Big Five Blackjack is a variation of the famous card game that uses only five decks, which is unique. Usually, most blackjack games use six to eight decks, especially if you’re playing in a casino in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or any other famous gambling destination. Some games use only one deck, but these games are harder to find because it’s easier to card count with only one deck.
There are only a few slight differences between Big Five Blackjack and a standard blackjack game outside of using five decks. Some of these small changes impact the house edge. So, as with most table games, there are questions regarding whether this is the best variation of blackjack to play if you want to win.
If you would like to find out more about Big Five Blackjack, keep reading. Below we have a look at the rules of the game and how to play. We also list some of the best blackjack online casinos that may give you a chance to play this interesting variation. So, what are you waiting for?
Big Five Blackjack mostly uses standard blackjack rules, meaning that the aim is to beat the dealer without going over a hand score of 21. But as mentioned above, there are a few slight differences that have an impact on player odds, including:
The dealer must always hit on a hand featuring a Soft 17
It is not a hole card. So, the dealer does not peak at his/her cards, meaning you have little chance to know the face-down card’s value.
You can double down on two cards after splitting.
Insurance and Surrender are two valid rules in this variation. Early surrender is not allowed if the dealer has a face-up ace.
How Big Five Blackjack Works
Here is a complete walkthrough of how a standard game of Big Five Blackjack works:
Each game starts with a bet.
You are then dealt two cards face up. The dealer also gets two cards, but only one is face up.
At this point, you have the option to surrender if you don’t like the dealer’s face-up card. If it is an ace, you will be offered insurance instead.
If you have not chosen to surrender, the game will continue, and you will get the chance to either hit or stand.
A hit is when you ask for another card to increase the score of your hand. If you continue to hit and your hand score goes over 21, you automatically lose.
When you stand, you stick to your current hand.
When you decide to stand, the dealer will reveal their cards. Sometimes, they will be required to continue playing as rules permit based on their hand score. For example, hitting on a Soft 17.
The winner of the game is decided on both the dealer and the player’s final hand scores. You win if your hand total is higher than the dealer’s or if the dealer goes bust.
Should I Play This Variation?
Big Five Blackjack isn’t a bad variation, and it actually has a couple of rules that really increase your odds of winning. Especially, the dealer is forced to hit on a Soft 17.
Regarding house edge numbers, the game has a standard figure of 0.47%, which isn’t the lowest, but it isn’t the highest either. If you want to try out this variation, we won’t warn you against doing so.