Blackjack Evolution Gaming uses the same set of blackjack rules for all of their tables regardless of which partner casino the games are featured on. The only differences with each table are the betting limit ranges, dedicated (branded tables), overall theme including table color, number of live dealers during a session and so forth. Speed Blackjack. It's the fastest decision first, in our fastest Blackjack yet! Speed Blackjack. Read more Evolution partners with JVH gaming & entertainment group in the Ne. PR Evolution today announced that it has entered into a partnership with JVH gaming & entertainment group (JVH group) for the supply of.
In January 2020, Evolution Gaming announced the launch of their new Live Blackjack game – Speed Blackjack.
The game was announced as a super-fast Blackjack variant where one feature was changed – the dealing order. According to Evolution’s representatives, with this game, they have changed the way Blackjack has been played for the last hundred years. Stay tuned to learn how to play Live Speed Blackjack and make the most of it.
Basic Rules and Gameplay
Speed Blackjack is an 8-deck card game accepting up to 7 players at the same time. It is played by standard Vegas rules, meaning that the dealer gets two cards and peeks for a Blackjack. When it comes to game rules, it shares most of them with standard Blackjack. The player can double down on the first two cards and split any pair. If they split Aces, they can get only one card. As for the dealer, they stand on all 17s, both soft and hard. A natural pays 3:2 while Insurance pays 2:1.
Now, on to crucial differences between the regular version of the game and the Evolution fast-paced take on it. Speed Blackjack is from 30% to 40% faster than the standard game, which translates in time for betting and making decision reduced by 7 seconds.
Initial two cards are dealt as usual, in the regular order, left to right. When the dealing of the first two cards is complete, players who have joined the table are offered to hit, stand, double down or split at the same time. The one who makes their decision first gets their next card first. Such a pattern is applied to all the players. Of course, those who decide to stand won’t get additional cards. The dealing order does not change the math of the game, though.
The game offers two new Autoplay features. If you have a hand worth more than 12 and you don’t make your decision in time, you will automatically stand. With a hand total less than 11, failing to make a decision within the given time will automatically result in hitting.
Speed Blackjack Side Bets
A round of Live Speed Blackjack starts with the players placing the main bet. If they wish so, they can also play one of the side bets available at the table:
- Perfect Pairs: This optional wager pays when the first two cards create a pair. A payout is determined by the type of a pair with a mixed coloured pair paying 6:1, a pair of the same colour paying 12:1 and the perfect pair consisting of the same suit paying 25:1.
- 21+3: Another standard side bet available at Evolution Blackjack tables requires a qualifying poker hand to pay a prize. A flush earns you the lowest payout of 5:1, a straight wins 10:1 while a trips and straight flush pay 30:1 and 40:1 respectively. A suited trips grant the top prize worth 100:1.
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Just like other Blackjack variants by the reputable provider, Speed Blackjack offers the Bet Behind option. Given that there are only 7 seats at the table, Bet Behind allows you to play the game by placing bets behind one or more of the players who have already joined it. You will see hot players as they have one or more gold medals next to their name. They indicate how many game rounds they have won so far. If you decide to make use of this option, you will be notified when one of the seats becomes free.
House Edge and RTP
This version of the game does not differ from other Blackjack games in Evolution’s portfolio when it comes to a house edge for the main bet or the side bets. When it comes to the main hand, a house edge sits at 0.71%, meaning that the expected return to player (RTP) is 99.29%.
Evolution Gaming Blackjack
As for the side bets, the Perfect Pairs side bet has a house margin of 4.1% and an RTP of 95.9% while the 21+3 bet has a house edge of 3.7% and an RTP of 96.3%.
How to Win at Live Speed Blackjack Table
There is no specific strategy you can use for this game variant. Since the math behind the game is the same as in the standard version, you should use the basic Blackjack strategy to play Speed Blackjack. Take your time and make decisions according to it or simply use a cheat sheet for the game where the dealer stands on all 17s. That will help you minimise the house edge to 0.71%, which is pretty low, we have to admit. Another useful piece of advice would be to manage your bankroll and stick to it without risking more than you can afford.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Live Speed Blackjack
As you can see, when it comes to Speed Blackjack, it is all about the way additional cards are dealt. If you want to play Blackjack and you don’t want to wait for your turn, this game might be a perfect fit for you. This feature makes it ideal for seasoned players who are confident enough to make their decisions fast. As for other features, Speed Blackjack is an excellent variant with the rules favourable to the player, including the dealer standing on all 17s and a natural paying 3:2. A standard set of side bets makes it more attractive for those players who like to take risks for a chance to win bigger prizes.
Speaking of the disadvantages of playing the Evolution product, we have to mention that fast-paced gameplay may not be suitable for all players. Those who are new to the game of Blackjack may need more time to make decisions and the action at the table may confuse them. Keep in mind that if you don’t respond in time, the Autoplay feature may complete your moves in the way set by the developer.
Closing Thoughts
As the industry first, Speed Blackjack is a great addition to the Evolution portfolio that gives players more control over the action at the table. We expect that it will be highly popular with experienced players who prefer playing casino games at a faster pace. Make sure to follow the basic strategy in order to make the most of the time you spend at the table.
