Multi-Hand Blackjack: Rules & Strategies

Multi-Hand Blackjack is an exciting variant of the traditional game of Blackjack, while the difference, as its name suggests, is that it enables players to play up to five hands in a single game!

At this moment, Multi-Hand Blackjack is one of the most popular versions of this game, enjoyed by a large number of casino customers around the globe.

Playing several hands at the same time, independently from each other, has made this variant extremely appealing to those fans of Blackjack who enjoy playing their games online. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Multi-Hand Blackjack has been present online for a long time.

Multi-Hand Blackjack Rules

Multi-Hand Blackjack can be played in many different ways. Players can choose the classic version of Multi-Hand Blackjack and several others including Multi-Hand European Blackjack, Multi-Hand Pontoon Blackjack, Multi-Hand Atlantic City Blackjack or Multi-Hand Double Exposure Blackjack.

These variants all have their differences, but they also have a lot in common.

First of all, no matter which version you choose, you’ll always have the option to pick the number of hands you want to play. As we’ve already mentioned, you can choose up to five hands. This is done by placing your bets in the circles of the Blackjack table, with the number of bets corresponding to the number of hands you’ll be playing.

All stakes can be worth the same, or their size can differ. That’s up to you.

Playing Your Hands

Once you place your wagers, the dealer will give you two cards for each of the hands you bet on. Then it’s time to play your hands, and as we’ve already said, that’s done separately. Like in the standard game of Blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer. That’s achieved by getting as closer to 21 without exceeding it.

When it comes to moves you can make, here’s what you can do on each of your hands:

• Stand. This means to stop taking more cards.
• Hit. This means asking for another card.
• Double down. By choosing this option, you’ll double the wager’s size on a specific hand, take another card and then stand.
• Split. If you have two cards of the same value, you can create two separate hands, with the wager being equal to the original one. You’ll get another card for each of the hands, and then continue to play them separately.
• Surrender. You can surrender half of our bet if you have a terrible hand.
Winning at Multi-Hand Blackjack

Once again we’ll point out that each of your hands is played independently, meaning it’s possible to win and lose some of the hands you’re playing at the same time.

If an Ace, a ten or a face card are the first two hands you get in a hand, then you have a blackjack and you win. This Blackjack is also known as a natural, awarding a payout of 3:2 on the wager you made. All other wins you make will be paid out odds of 1:1.

If the value of the cards you have in hand exceeds 21, you’ll lose no matter what happens to the dealer. On the other hand, if the dealer is the one who busts, your non-busted hands will win, no matter their value. If the dealer doesn’t bust, his hand will be compared to yours. The one with the higher value wins!

A Push is when one of the hands you have is tied with the dealer’s hand. You don’t win, but you won’t lose any money.

Using a Strategy to Your Advantage

When playing multiple hands at once, it’s essential not act impulsively, which often happens as the gameplay is relatively quick. That’s why you should give your best to play longer.

Players can use their multiple hands as an advantage by utilising the right strategy. You can play one hand more aggressively while being very cautious with another one.

Players can also use the fact the dealer must draw cards until he reaches 17. And while the dealer is obliged by rules to do so, players are free to choose their move.

If the dealer is holding an Ace, players can choose to take insurance out on their hands, which is another neat option.