| Updated: September 24, 2025Common Draw Blackjack is a live variation of 21 that was launched by software vendor NetEnt toward the end of 2013. The action is streamed in real time directly from the supplier’s Malta-based studio. The game accommodates an unlimited number of players, making it an excellent choice for anyone who struggles to find an empty seat at the blackjack tables during peak hours.
Rundown of the Rules and the Payouts
Common Draw Blackjack is a multiplayer live variant in which six full decks are in play. Since this is a common-draw game, players share a single set of starting cards, called the “card stream.” Otherwise, the payouts and objectives coincide with those in conventional variants of 21, and players can hit, stand, double, split, and insure their hands against blackjacks. The dealer draws to 16 and always stands on 17.
You can double down on any two-card total, including after splitting pairs. Doubling on a soft 9, 10, or 11 always results in a hard hand. Splitting is allowed on any hand consisting of cards of equal rank. Split aces cannot be hit; they receive only one additional card.
This live variation does not feature hole cards. The dealer offers insurance, which pays 2 to 1. Blackjacks generally pay 3 to 2, but players have the option to accept even-money payouts for their naturals when the dealer’s first card is an Ace.
Gaming Interface and Remarkable Features
The most distinctive aspect of Common Draw Blackjack is that all participants are dealt a common set of cards, known as the card stream. When everyone has placed a bet, the dealer draws one face-up card for their hand and two face-up cards that form the initial card stream.
The cards that make up the dealer’s hand are not part of this stream. Each player makes their own decisions when it comes to splitting, hitting, doubling, and standing. After each round is settled, players have roughly ten seconds to place new bets.
The game supports a host of side wagers such as Perfect Pairs and 21+3, which yield the following payouts:
- Mixed-color pairs pay 5 to 1
- Same-color off-suit pairs pay 10 to 1
- Suited pairs pay 30 to 1
- A three-card flush pays 5 to 1
- A three-card straight pays 10 to 1
- Three of a kind pays 25 to 1
- A three-card straight flush pays 40 to 1
- A suited three of a kind pays 100 to 1
The 21+3 side bet pays when the first two cards from the card stream, together with the dealer’s first card, form any of the above-listed poker hands. The Perfect Pairs bet pays when the first two cards in a player’s hand have the same value.
Closing Thoughts
Although Common Draw Blackjack was released more than six years ago, it still shows no significant signs of aging. The concept of multiple players starting with the same two-card total as they attempt to beat the dealer is quite refreshing. The base game offers a low house edge of around 0.50%. Beware of the side bets, though, as their edge is much greater.