Double Exposure Blackjack

We look at the 21 game of Double Exposure Blackjack also known as Face Up 21 and where you can play it online.

Double Exposure Blackjack Introduction

Double Exposure Blackjack is a variation of the classic Blackjack card game that is played online. In this game, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, giving players a unique advantage over traditional Blackjack.

Double Exposure is a popular and exciting variation of Blackjack that offers players a unique twist on the classic game. Double exposure Blackjack is available at many online casinos and offers a range of betting options, making it accessible to players of all levels and budgets. Some providers call this Face Up 21 or Dealer Disclosure Blackjack

According to the Wiki

If you look at the wiki on the Double Exposure Blackjack variant, the game was first suggested by a man by the name of Richard A. Epstein in 1977. By mid 1979 this variant was starting to show up in some casinos in Las Vegas with Vegas World being one of the early spots to play.

Although finding it in online casinos can be difficult depending on the software, it is available. Below we have used a screen shot from the EveryGame Red Casino, but it is available at casinos using the RTG software in their download clients.

double exposure blackjack review image

How To Play Double Exposure Blackjack

Face Up Blackjack (or Double Exposure) is played similarly to traditional Blackjack, with a few key differences. Here’s how to play:

Place Your Bet:

Before the game starts, you need to place your bet by selecting the chip value and clicking on the designated area on the table.

The Deal Itself:

The dealer will deal two cards to themselves and two cards to you, both of the dealer’s cards will be exposed.

Make your decision:

Based on the dealer’s cards and your own hand, you have the following options:

  • Hit: Take another card to try and improve your hand value.
  • Stand: Keep your hand as it is and end your turn.
  • Double Down: Double your bet and take one more card.
  • Split: If your first two cards are of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands and play each hand individually.

The Dealer’s Turn:

The dealer will follow strict rules, such as taking a hit if their hand value is less than 17, and standing if it’s 17 or higher.

Compare Hands:

The dealer’s hand and your hand will be compared, and whoever has a hand value closest to 21 without going over wins the round. In case of a tie, the dealer wins.

Payout:

If you win, your bet will be paid out according to the payout table, which is typically 3:2 for a natural Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-valued card), and even money for all other winning hands.

Remember, in Double Exposure Blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are exposed, giving you more information about the dealer’s hand and allowing you to make more informed decisions about your own hand and strategy.

Double Exposure 21 Rules

Double Exposure Blackjack uses the standard Blackjack rules, where the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. However, with both of the dealer’s cards being exposed, players can make informed decisions about their own hand and strategy.

One important thing to note in Double Exposure Blackjack is that ties go to the dealer. This means that if the player and dealer both have a hand value of 22, the dealer wins. This rule can impact the player’s strategy, as they will need to take into account the dealer’s hand when making decisions about their own hand.

Software Providers

Double Exposure Blackjack is offered by multiple software providers in the online casino industry. Here are a few of the most popular providers:

  • NetEnt
  • Microgaming
  • Evolution Gaming (live dealer casino games)
  • Realtime Gaming – RTG (Also known as Face Up Blackjack)
  • Playtech

* Face Up 21 at RTG casinos are contained within the download client. We hope that RTG will convert this game to be made available for mobile users.

Difference between Double Exposure Blackjack And Traditional Blackjack

Double Exposure Blackjack and traditional Blackjack are similar games, but there are a few key differences:

Exposed cards:

In Dealer Disclosure Blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are exposed, while in traditional Blackjack, only one of the dealer’s cards is exposed. This gives players more information about the dealer’s hand, which can impact their strategy.

Ties:

In traditional Blackjack, a tie (push) occurs when both the dealer and player have the same hand value. In Double Exposure, the dealer wins all ties, unless the player has a natural Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-valued card).

Natural Blackjack:

In traditional Blackjack, a natural Blackjack pays out 3:2, but in Double Exposure 21, the payout for a natural Blackjack is usually lower, at 1:1.

No Hole Card:

In traditional Blackjack, the dealer uses a hole card, which is an additional card that is not exposed until the end of the round. In Double Exposure Blackjack, the dealer does not use a hole card.

Strategies:

Due to the exposed cards and different tie rules, different strategies may need to be employed when playing Double Exposure Blackjack compared to traditional Blackjack.

Double Exposure Blackjack Strategy

This version of Blackjack requires players to employ a slightly different strategy. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your game:

  • Know the rules: Make sure you are familiar with the specific rules of Double Exposure Blackjack, as they may differ from those of traditional Blackjack. For example, ties are usually won by the dealer and natural Blackjacks have a lower payout.
  • Use basic strategy: As with traditional Blackjack, it is best to use basic strategy when playing Face Up Blackjack. This involves using a set of guidelines to determine the best course of action based on the dealer’s exposed cards and your own hand.
  • Consider the dealer’s hand: Since both of the dealer’s cards are exposed, you can take this into consideration when making your decisions. For example, if the dealer’s hand is strong, you may want to stand on a weaker hand to avoid busting.
  • Take advantage of ties: Since the dealer wins all ties in Face Up 21, it is important to be mindful of your hand value. If you have a hand value that is likely to result in a tie, you may want to stand or hit, depending on your strategy.
  • Manage your bankroll: As with any casino game, it is important to manage your bankroll wisely. Make sure to set a budget for yourself and stick to it, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.

RTP of the Game

The Face Up 21 version of the game from RTG is rated at 99.25%. We have seen reviews of the Microgaming, NetEnt and Playtech variants listed as 99.33% so we are marking the house edge in a range of 0.67 to 0.75.

Verdict

Double Exposure Blackjack is an exciting variation of the classic Blackjack game. Having the dealer’s two cards exposed gives you a better chance of making informed decisions and increasing your chances of winning. Whether you’re a seasoned Blackjack player or just starting out, Double Exposure 21 is definitely worth trying.

Conclusion on Double Exposure Blackjack Review

As for the game itself we do like to play it. US players may find it far more difficult to find however. The RTG version of this game works great and is fun but it is still only currently available in the download client at many casinos.

If you would like to give the game a try, we suggest trying it at an rtg casino if you don’t mind using the download client, especially if you are a US player. The other software providers are mostly at casinos which do not accept US players so keep that in mind.

 

Grande Vegas

3.5 rating
150% up to $300
US Accepted
Mobile Available
Progressive Jackpots
Live Dealer Games
18+ Terms and Conditions ApplySee casino site for more information. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ begambleaware.org.

 

Game Overview

Game Name
Double Exposure Blackjack
Rating
3.5 rating
Game Type
Table Game
Game Theme
Blackjack Variant
Software Developer
Real Time Gaming (RTG), Microgaming, Playtech
Date Released
1997
Progressive Jackpots
No
Side Bets
No
House Edge
0.67 to 0.75
RTP
99.25 %

Casino Reviews

roaring 21 casino home
Roaring 21 Casino
5.0 rating
Play Blackjack against other players at Roaring 21 Casino Introducing ...

Game Reviews

multi hand blackjack review game image
Multi-Hand Blackjack
4.5 rating
Why play just one hand? See our review on multi-hand ...

Software Reviews

visionary gaming blackjack software home
ViG Blackjack Software
4.5 rating
Visionary iGaming also known as ViG blackjack software makes great ...

Blackjack Articles

live blackjack from visionary
Live Online Blackjack
4.5 rating
Let's take a look at Live Online Blackjack and how ...