Welcome to our guide on how to play British Blackjack with seven cards. If you’re a fan of Blackjack and want to try something new, then this version of the game is perfect for you.
On this page, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about the rules of the game, including how the game works, the objective of the game, how to win, and what you should do in different scenarios.
Along with that, we’ll also be discussing the different types of bets you can make and some basic strategies and tips to help you achieve a better chance of winning.
You might be wondering why seven cards are used in this version of the game and if it significantly changes the way you play the game. What are the differences in comparison to regular blackjack, and why should you try playing it?
Stick around, and you’ll find all the answers you need in our upcoming posts. So, let’s dive in.
What is British Blackjack?
British Blackjack is a classic card game that is played with one or more decks of standard playing cards. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by scoring as close to 21 points as possible without exceeding them.
In British Blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards, with one card facing up and one facing down. The players are also dealt two cards each, face up. The value of each card is determined by its face value, with face cards (jacks, queens and kings) having a value of 10 and aces either having a value of 1 or 11.
Players can choose to stand (not take any more cards), hit (take another card), double down (double their bet and take one more card), or split (separate their two cards into two hands).
The game also features various types of bets, such as insurance bets and side bets, which can increase the potential payout for players who win.
Like any other game, British Blackjack requires some basic strategies and tips to improve one’s chances of winning.
In the upcoming sections of this blog post, we will cover essential tips and tricks for not only understanding the rules but outsmarting the dealer. Furthermore, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the game that may come in handy during your next match.
What Are The Rules of 7 Card Blackjack?
In 7 Card Blackjack, the objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand that is closer to 21 without going over. Each player receives seven cards, and the dealer receives one card face up and one face down.
Players can choose to hit or stand to improve their hand, and they can also make side bets, such as betting on the dealer’s face-down card or betting on specific combinations of cards. If the player’s hand exceeds 21, they lose, and if the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, all remaining players win.
It is important to note that the dealer stands on all 17s, and there are no jokers in the deck. The game also allows for doubling down and splitting pairs, but each casino may have slightly different rules regarding these actions.
How Do You Determine The Value of Your Hand In British Blackjack?
In British Blackjack, the value of your hand is determined by the total value of your cards. Numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (jack, queen, king) are all worth 10, while aces may be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which one is more advantageous to the player’s hand.
If the total value of a player’s hand exceeds 21, it’s considered a “bust” and the player loses the game. The player with the hand closest to 21 without going over wins the game.
Can You Split Your Hand In British Blackjack?
In British Blackjack, players have the option to split their hand if they are dealt two cards of the same value. This means the player can create two separate hands, each starting with one of the original cards, and place an additional bet equal to their original bet on the new hand.
There are certain rules that apply to splitting in British Blackjack. For example, if a player is dealt a pair of Aces, they can only receive one additional card for each hand, and a total of four hands can be created through splitting.
When deciding whether or not to split a hand, players need to consider the dealer’s upcard and the value of each potential hand. Splitting can increase the player’s chance of winning, but it can also double their risk if they are dealt cards that are unlikely to improve their hands.
Is A Hand Of 7 Cards An Automatic Win In 7 Card Blackjack?
In British Blackjack, a hand of 7 cards is not an automatic win, but it does give you a very high chance of winning the game. The odds of getting a hand with 7 cards without busting are very low, but if you do manage to pull it off, you can win the game regardless of the dealer’s hand.
This is due to a special rule in British Blackjack called the “Seven Card Charlie” rule. This rule states that if a player manages to get a hand of 7 cards without going over 21, they automatically win the game, even if the dealer has a better hand. However, if the player goes over 21, they automatically lose the game, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
It’s important to note that not all versions of Blackjack have this rule, so it’s always best to check the specific rules of the game you’re playing before you start.
In addition, it’s a rare occurrence to happen in the game, so it is not advisable to rely on this strategy too much. Still, it’s always good to know the rules of the game.
Can You Play 7 Card Blackjack at a Casino?
Yes, you can play 7 Card Blackjack at a casino if the casino offers the game, but it may not be as common as traditional blackjack. The game may be referred to as “Seven Card Charlie” or simply “Seven Card Blackjack.”
Some casinos may have specific tables designated for 7 Card Blackjack, or it may be played on a regular blackjack table. It is always best to check with the casino beforehand to see if they offer the game and if it is available on the day you plan to visit.
We haven’t seen any online casinos offering 7 card blackjack, however.
And do also be aware that when playing 7 Card Blackjack at a casino, the same basic rules of blackjack apply. The objective is to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over, and the player plays against the dealer.
The main difference is that in 7 Card Blackjack, the player has seven cards to work with instead of just two. This can provide opportunities for more strategy and risk-taking.
7 Card Blackjack vs Regular Blackjack – Which Is Better?
When it comes to choosing between 7 Card Blackjack and regular Blackjack, there are a few key differences that players should be aware of.
One of the key differences is the number of cards that are used in the game. As the name suggests, 7 Card Blackjack uses 7 cards instead of the usual 2 that are used in regular Blackjack.
This can make the game more challenging in some respects, as players have to be more mindful of the cards that they are dealt.
The extra cards in 7 Card Blackjack also means that there are more opportunities for players to make strong hands, which can lead to bigger payouts. However, this also means that there are more opportunities for players to bust.
Another key difference between 7 Card Blackjack and regular Blackjack is that in 7 Card Blackjack, only the dealer is allowed to peek at their hole card.
This means that as a player, you are never quite sure what the dealer is holding, which can make it more difficult to make informed decisions about whether to hit, stand, double down or split your cards.
On the other hand, in regular Blackjack, players are often able to make better strategic decisions based on the dealer’s upcard and their own hand.
Ultimately, whether 7 Card Blackjack or regular Blackjack is better comes down to personal preference and playstyle. Some players may find that they enjoy the added challenge of 7 Card Blackjack, while others may prefer the more traditional gameplay of regular Blackjack.
