Multihand blackjack is a variation of the classic card game, which allows you to play up to five hands of blackjack in a round. The game ups the ante by adding more variables to the equation. As such, you win bigger prizes because you are more likely to lose a bet.
If you’ve got a big bankroll and like the excitement that comes with increased volatility, then multihand blackjack may be the game for you. Below we look at what you need to know about the game, including the rules and strategy.
Before we get into it all, we need to mention that there are many sub-variations of multihand blackjack. Sometimes, rules may differ from game to game, but, generally, most have a set of standard rules.
Here is a list of rules common to most games:
You need to get your hand as close as possible to 21 without going over. You aim to beat the dealer’s score.
With multihand blackjack games, you decide on the number of hands you will play in a single round. Generally, the most you can play in a single round is five.
Each hand is played independently. So, you place bets on each singular hand. As such, you can adjust bets on each hand you play throughout the game.
You can double down, split, and take insurance in this variation. However, more often than not, the surrender option is not available.
The standard payout for a natural blackjack is 3/2.
As for rules for double downs, splits, insurance bets, and even the dealer’s options on a hand of soft 17, regulations vary across games.
How to Win Multihand Blackjack Strategy
Many of the usual blackjack strategies can be applied to multihand blackjack. But there are also two specialized strategies for this form of the game:
You can use different strategies on each hand. For example, if you see one hand is consistently doing very well, you should place high bets on it. If you see other hands are doing badly, lower your bet on them.
Multihand blackjack is a bankroll burner. So, make sure they approach the game with a good budgeting strategy. If you want a long game session, you need to make small bets. Enter the game with a predetermined amount you would like to spend and win, and always walk away before your luck runs out.
Should I Play Multihand Blackjack?
Multihand blackjack is an interesting variation of the game. It ups the stakes by allowing you to play multiple hands at once. However, there pros and cons to playing the real money game:
Pros of Multihand Blackjack
Placing separate bets on separate hands allows you to take advantage of patterns and thus make bigger profits on some hands. If you double down at the right time, you could even increase your winnings even further on some lucky hands.
Card counters also usually some success in multihand blackjack because the shoe is depleted much quicker than in other variations. This makes it easier to detect upcoming advantage plays and decrease the house edge. That said, most casinos reshuffle the deck after each hand because of this.
(Side note: unfortunately, card counting does not work at online casinos because online blackjack casino games use random number generators.)
Cons of Multihand Blackjack
Firstly, multihand blackjack tends to increase your chances of falling victim to gambler’s fallacy. You’ll get a few wins and then think that the shoe is “hot.”
Then, you’ll start playing more hands more aggressively because you think you are going to win. But this isn’t very likely. (No shoe is ever hot.)
Secondly, you play more hands per hour, meaning more chances for failure and a propensity to go bust quicker. When you play fewer hands, you will experience losses, but losing streaks are much less detrimental to your bankroll. So, this game could decimate the time of your game session.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, we think that multihand blackjack isn’t a bad variation of the game. We suggest you brush up on your basic strategy and card counting skills before you try it, though. Or else, multihand blackjack may just become a way for you to deplete your bankroll in record time.