While the term “bonus blackjack” may refer simply to blackjack online with bonus side bets, here we will address the innovative blackjack variant called Bonus Blackjack. It is offered by a few blackjack online casinos and developed by not too many software companies.
Microgaming is arguably the most famous company that has its version, though. You will be glad to know that Bonus Blackjack follows the regular blackjack proceedings and allows the same blackjack basic strategy to be applied for optimal results.
Revise Your Blackjack Rules Knowledge
Once you have found an online casino that offers Bonus Blackjack, take a moment to recapitulate your knowledge of the game. Just like in any blackjack, your main goal is to reach a total of 21 or the closest to it, while remaining at a higher total than the dealer.
Exceeding 21 means you automatically lose. If you get 21 with the two initial cards, you win with a natural blackjack.
Specific about Bonus Blackjack
Keep in mind that Bonus Blackjack (the Microgaming variant, which you are most likely to find) is played with 2 decks of 52 cards. The cards are shuffled after each round and the game is played with a single hand (there is also a multi-hand variant). The dealer is allowed to peek for blackjack if his upcard is either an Ace or a 10.
When the two initial cards are dealt, the player must make a decision to hit, stand, split or double down. Bonus Blackjack comes with no surrender but allows insurance. If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace the player can take insurance. Dealer hits on soft 17, whereas the player can double down on any two cards, even after the split. Re-splitting is also permitted.
Dealing the Cards and Making Bets
The round starts with the players making the initial wager – the main bet. The initial bet must be equal to or greater than the table minimum.
Now, the players have the option to take the bonus bet (the jackpot side bet). This is a completely optional move, and if you decide to make this bet place chips in the Bonus Blackjack circle, all the while adhering to the table betting limits. The Bonus Blackjack side bet is capped at most casinos at an amount that is far below the table maximum.
After the bets are placed, the two initial cards are dealt to all the players and the dealer is last to receive cards and the last to act on his hand.
Bonus Blackjack Side Bet Summary
The Bonus side bet, or jackpot bet, is decided on the basis of the first two player’s cards. So, the results are evaluated right after the initial deal, and after this is done you get to act on your standard hand.
The most you can win out of the side bet is a 50:1 payout in the case you have a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades. Any other suited blackjack pays at 25:1 odds. No blackjack means you’ve lost the Bonus side bet, but you still have the chance to win on your main wager.