Click here to visit Evolution Gaming-powered live casinos and give Speed Blackjack a try!
In the world of live casino, Evolution Gaming is an undisputed leading force that drives the entire industry ahead.
The company provides memorable live dealer gambling experiences for thousands of players across hundreds of different online casino sites, and they have no intention to stop anytime soon. Evolution’s portfolio contains a multitude of live tables where all the popular casino games are played, from roulette and poker to baccarat and, of course, blackjack.
The blackjack variations that have come out of the Evolution Gaming workshop are some of the most accomplished live dealer products that have ever been released. We’re about to dive deep into the ins and outs of their Infinite Blackjack game as one of the most attention-grabbing launches of recent years. Yes, Blackjack Party may very well be the most recognisable blackjack table from the leading brand. We’ve also seen VIP versions such as Salon Prive Blackjack, native tables and private tables scooping up their fair share of blackjack lovers coming online to play 21.
But as we’ve said, Infinite Blackjack is our topic, as we aim to explore the strategies that can boost the player’s game and possibly make the experience even more enjoyable than it already is.
The Highlights of Live Infinite Blackjack
Described by its maker as “exceptional blackjack with unlimited seats”, Infinite Blackjack is so much more than just that. It caters to so many player types as it encompasses various favourable characteristics that blackjack players simply love to see.
First and foremost, vacant seats are guaranteed. Hence the name. An infinite number of players can join the table and bet on the one hand that is dealt, which means no player has to wait for a seat to open. Standard 7-seat blackjack tables typically come with his hurdle that players are often in struggling to come to terms with.
Evolution Gaming Blackjack Tabelle
Next, the 2018 release is a low stakes table and also one that offers wide betting limits with most operators. This means it doesn’t aim to attract narrow demographics. On the contrary, the game is equally suitable for different budgets and different gambling styles. Another beneficial circumstance with Infinite Blackjack is that players of various levels of experience can equally enjoy it. As they’ve aptly said from Evolution: “[…] we finally cracked the code on how to make a one-to-many blackjack game fun and without having to make any rule changes”. If you have played any standard game of 21, you will do just fine playing Infinite Blackjack.
How to Play Live Infinite Blackjack
Even if you know how blackjack works and you have played it before, we still recommend going through the rules of Infinite Blackjack.
It will simply create a more solid foundation for your knowledge before you unleash it in a real-money round and it will introduce you to some of the subtleties that are incorporated in the game. A total of 8 decks of cards are used, and each player will start with the same two cards. A reminder – this is a “one to many” type of game, so only one hand is dealt to all players, letting them decide each for themselves what the next move will be.
As per usual, the decisions will include stand, double, hit, split, as well as buy insurance, where applicable. The house rules are standard: dealer will stand on all 17s, double down is enabled on any two initial cards, initial cards of equal value can be split, only one split per hand is permitted, no double down after split and a natural blackjack pays 3:2.
When the dealer’s up-card is an Ace, insurance becomes available. The dealer will check for blackjack with an Ace showing, but not when the up-card in his hand is a 10. The most notable difference between Infinite Blackjack and other Evolution Gaming blackjack tables is that here the Six Card Charlie rule applies. This rule states that any player hand made up of 6 cards totalling 21 or below is an automatic winner, with a payout of 1 to 1, and it applies even if the dealer’s got a blackjack.
What about side bets? There are quite a few of them: 21+3, Any Pair, Bust It and Hot 3. These are all optional and can make the game more fun. Any Pair will pay on any pair made with the first two cards of the player’s hand. If you’re in the mood for poker card combinations, go with 21+3. The Bust It side bet relies on the dealer’s hand to bust, while the Hot 3 side bet centres on various card combinations formed by the dealer’s up-card and the player’s first two cards. Most players will agree that Infinite Blackjack gives a new view on the side bets aspect, as most tables will only limit the range to Pairs and 21+3. Also, there are no other live dealer tables to offer the Six Card Charlie feature.
Live Infinite Blackjack Strategy
Let’s start by analysing the return to player rates for this game. The theoretical return for the main gameplay in Infinite Blackjack is better than what is offered with standard 7-seat tables. The RTP of 99.47% is owed to the Six Card Charlie rule. The percentage is reduced if you choose to wager on any of the optional bets. The Bust It bet carries the lowest rate of 94.12%, while 21+3 comes with 96.30%. It’s not all about the numbers, as we know, but it’s good to take this info into account. The rates tell us that side bets will not improve our winning potential in the long run. In fact, they will make us lose more than we win. Therefore, any strategic advice you can find out there will recommend avoiding side bets.
After the side bets have been eliminated, so to speak, we’re left with a straightforward strategy for a base game of blackjack. The strategy revolves around helping the player decide how to play a hard hand, a soft hand and a paired hand, always paying attention to the dealer’s up-card. The strategy charts advise to hit whenever the hard total is 8 or under. If the hard total is 9, you should double against dealers total of 3 through 6, otherwise you should hit. Stand when the hard hand totals anything from 17 to 21.
Regarding soft hands, you ought to hit when your total is 12 or under. Stand when it is 19 to 21. As for splitting, you should always split a pair of Aces and hit on a pair of 4s. When you get a pair of 10, it’s best to stand.