Basic Rules and Gameplay
Speed Blackjack is an 8-deck blackjack variant that accommodates up to seven players at a time. It follows standard Vegas rules: the dealer receives two cards and peeks for blackjack, players may double on their first two cards, and pairs can be split. Split Aces receive only one additional card. The dealer stands on all 17s (both soft and hard). A natural blackjack pays 3:2, and Insurance pays 2:1.
The major difference from regular blackjack lies in the pace of the game. Speed Blackjack is approximately 30–40% faster, reducing the decision window by about seven seconds. To achieve this, Evolution changes the order in which additional cards are dealt.
The initial two cards are dealt traditionally from left to right. Once all players receive their starting cards, every player is simultaneously prompted to hit, stand, double, or split. The player who makes their decision first receives their next card first. This applies throughout the round. Players choosing to stand simply receive no further cards. Importantly, this dealing order does not affect the mathematical house edge .
Two Autoplay rules apply if a player fails to act in time:
- Hands 12 or higher automatically stand
- Hands 11 or lower automatically hit
Speed Blackjack Side Bets
Players may place the main bet as usual and can also choose from two standard Evolution side bets:
Perfect Pairs
Pays when the player’s first two cards form a pair:
- Mixed-color pair: 6:1
- Same-color pair: 12:1
- Perfect (same-suit) pair: 25:1
21+3
Combines the player’s first two cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a 3-card poker hand:
- Flush: 5:1
- Straight: 10:1
- Trips: 30:1
- Straight flush: 40:1
- Suited trips: 100:1
Bet Behind
As in other Evolution blackjack games, Speed Blackjack includes a Bet Behind feature. This allows players to wager behind any seated player when all seven seats are taken. Players marked with one or more gold medals are “hot players,” indicating recent winning streaks. If a seat becomes available, bettors behind that player receive a notification.
House Edge and RTP
Speed Blackjack maintains the same mathematical structure as Evolution’s other blackjack tables.
- Main hand house edge: 0.71%
- Main hand RTP: 99.29%
Side bet house edges are as follows:
- Perfect Pairs: 4.10% (RTP 95.90%)
- 21+3: 3.70% (RTP 96.30%)
How to Win at Live Speed Blackjack
There is no separate strategy unique to Speed Blackjack. Because the underlying rules mirror standard blackjack, players should follow basic blackjack strategy to reduce the house edge to 0.71%. A standard cheat sheet for a game with the dealer standing on all 17s works perfectly.
As always, bankroll management is essential. Stick to a predetermined budget and avoid increasing bets impulsively during fast-paced sessions.