Double Attack Blackjack is another variant of this popular board game. During the last few years, substitutes for casino pits have been appearing (and disappearing). The most active variants currently are Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, Free Bet Blackjack and Three Card Blackjack.

The blackjack rules for double attack blackjack give the player the opportunity to double the play bet if they think the casino dealer has a weak card.

How the game is played

IN Spanish deck The one with 48 cards is used instead of the usual 52. All four 10s are removed. Aces through 9, and J, Q, K, are all up for grabs. Eight decks of 48 cards are used. Insurance pays 5/2, but a blackjack player pays even money instead of the usual 3/2 or 6/5 in some jurisdictions.

After all players have made their initial bet, the dealer will reveal their up card. It is important to note that this is done before the cards are dealt to the players.

Based on the value of the dealer’s up card, players have the option of double attack the dealer’s hand by placing an additional bet in the appropriate position. The amount must be equal to or less than the initial bet. After dealing two cards to each player, the following options may be played:

• Fold – on any two cards in the initial attack bets and double up to the original bet.
• Split – any pair. Players must place an equal amount for the initial and double attack bets.
• Surrender – When the dealer does not have a blackjack, players can surrender half of their bets, even after hitting, splitting or doubling down.

Optional Break it! side bets

This optional side bet pays if the dealer busts exactly three cards. Otherwise, the bet loses. Players can bet from one dollar up to their initial bet, but no more than $50. Here is the winning paytable:

Bust of the third letter

• J, Q, K – Country 3/1

• Nine – Country 6/1

• Eight – Country 8/1

• Seven – Country 10/1

• Six – Country 15/1

• Bonus 8-8-8 Same Color – Pays 50/1

• 8-8-8 Suited Bonus – Pays 200/1

Things to consider when playing

According to the basic strategy of simple blackjack:

• If the dealer’s upcard is a 2 or a 3, he or she is considered neutral

• If the dealer has a 4.5 or a 6, the dealer is considered to have weak

• If the dealer has a 7 through an ace, he or she is strong

Remember that players do not have any cards when choosing to attack or not.

The insurance payout of 5/2 (for the few players who take this option) is more than double the standard 2/1; however, when insurance is taken, players bet that the dealer has a blackjack. With 32 10s out of an eight deck game, there is less chance of blackjack for the dealer and the player. Doubling down is also less effective because there are fewer 10’s.

Here is a recommended strategy when deciding whether or not to double attack:

• If the dealer’s up card is 2 or 3, make your minimum attack bet

• If the up card is a 4,5 or 6, make your maximum attack bet

• If the up card is 7 to Ace, No make an attack bet

The game is not as prevalent in land-based casinos as the aforementioned blackjack variants. For readers who are in or near Niagara Falls, Canada, the game is on the Fallview Casino. It is also available online to play for free and for real.

Good luck!