As the name itself suggests, Multi-Hand Blackjack is a blackjack variant in which players are allowed to play more than one hand in a single round.
Since betting on several hands at once increases the game’s volatility, Multi-Hand Blackjack is usually more suited for players with a higher-than-average bankrolls.
Other than this significant change to the regular gameplay, the multi-hand version of blackjack operates on the same principle as the classic game of 21.
Solidify Your Blackjack Knowledge
It would be good to have some blackjack games under your belt before you jump into multi-hand blackjack play. You should know the rules of the game well and how the standard round unfolds, as well as the actions that you are allowed to take after your initial two cards are dealt.
The game objective remains the same as always – to create a hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over and beating the dealer’s hand in the process.
A natural blackjack hand pays out at 3:2 odds, whereas insurance pays 2:1. Other outcomes pay even money. The game is played with 6 or 8 decks of cards and all the standard actions are in play, from hitting and doubling to standing and splitting.
The Beginning of the Round
When you load a game of Multi-Hand Blackjack you will see a virtual table with five betting spots. Each of the spots represent one hand, so the game allows you to play up to 5 hands in one round if you want to.
However, you can choose to play only one hand, too. Before the cards are dealt, you need to pick how many hands you wish to play and place a bet on each of them by sliding virtual chips into corresponding boxes.
The table minimum betting limits are usually lower for Multi-Hand Blackjack to entice the players to bet on more than one hand.
Once the bets are made, the software will deal cards to the players first and then to the dealer’s position. All the players ‘cards are dealt face-up while the dealer’s first card is dealt face-up and the second one face-down.
Acting on Your Hand
If the dealer does not have a natural blackjack, the players will have the chance to act on their hands by selecting hit, split, stand, surrender or double down.
Players can stand on any hand total, meaning they can keep their current hand and not make any changes. To hit means asking for another card and increasing the initial wager. You can also double down on any two initial cards, except on a natural blackjack.
If you have a pair, you can split it into two hands and resplit up to 3 times. A pair of Aces, though, can be split only once. Insurance is available if the dealer’s upcard shows and Ace.
Dealer’s Actions
The dealer acts last and has the obligation to hot on all hand totals of 16 or less. The dealer also must stand on all 17s.
The round ends with all players revealing their hands and comparing them to the dealer’s hand. Those with a total that beats the dealer will be paid their bets at the odds that are given, depending on the game manufacturer, but you will likely find the same odds across the board.
