Few games are as well-known or beloved as Face Up Blackjack! The fast-paced card game is a staple in physical and virtual casinos alike. It offers a thrilling experience that even newbies can pick up on.
While traditional Blackjack continues to captivate, newer iterations are putting a new twist on the familiar classic.
Face Up Blackjack is a popular variant that eliminates the mystery of the dealer’s hand. As you can guess from the name, the cards are all dealt face up! That detail alone turns standard gameplay on its head. It requires more strategy and iron-clad instincts to beat the dealer and come out on top!
Top Online Casinos for Face Up Blackjack
Face Up Blackjack isn’t as widespread in brick-and-mortar casinos. But online, it’s a huge hit! Online play is the best way to experience everything that Face Up Blackjack has to offer.
Online casinos let you get in on the fun from anywhere in the world. Play a quick round on the go or make a day of play at home. The choice is yours!
Face Up Blackjack is available on sites big and small. Some sites even offer live dealer versions to add another dimension to the gameplay experience.
Playing for Free vs. Real Money
You would think that top-notch customer support is a given. Sadly, that’s not the case at many online casinos. You need a reliable support team when things go awry. Otherwise, you may end up losing money or having an awful gaming experience.
The best sites have a fully staffed team available around the clock. Not only that, but they offer multiple ways to connect. Life chat, live telephone numbers, and messaging systems are all a plus.
Reasons to Play for Free:
1. Test the software and make sure you have a smooth experience.
2. Learn the ropes and understand the game.
3. Try new strategies without any pressure.
4. Give the casino site a trial run without commitments.
5. Have fun in a no-stress environment.
Reasons to Play for Real Money:
1. Experience the genuine thrill of gambling!
2. The only way to win big is to bet real money.
3. Unlock the entire gameplay experience without limitations.
4. Claim welcome bonuses and VIP points.
5. Participate in tournaments and high-stakes matches
The History of Face Up Blackjack
To understand how Face Up Blackjack came to be, we have to look at its origin game.
Blackjack is a tried and true classic! It goes by many names, but the gameplay remains unchanged. When and where this card game started is unclear. However, historians hypothesize that it all started in Ancient Rome. Back then, gamblers used wooden blacks instead of cards.
Eventually, the game made its way to France. It was known as Vingt-et-Un, and used early versions of the signature French deck. After rising in popularity throughout Europe, the card game made its way across the pond.
Early versions of Blackjack appeared in New Orleans during the 18th century. It was hugely popular on riverboats and legal gambling houses.
The standard version of 21 we know today came to be in the 20th century. Gambling halls in Las Vegas started to call it “Blackjack,” and the rest is history!
Face Up Blackjack is a relatively new variation. Game theorist Richard A. Epstein proposed it in 1977. It became a little more refined in the coming years. The now-defunct Vegas World casino debuted it in 1979 with new rules that favored the house.
A couple of decades later, digital versions of Face Up Blackjack appeared. Also known as Double Exposure, Dealer Disclosure, or Face Up 21, it continues to be a hit among players worldwide!
Rules of Playing Face Up Blackjack
The rules of Face Up Blackjack are pretty similar to traditional Blackjack. The main difference, however, is how the dealer presents the cards. Usually, your cards and the dealer’s “hole” card are faced down. But in this variation, everything is out in the open!
All cards are exposed, so you’re no longer playing blind. You can see the dealer’s hand clearly, which opens up a lot of possibilities.
Most of the other rules are the same. However, there are a few exceptions.
First, you’re able to double down and split. When you double down, you’re increasing your initial bet by up to 100 percent. They can occur if you have a hand that totals nine, 10, or 11.
If you’re holding a pair, you can split. Splitting means that you separate the pair to create two hands. Splits can happen up to three times, creating up to four hands at once!
Another significant change is how the dealer acts. Programming can vary a bit from one casino to the next. But generally, dealers stand on a Hard 17 and hit on a Soft 17. If the dealer has to stand, the game automatically deals new player cards until you beat the dealer or bust.
The last specialty rule revolves around ties. All ties go to the dealer. The only exception is if you hit Blackjack. In that case, you’ll win. However, the payout will be even money instead of three to two.
Our Top Tips for Maximizing Your Face Up Blackjack Strategy
1. Understand your odds.
Face Up Blackjack has a higher than conventional Blackjack. It’s important to remember that going in. Payouts are a little lower, and the odds are adjusted to the dealer. Be mindful of those changes so that you don’t bet out of your means.
2. Know when to hit and stand.
Generally, it’s best to hit when you have a hand of 10 or anything between 12 and 16. With 17 and above, it’s better to stand.
Because you can see the dealer’s hand, you have the advantage. Study your cards and the dealer’s cards to make the best choice possible.
3. Don’t be afraid to surrender.
Sometimes, it’s better to give up than lose money. If you have an awful hand, there’s no shame in surrendering. Doing so will get half your bet back, which is better than losing it all!
4. Familiarize yourself with strategy charts.
Blackjack is a complex game. There are many strategy charts out there that give you the best possible moves for any given scenario. Study them closely. Having even a basic understanding of those charts can help you figure out odds on the fly.
5. Set limits and be mindful of your bankroll.
Face Up Blackjack is a fast-paced game that’s easy to get lost in. If you’re not careful, you can lose a lot of money! If available, use any safe gambling tools made available by the casino. Know when to step away and take a break.
FAQ
How is Face Up Blackjack different to traditional Blackjack?
his Blackjack iteration looks very similar to the traditional game. The primary difference is that the cards are dealt face up. This unique quirk applies to both your cards and the cards of the dealer.
By exposing all of the cards, you’re no longer playing blind. You’re free to look at the hands and strategize accordingly. The exposure eliminates a lot of mystery and allows you to be more decisive.
Some other gameplay changes exist as well. For example, restrictions on doubling down and splitting exist. There are also changes to how the dealer behaves with specific hands. But beyond that, the gameplay is essentially the same.
Is Face Up Blackjack easier?
Many believe that Face Up Blackjack is easier than other variants. However, the issue isn’t as cut and dry.
The exposed cards do make it easier for players to strategize. In this sense, it may be more accessible to novice players.
That said, Face Up Blackjack is built to favor the house. Eliminating the mystery behind hands makes it more challenging for the dealer to win. So, there are a couple of rules to mitigate the risks. The payouts are lower, and the house edge is higher.
While the game might be more beginner-friendly, it’s more difficult to win big.
What’s the house edge for Face Up Blackjack?
The house edge depends on how many decks are used. Traditionally, Face Up Blackjack uses eight decks in the shoe. In that case, the house edge is 0.85 percent. If fewer decks are used, the house edge will increase even more.
As the name would imply, you must get at least a pair of tens or higher. Anything lower than that and you lose!
Can you play Face Up Blackjack for real money?
You can play Face Up Blackjack for free or real money.
Real-money rounds act more like demos. They might have limited features or restrictions.
If you bet real money, you unlock the full experience. It’s the best way to experience what Face Up Blackjack has to offer! Lay real money on the line, and you can potentially win big!
Before the game deals the cards, you get to choose how much you want to bet. You can play conservatively or go all-in! The amount you win will depend entirely on the betting amount.
Where is Face Up Blackjack available?
Face Up Blackjack is available at brick-and-mortar casinos and online casinos. Online play is widely available. Plus, it offers a safe and convenient gameplay experience.
Not sure which online casino to try? Check out our recommended list and start gaming!