Another exciting take on the casino classic comes from the Playtech creative kitchen.

Launched in 2019, the Blackjack variant introduces no less than six side bets, which allows players to take risks for a chance to win prizes going up to 2,000:1.

If you are looking for a standard Blackjack variant with a twist, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with all the needed information on All Bets Blackjack along with a strategy that can help you increase your odds of winning.

All Bets Blackjack Rules and Gameplay

In 2019, Playtech launched both the RNG and live dealer version of All Bets Blackjack. However, they do not use the same rules. While the RNG-operated game uses six decks of cards, the one hosted by real-life dealers has eight card decks in play. The shoe is replaced after half of it is used. Just like Quantum Blackjack by the same provider, All Bets Blackjack is a single-hand game that accepts an unlimited number of players.

A set of standard rules are used in this Playtech variant. The dealer deals two cards to the player and themselves with their first card face up. If it’s an Ace, the player is offered insurance that pays 2:1. A natural pays 3:2. The dealer hits on a 16 and stands on a soft 17. The player can double down on any two initial cards and split a pair only once. If a pair of Aces is split, the player can get only one additional card. Doubling down is not allowed on a split pair.

As we have previously mentioned, All Bets Blackjack is a single-hand game. Since an unlimited number of players can join the table, the cards each player receives are digitally generated. Such technology enables all the players to make decisions as they like and see only their hand. All Bets Blackjack shares this feature with Quantum Blackjack.

Side Bets

This is the most exciting part of All Bets Blackjack which makes it stand out from other Playtech live dealer game variants. Here is a lowdown on all side bets you can go for:

Player/Dealer Pair

This is the standard optional bet available in Playtech Blackjack variants. This time, the provider has decided to offer it as two separate wagers. So, you can bet either on the dealer’s or the player’s cards forming a perfect, colored or mixed pair or on both options. A mixed pair of the side you have placed your bet on pays 6:1. A coloured pair will earn you 12:1 whereas a perfect pair grants 25:1. The Pair bets have a house edge of 4.10%.

21+3

Another standard side bet pays when the player’s two cards and the dealer’s face-up card form a poker hand. A flush pays 5:1, a straight grants 10:1, trips will earn you 30:1 whereas a straight flush pays 40:1. The most lucrative card combination is suited trips that will earn you 100:1. The 21+3 bet has a house margin of 3.70%.

Lucky Lucky

Lucky Lucky is based on the two player’s and the dealer’s face-up card, just like 21+3. However, it pays for different combinations with a total of 19 or 20 paying 2:1 and a suited 21 paying 15:1. Then, we have 678 paying 25:1, 777 granting 50:1, suited 678 paying 100:1 and the top prize of 200:1 paid by suited 777.  The house advantage on the Lucky Lucky bet is 3.90%

Top 3

Again, we have a side bet based on three cards, two player’s cards and the dealer’s face-up card. It pays on a 3 of a kind 90:1, a straight flush 180:1 and a suited 3 of a kind 270:1. Being the riskiest side bet, Top 3 has a house edge of 9%.

Buster

This is potentially the most lucrative optional bet with the top prize standing at a staggering 2,000:1. You win on it when the dealer busts and the number of cards they bust with determines how much you get paid. If the dealer busts with 3 or 4 cards, you get paid 2:1, if they bust with 5 cards, you earn 4:1 while 6 and 7 cards can earn you 18:1 and 50:1 respectively. If the dealer busts with 8 cards, you cash in 250:1. The biggest payouts are delivered when the player has a blackjack and the dealer busts with 7 cards (800:1) and 8 cards (2,000:1). Another high-risk bet with a house margin of 6.17%

How to Play All Bets Blackjack

The game starts with the player placing an Ante and optional side bets. You have 15 seconds to complete betting. When the cards are dealt, you should make your decision to hit, stand, double down or split cards. If the dealer has received an Ace, you will be offered insurance.

Besides the mandatory Ante, you can play any side bet you want or play them all. If the dealer busts, all players who have placed the main bet get paid according to their hand. In case the dealer qualifies, the cards of both sides are compared, and the side with a stronger hand wins. Side bets pay according to the paytable, and you can win on them while losing the main wager.

All Bets Blackjack Strategy

The main game has a house edge of 0.54%. Of course, to take advantage of it, you have to play the game by the basic strategy. That’s the only strategy you can follow to make the most of playing All Bets Blackjack. As for side bets, no strategy can help you win on them. They are based on the dealt cards, and there is nothing you can do to improve your odds. No matter how tempting they may be, keep in mind that they involve more risk and that playing them regularly could drain your bankroll in the long run. The best piece of advice would be to go for them from time to time only.

Closing Thoughts

All Bets Blackjack by Playtech is the perfect fit for all players who fancy a good old 21 game but still need more excitement. A total of six side bets would most definitely provide you with that and if you have some spare money to invest in them, you can win more massive prizes than those offered on the main wager. Play responsibly and manage your bankroll properly to enjoy the gameplay to the fullest, though.

Click here to visit Playtech-powered live casinos and give All Bets Blackjack a try!