Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City Blackjack – Fun and Advantageous

Blackjack is a classic card game, which managed to branch out to so many different variations that sometimes players might have a difficult time choosing just a single variant of the game. With Atlantic City being a prominent gaming hub for casino fans, it is no surprise that blackjack is offered across numerous casinos in the area. In fact, one variation of the game of 21 was played so often across casino floors in the city that it adopted the name Atlantic City Blackjack.

• Rules
• Late Surrender
• Useful Tips
• Strategy Chart
• Playing Online
• Conclusion
• Gameplay Guide
• FAQ

Nowadays, Atlantic City Blackjack can be found at numerous brick and mortar casinos as well as at many online casinos. One of the reasons why this variation has enjoyed such popularity is the somewhat low house edge, with Atlantic City Blackjack rules being almost as advantageous as those of classic blackjack. In this article, we have covered the rules of this blackjack variation as well as some tips you can use while playing the game.

Rules

Late Surrender

Useful Tips

Online Play

Rules of Atlantic City Blackjack

In this resort city, if a particular casino wants to change any of the rules, this request has to be approved by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Thus, many casinos prefer to use the same basic rules when it comes to this variation of blackjack as it is much more complicated to alter them. The basic rules of Atlantic City Blackjack are the same as the standard game. Players compete against a dealer who represents the respective casino. Their main goal is to form a hand whose total is as close to 21 as possible and beat the dealer. In case they surpass this number, they bust and lose the game.

Atlantic City Blackjack is played with eight decks, instead of the usual four packs of cards. At the beginning of the game, the dealer has two cards – one face up and one face down. It is a hole card game, meaning that the dealer peeks for blackjack. For instance, if he holds an Ace or a 10-valued card, he will check his other card. In case that he has indeed blackjack, players lose their bets and the game is over. In general, hole card games are more beneficial as they prevent players from losing more money due to the fact that they won’t place any large bets when the dealer is bound to win.

In this variation, after players receive their first two cards, they are allowed to double down on any two cards and also, they can do so after splitting. It is possible to split a pair up to three times and make a total of four hands. Any 10-valued cards, regardless of their suit, can be also split. However, there is one exception, when it comes to Aces as they can be split only once. In case that players happen to split a pair of Aces, they are dealt only one card.

It should be also noted that if they split an Ace and then get a 10-valued card, this combination is considered to be 21 instead of blackjack. The dealer is forced by the rules to stand on soft 17 and the payout for blackjack is either 3/2 or 6/5, depending on the respective casino. Any other winning combinations pay out even money, just like the classic blackjack. Insurance is also another option that is available in this version, and it can be placed only if the dealer has an Ace. In most cases, this side bet pays out 2/1.

Atlantic City Blackjack: A Step-by-Step Gameplay Guide for New Players

1. Atlantic City Blackjack: A Step-by-Step Gameplay Guide for New Players
2. Kickoff with Knowledge: Before anything else, remember this game uses eight decks, giving it a unique edge. It’s a close cousin to classic blackjack but with a few twists that amp up the excitement.
3. First Things First – Place Your Bet: Slide your chips into the betting circle. But hey, don’t get carried away just yet. Check the table limits to make sure they fit your bankroll.
4. Card Time: You’ll get two cards face up, while the dealer receives one face-up card and another facing down.
5. The Hole Card Peek: If the dealer’s showing an Ace or a ten-value card, they’ll peek at their hidden card. If it’s blackjack, the round ends, and losing bets are collected. No suspense, no muss.
6. Your Move: Staring down at your cards, the big question pops up – should you hit, stand, double down, or split? If you’re feeling gutsy, double down on any two cards or split your pairs. Keep in mind Aces can be split only once.
7. Ace Splitting Rules: Split Aces get just one extra card each. And if you pull a ten-value card, it counts as a regular 21, not blackjack.
8. Dealer’s Rule: The dealer is required to stand on soft 17, which gives you a slight edge.
9. Blackjack Payout: Blackjacks pay at odds of 3 to 2.
10. To Surrender or Not?: Feeling iffy about your hand? If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, you can wave the white flag with a late surrender, losing only half your bet. It’s a tactical retreat.
11. Insurance Side Bet: Tempted by insurance when the dealer shows an Ace? It pays 2 to 1, but be careful because this bet has a higher house edge.
12. Winning Wisdom: Split those Aces, stand on 10s, and surrender wisely. Remember, it’s not just about the cards you’re dealt but how you play them.

