Double Exposure Blackjack

Blackjack is played all over the world because it is a casino game that offers players the opportunity to turn the tables and win by applying the right strategy. Over the years, many professional gamblers have proposed new rules and moves, resulting in more than 100 variations.

• Brief History
• Rules of Double Exposure Blackjack
• Basic Strategy for Double Exposure Blackjack
• Pros & Cons of Double Exposure Blackjack
• Conclusion

This huge diversity allows them to enjoy the game in many different forms and decide which one suits them best. Many casinos offer the classic game alongside its most popular versions, which have become an integral part of blackjack. Some of them increase the house edge, while others favour the players, which is why, prior to playing, it is always best to double-check the rules before you play.

Double Exposure Blackjack is an extremely interesting variation that appeals to a great number of players worldwide. As the name suggests, the dealer’s cards are exposed in this version, so everyone at the table can see them. This enables players to make more informed decisions about their bets and moves.

This can be a huge advantage. However, players should pay attention to the additional rules that were introduced to increase the house edge and make the game more challenging.

Brief History

The inventor of this variation is Richard A. Epstein. He came up with the idea of a similar variant, which he called Zweikartenspiel. He is a game theorist and a prominent casino consultant who has assisted many successful players. A loose translation of Zweikartenspiel from German is something along the lines of “two-card game”.

Epstein discussed this innovative take on blackjack in his must-read Theory of Gambling and Statistical Logic, where he also suggested a suitable strategy for the game. Unlike Geoff Hall, who invented and patented his Blackjack Switch variation, Epstein did not patent his bespoke creation.

It appears that Mr. Epstein’s book attracted the attention of Las Vegas gambling operators since a similar game, called Double Exposure 21, was installed in Vegas World Casino in October 1979. Shortly after, four other gambling venues in Sin City added it to their floors.

Casino patrons must have disliked the trademarked name of the game because everyone called the variation “double exposure” regardless of where they played. Eventually, one of the executives at Vegas World learnt of this. He decided to give his written permission for the generic use of Double Exposure 21, which led to this brand name losing its trademark status.

Since then, the variant has become one of the most famous because of its extraordinary rules. It is also commonly known as Dealer Disclosure or Face-Up Blackjack because the dealer’s cards are no longer hidden, which is what distinguishes it from other variations.

Another essential thing to bear in mind is that playing conditions might vary vastly depending on where you play Double Exposure. Rules are important because they affect the optimal strategic plays for this game. Speaking of strategy, it is also worth noting that Julian Braun, programmer and blackjack enthusiast, was the first person to develop an accurate strategy for Double Exposure.

With that in mind, his suggested plays are accurate for one-deck variations where the dealer must stand on soft 17 and players are permitted to double down following pair splits. This strategy was first published in Mr. Epstein’s book Theory of Gambling and Statistical Logic. The correct playing strategy for this fascinating variation is affected by the number of decks, whether you can double after splitting, and the dealer’s drawing rules.

Double Exposure continues to enjoy undying popularity, so much so that some of the industry’s largest software studios have adapted it for play on desktop computers and mobile devices. You can find online versions of Double Exposure in casinos that run on software provided by Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, and Play’n GO. Accordingly, the rulesets can vary depending on the supplier.

Rules of Double Exposure Blackjack

As already mentioned, this variation is very enticing because both dealer cards are dealt face-up. Knowing the dealer’s total is extremely beneficial and changes the entire course of the game.

However, it is worth mentioning that there are some additional rules that favour the casinos. These compensate for the significant advantage the exposed dealer cards give to the players.

The main principle and objective of the game remain the same because this version is still based on classic blackjack. In other words, players’ chief goal is to beat the dealer. Apart from the difference regarding the dealer’s cards, another crucial rule is that the house takes all ties. This applies in all cases except when the dealer’s natural blackjack ties with the player’s blackjack. In this instance, rather than pushing with the dealer, the player’s blackjack wins at even odds.

Splitting is allowed only once, and the payout for blackjack is 1 to 1 instead of the standard 3 to 2. Most variants prohibit resplitting and drawing to split aces as well. One of the few exceptions is Microgaming’s version of Double Exposure, where players can resplit aces. Additionally, some casinos prohibit splitting unlike-ten-value cards such as J-K or 10-Q.

