While most blackjack games are quite similar to each other and the gameplay is often monotonous, Super 21 offers a better gaming experience by adding several bonus payouts. The game was developed by one of the oldest and most experienced software providers for the online casino industry, RealTime Gaming. It does not feature top-quality graphics or many customization options but its interesting rules and the bonus payouts makes it a lot more interesting and exciting than most variations of blackjack.
Rules and Gameplay
RTG’s Super 21 is played with 8 standard decks of cards and features a hole card – the dealer’s second card, which is face-down. The dealer is required to Hit soft 17 and this rule gives advantage to the dealer. Players can Hit, Stand and Double down on their initial hand. Doubling the bet can be done at any time but only once per round.
Players can also Split their hand if it comprises of any two cards of the same value. Two Splits per round are allowed and only one card can be drawn to split Aces. Another option is Surrender and unlike most blackjack versions where Surrender can be chosen only at the start of the round, players here can Surrender their hand at any time. If they choose to do so, they lose only half of the bet.
The game also allows players to take Insurance if the dealer’s visible card is an Ace. Insurance costs exactly half of the original bet size. Working as a side bet, it wins only if the dealer has blackjack and pays 2:1. Blackjack, however, pays evenly (1:1).
Distinctive Features
As you can see, Super 21 plays much like standard blackjack but, in fact, it differs significantly from the classic game. Its most distinctive feature is, no doubt, the bonus payouts for several hands. Players have the chance to win up to two times their stake but not with regular blackjack, which pays 1:1. The 2:1 payout is offered for a Diamond blackjack or several other hands:
- Diamond Blackjack – 2:1
- 5-card 21 – 2:1
- 6-card 21 – 2:1
- 6 cards – Instant Win
As you can see, as soon as players get 6 cards without busting, they automatically win. In addition, player blackjack always wins.
Conclusion
RTG’s Super 21 is an interesting version of blackjack but players should carefully devise a strategy that would be optimal for these particular rules and payouts.