| Updated: September 18, 2025Blackjack fans can now choose from hundreds of variations of the game when playing online, and if they happen to visit an RTG-powered online casino, they should look for Face Up 21. RealTime Gaming may not be famous for its table games, but this particular version is a great option for anyone looking for an interesting take on classic blackjack.
With Face Up 21, RTG introduced its own take on the blackjack variation also known as Double Exposure. In this game, the dealer deals two face-up cards, which helps players make better decisions. There are, however, additional rules that need to be considered before you start playing for real money.
Rules and Gameplay
This is a single-hand version of blackjack, and it uses eight decks of cards that are shuffled before each round of play. The game combines rules from classic American-style blackjack and the version played in Europe. First of all, there is no hole card, and players can see both of the dealer’s cards right from the start of the round. The dealer must hit on soft 17, i.e., any total of 17 that includes an Ace.
Players can hit and stand, but doubling down is allowed only on hard two-card totals of 9, 10, and 11. They can also split two cards of the same value and double on split hands. Hitting on split Aces is not allowed. In addition, players can split up to two times per round, creating up to three hands. There are no insurance or surrender options.
Distinctive Features
At first glance, you might think that Face Up 21 is just another regular version of blackjack, but that would not be true. In fact, there is nothing ordinary about this game – here, all payouts, including for blackjack, are even. Normally, blackjack pays 3:2, or 1.5 times the stake. In addition, the dealer wins all ties except for a tied blackjack.
Another rule that sets Face Up 21 apart from other versions of blackjack is that when the dealer is forced to stand on his initial two cards, the player’s hand is played out automatically – it hits until the player wins or busts.
Conclusion
As you can see, most of the rules in this game favor the dealer, and the reason is to balance the advantage players gain by seeing the dealer’s two cards from the beginning. As a result, the RTP of the game is only 99.15%.