Late Surrender in Atlantic City Blackjack

What sets Atlantic City Blackjack apart from the classic game, is the fact that late surrender is allowed in this variation. Late surrender offers players the opportunity to withdraw from their current hand after the dealer has checked for blackjack. In such cases, they lose half of their initial wager and retain the other half, without playing their hand. However, it is worth noting that if the dealer has a natural blackjack, players cannot surrender and as a result, their original wager will be completely lost.

A number of casinos in Atlantic City offer this move, however it is not always displayed in the most visible place as it has proven to be beneficial for the players. In general, late surrender is not as favorable as early surrender as it doesn’t decrease the house edge as much. However, if players know when exactly this move should be used, it can be very beneficial for them. In order to clarify the usage of late surrender better, let’s have a look at some of the situations in which it is best to take advantage of it. For instance, if players’ hand totals 15 or 16 and the up card of the dealer is a 9,10 or 11, it is a good idea to surrender. The same goes for the cases when players have a total of 17 in their hand and the dealer has an Ace.

Live Dealers Blackjack

Blackjack Tournaments

Blackjack Bankroll

Blackjack Bonus

Useful Tips

If players are dealt a pair of Aces, it is advisable to always split them as this way they will form two strong hands. In contrast to a pair of Aces, when they get a pair of 10’s, it is best to stand, regardless of the up card of the dealer. When it comes to late surrender, even though this move can be very beneficial in some cases, it is important to make it only when it is indeed needed. Insurance is another available option, however in most cases placing this side bet works in favor of the casino. It has house edge that is around 8% which makes it highly unfavorable. However, it can be a very good option for card counters, providing that they are able to determine the ratio of the high value cards to low value ones.

In general, it is always a good idea to follow a basic strategy and adhere to it throughout the whole game. The same rule applies when playing Atlantic City Blackjack. In order to win and make the most of every game, players should always prepare themselves in advance and get familiar with the basic rules. It is also essential to have a money management system as without it, they won’t be able to retain their winnings.

Atlantic City Blackjack Strategy Chart

Rules:

• 6 Decks
• Dealer Stands on Soft 17
• Dealer Does Not Peek for Blackjack
• Double on Any Two Cards, Double After Split (DAS)

Legend:

• H: Hit
• S: Stand
• D: Double if Possible, Otherwise Hit
• Ds: Double if Possible, Otherwise Stand
• P: Split (Pair)

Atlantic City Blackjack Online

Due to the fact that throughout the years Atlantic City Blackjack has gained in popularity significantly, nowadays it is possible to play this variation online. Thanks to one of the most prominent software providers Microgaming, players from all over the world have the chance to experience this exciting variation at the comfort of their home. A number of online casinos have teamed up with this software company in an attempt to provide only top-quality games.

There is no need to travel all the way to a land-based casino in order to enjoy this variation which is undoubtedly a great benefit. The online version has a very realistic design and exclusive features which assure high level of entertainment. Moreover, some online casinos also offer a live dealer Atlantic City Blackjack which gives players the chance to experience the game as if they were in a brick and mortar casino. The action of the game unfolds before players’ eyes as it is possible to see the dealing of the cards in real time thanks to the live streaming video.

Conclusion

Atlantic City Blackjack is one of the most popular variations that is played by a number of players. Its basic rules are the same as the classic game, however it has its subtleties and exclusive features which make it very entertaining and challenging. The game can be easily found in every brick and mortar casino in Atlantic City as well as online, and it is entirely up to the players to decide the most convenient for them way of playing.

FAQ: Atlantic City Blackjack