| Updated: Big 5 Blackjack is an elegantly designed online blackjack game released as part of Microgaming’s Gold Series of table games. Along with impressive visuals and an authentic casino atmosphere, the game offers standard rules and gameplay, with one small exception: it uses 5 decks of cards.
Blackjack is usually played with 2, 4, 6, or 8 decks of cards, so the use of a 5-deck shoe makes Microgaming’s Big 5 Blackjack a unique game. Moreover, it is available in both single- and multi-hand versions, with the latter allowing players to play up to 5 hands against the dealer.
Rules and Gameplay
This is a standard game of blackjack that follows the European dealing style, in which the dealer initially draws only one card. The use of 5 standard decks instead of 6 or 8 does not significantly change the gaming experience. Once players receive the first two cards for each hand, they can Hit, Stand, or Double their bet.
The Double button is available only for the first two cards or after a Split. Splitting can be done with any two cards of the same value or denomination, which means players can even split different 10-value cards, such as a Jack and a King. The game allows up to 3 splits per round, except when Aces are involved. Players cannot re-split Aces, and when they split them, each new hand receives only one final card.
There are also two things to remember about the dealer’s actions. Since there is no hole card in this game, the dealer cannot peek for blackjack. More importantly, the rules of the game require the dealer to Hit on soft 17, meaning a hand in which the Ace may count as 1 or 11.
Distinctive Features
Big 5 Blackjack does not differ significantly from most online blackjack variations. However, it offers two options that are not available in many other games. One is the Insurance side bet, which pays at the standard 2:1 rate, while the other is Surrender. The vast majority of land-based casinos do not allow players to Surrender. This option lets players give up half of their bet instead of playing out the hand.
Players are allowed to take Early Surrender, which is the first option available at the beginning of every round. However, Surrender is not allowed if the dealer’s first card is an Ace.
Conclusion
Big 5 Blackjack is an interesting variation of blackjack and is suitable for all kinds of players. Beginner-level players will appreciate the simple rules and gameplay, while blackjack pros may want to try a blackjack variation with a 5-deck shoe.