Players are also unable to surrender or take insurance because they already know the dealer’s cards. The absence of insurance is nothing to cry about if you use only basic strategy, though, since this is a bad bet for basic strategists. Players should also bear in mind that most variations of Double Exposure do not support side bets, but this is hardly a disadvantage, considering the huge house edge these wagers yield.

Card counters should take into account the fact that this variation is usually played with at least six decks, most often eight. Some online variations, like Pragmatic Play’s version, use five decks of cards. The dealer usually hits on soft 17, but players need to bear in mind that this rule can differ in some casinos.

It is worth mentioning that it is best to opt for a casino where the dealer stands on soft 17, as this move reduces the house edge. We suggest you look for Play’n GO-powered casinos since the version developed by this supplier requires the dealer to stand on all 17.

Another rule that can vary depending on the venue is whether players are allowed to double down after they split. Ideally, doubling after a split should be allowed, as this works in the player’s favour. Most land-based and virtual variants of Double Exposure altogether disallow doubling after pair splitting, which adds 0.32% in their favour.

In this vein, it is worth noting that doubling is generally restricted solely to two-card hands that total 9, 10, or 11. These limitations increase the casinos’ advantage by a little over 1%. As you can see, playing conditions might fluctuate tremendously across different online and land-based casinos.

To help you make a better-informed decision, we present you with this table where we compare the rulesets of the three most popular online Double Exposure variants side by side. The impact of the rules is reflected in the games’ RTPs.

Basic Strategy for Double Exposure Blackjack

Like in all blackjack variations, players can minimise the casino advantage in Double Exposure by using a basic strategy that fits the unique ruleset of the game. A different approach is required since you get to see the dealer’s starting two-card total, i.e. you have more information on which to base your playing decisions. By contrast, the basic strategies for hole-card blackjack variations are based only on the dealer’s upcard and the player’s current hand total.

This leads to many strategic discrepancies. One prime example is a dealer holding 7-K versus the player’s hard 17. As we hope you know after reading our previous strategy-related articles, this is a stand in multi-deck games where the dealer’s second card is hidden, i.e. you only get to see the 7 as the King is in the hole.

However, standing on 17 vs. 17 is not strategically correct in Double Exposure, where the dealer takes all ties bar blackjack pushes. In other words, if you decline to draw, the dealer’s hard 17 will beat your 17. The correct play for this card holding in Double Exposure is to take a hit in an attempt to outdraw the dealer.

Another good example is when the player is dealt 8-8 against a dealer who has 19. Under normal circumstances, basic strategy recommends always splitting 8s. Nonetheless, the odds in Double Exposure favour hitting rather than splitting against strong dealer totals like 19, 20, and 21.

The strategy chart for Double Exposure looks different from conventional basic strategy charts as it contains all possible player totals versus all possible dealer totals. As usual, the playing moves are influenced by various factors, including the availability of doubling after pair splits, deck number, and the dealer’s standing total.

To use the chart, you simply need to check the correct play in the box where the dealer’s starting total and your current total intersect. The plays suggested below coincide for a standard multiple-deck variant of Double Exposure where the dealer draws to 16 and stands on all totals of 17 or higher.

Pros & Cons of Double Exposure Blackjack

In general, Double Exposure Blackjack is considered a variation that favours the players more than the casino. This is one of the biggest advantages, as it gives them reasonably good chances of winning, provided they possess the necessary strategy and skills.

Another great benefit is that they are able to see both cards of the dealer and thus can tailor their moves and bets accordingly. This variation is also offered online by most reputable casinos, which makes it great for players who like to play on the go.

One of the major drawbacks in this version is that the dealer wins all ties, meaning that if players find themselves in a situation where they and the dealer push with anything other than blackjacks, they will receive nothing.

Moreover, before playing you must adjust your basic strategy, as its suggested moves are based on the probability of the dealer’s two-card total. Since players will be aware of them, a new approach is required. They should also bear in mind that the payout for blackjacks is even money, which affects their profit in the long term.

Conclusion

Double Exposure Blackjack is one of the best-known variations of blackjack because it offers a different way of playing: players are able to see the dealer’s cards.

This directly affects their decisions regarding their moves and bets, as this valuable information gives them a general idea of the likely outcome of a particular situation. However, they should take into account the fact that a number of rules are intended to decrease the players’ advantage.

It is a very interesting version of the game that players can try not only in bricks-and-mortar casinos but also online. Before playing, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with all the rules and game specifications in advance, as they vary depending on the casino. Moreover, players should take the time to adjust their basic strategy in order to minimise their losses.