| Updated: Most versions of online blackjack are almost identical, but this is not true of NetEnt’s Double Exposure Blackjack. In this game, players can see both of the dealer’s cards, making the gameplay a little more exciting. However, this difference is combined with a modified paytable. All payouts in this game are even money, including payouts for blackjack.
Rules and Gameplay
NetEnt’s Double Exposure Blackjack is a virtual blackjack game that is played with 6 decks of 52 cards each. All cards are dealt face-up, including the dealer’s cards. Players can Hit or Stand, while doubling down is allowed only when the first two cards have a hard total of 9, 10, or 11. The Double option is available only at the beginning of the round or after a Split.
In addition, players can Split hands consisting of two cards of the same value. The dealer is required to draw to 16 and Stand on all 17s. The dealer wins all ties except tied blackjacks, which result in a push, with the bet returned to the player. Another important aspect of the game is that all wins pay even money (1:1), and Insurance is not available.
Distinctive Features
The exposure of both dealer cards is the most distinctive feature of this game. This rule gives a certain advantage to players, as seeing both of the dealer’s cards helps them play their hands more effectively. However, to offset this advantage and keep the game balanced, NetEnt has changed the payouts.
Players who beat the dealer are paid 1:1, even if they have blackjack, which typically pays 3:2, or 1.5 times the stake. This difference in the paytable may not seem significant at first, but it becomes apparent over time. In fact, the reduced blackjack payout, combined with the lack of Insurance or Surrender, has led to a lower theoretical Return-to-Player. While the RTP in most standard blackjack games is around 99.50% to 99.60%, it is 99.33% in this game.
Conclusion
Double Exposure Blackjack is easy to play, and its rules are quite straightforward, making it suitable for less experienced players. Seeing both of the dealer’s cards is certainly fun, but this advantage ultimately reduces the game’s average return. Players should therefore weigh the pros and cons before wagering real money.