Double Attack Blackjack

How it Works

The game that has long ago become popular in Atlantic City Casinos is now available in online gaming establishments thanks to Playtech, whose Double Attack Blackjack is one of the most exciting Blackjack games you can find,  featuring the Double Attack option, Bust It! side bet and excellent overall gameplay.

Played with eight Spanish decks, the game’s main perk is that it allows the player to double his bet after seeing the dealer’s face card which is dealt first (before player’s hand), although it has to be noted that blackjack pays even money rather than 3:2. Nevertheless, the 0.50% house edge is enough to suggest that Double Attack Blackjack gives players a good chance of turning a profit and that should not be forgotten.

Double Attack Blackjack Rules

Double Attack blackjack is definitely not your average Blackjack variation, so you should take some time to study the rules as the somewhat complicated gameplay may take some time getting used to. Eight Spanish decks of 48-card are used, where all tens have been removed, while regular bet limit ranges from $1 to $300, and Bust It! side bet supports wagers from $1 to $50.

While Bust It! side bet is option, the game only starts once you place the standard bet. You will first see the dealer’s face up card and you then have the option to use Double Attack and double your wager before you are dealt the first two cards. There are plenty of other important rules you need to take into consideration, so read on to learn more about each of those.

• Blackjack pays even money (1:1)
• Insurance pays 5:2
• Double Attack can be used after seeing dealer’s face-up card
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Split can be used to make up to four hands
• One card drawn to split Aces
• Surrender option available at any time
• Any hand can be doubled at any time, but only once
• Bust It! side bet can be placed before the hand starts
• The side wager wins if dealer busts with third card

The house edge under these rules is 0.5%.

Bust It! Side Bet Payouts

Dealer’s hand

• 888 suited – 200 to 1
• 888 same colour – 50 to 1
• Dealer’s busted card
• Six – 15 to 1
• Seven – 10 to 1
• Eight – 8 to 1
• Nine – 6 to 1
• Ten – 3 to 1

Double Attack Blackjack Tips and Strategies

Seeing that Double Attack Blackjack is quite different to most Blackjack titles, standard rules do not exactly apply most of the time, and you also have to factor in the absence of ten cards with these being removed from the Spanish decks that are used here.

With no tens present, you should definitely hit a 12 or 13, even if the dealer’s face card is strong, while the improved 5:2 payout on Insurance means you should probably take the option more frequently, although we have to admit we are not fans of said feature.

The Double Attack option should be used when dealer’s card is any one in the 2-8 range. Naturally, this feature increases the volatility of the game. If it’s a bit too much then you can go with 3 to 8 instead, since using it when dealer shows 2 carries very small benefit.

And while Bust It! side bet can be quite appealing due to payouts going up to 200 to 1, every side wager you place will seriously increase the overall house edge (side bet house edge is 8.01%). It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use it if that makes the game more exiting for you, but we just don’t recommend using it every time.