least 17. There is no difference between soft and hard 17s in Double Attack Blackjack, the dealer will stand on both.

Double Attack Blackjack Side Bets

In Double Attack Blackjack, there are a variety of side bets. Most variants of the blackjack game will include the Bust It! side bet. Other names for this are Bust Out or Buster. Essentially, the Bust It! side bet wins if the dealer goes bust on the third card. Here is how it pays:

• If the third card is a ten, the payout is 3:1
• If the third card is a nine, the payout is 6:1
• If the third card is an eight, the payout is 8:1
• If the third card is a seven, the payout is 10:1
• If the third card is a six, the payout is 15:1

In addition, there are bigger pay-outs if the dealer has an eight. If the dealer has an eight and receives another eight whilst going bust, you will receive one of the following:

• If the dealer receives another 8 of the same colour, the payout is 50:1
• If the dealer receives another 8 of the same suit, the payout is 200:1

Double Attack Blackjack Strategy

While there are a few differences between Double Attack Blackjack and standard blackjack, the way to play does not differ too much. The main trick to the strategy is knowing when to use the Double Attack bet.

The basic strategy used for Double Attack Blackjack is not too difficult to pick up. Essentially, if the dealer is revealing anything from a 2 to an 8, you should double your bet with the Double Attack. The second part of strategy is knowing what decisions to take with your hand. We will walk you through some scenarios.

Hard Hands

A hard hand is a hand that does not contain an Ace. If you have a hard hand, here is what you should do:

• Always hit if your hand is worth 4 to 8
• Always Double Down if your hand is worth 9, unless the dealer reveals a 9, in which case, simply Hit
• Always Double Down if your hand is worth 10 and the dealer reveals a 2 to 8, otherwise, Hit
• Always Double Down if your hand is worth 11
• Always Hit if your hand is worth 12 or 13
• Always Stand if your hand is 14 and the dealer reveals a 4, 5 or 6, otherwise, Hit
• Always Stand if your hand is 15 and the dealer is showing a 2 to 6, otherwise, Hit
• Always Surrender if your hand is 17 and the dealer is showing an Ace, otherwise, Hit.
• Always Stand if your hand is worth 18 or more

Soft Hands

A soft hand is a hand that contains an Ace. The Ace can be worth either 1 or 11. If you hand a soft hand, here is what you should do:

• Always Hit with a soft 13, 14 or 15
• Always Double Down a soft 16 if the dealer reveals a 6, otherwise, Hit
• Always Doble Down if your soft hand is worth 17 and the dealer reveals a 4 to 6, otherwise, Hit
• Double Down on a soft 18 if the dealer shows a 5 or 6. Hit if the dealer has 9, 10 or Ace, otherwise, simply Stand
• Always Stand on a soft 19 or 20

Pairs

Lastly, if you have two cards with the same value, they are a pair. Here is what you should do with pairs:

• Always Split a pair of 2s if the dealer shows a 3 to 6, otherwise, Hit
• Always Split a pair of 3s if the dealer shows a 3 to 8, otherwise, Hit
• Always Hit a pair of 4s
• Always Double Down a pair of 5s if the dealer shows a 2 to 8, otherwise, Hit
• Always Split a pair of 6s if the dealer shows a 4 to 6, otherwise, Hit
• Always Split a pair of 7s if the dealer shows a 2 to 7, otherwise, Hit
• Always Split a pair of 8s
• Always Split a pair of 9s if the dealer shows 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9, otherwise, Stand
• Always Stand on a pair of Face Cards
• Always Split a pair of Aces

To Conclude

While at first it may seem tricky to get used to Double Attack Blackjack strategy, it becomes second nature with some practice. The main advantage here is the option to double your bet after only receiving your first card, which means that it is possible to increase your winnings. Stick to the rules given above and you should soon be well on your way to success.