Caribbean Blackjack

How it Works?

Even if you are among the most passionate blackjack players, chances are you will occasionally want to experience something different without having to abandon your favorite table game. Many available variants will give you an opportunity to do just that, but Caribbean Blackjack stands out as it is unlike anything you’ve tried before.

The exotic name on its own indicates it’s a game which is bound to be loads of fun to play, and it is! Real treat is delivered by the fact that Caribbean Blackjack combines two of the most popular casino games, blackjack and poker. (In a similar way as 21+3 Blackjack did with Tri Card Poker). It will allow you to make two blackjack bets and an optional poker-based side bet. If that doesn’t sound exciting, we don’t know what does!

The game was first introduced only in 2015 by Aces Up Gaming. Unfortuantely, it’s still pretty much impossible to play Caribbean blackjack online. We found a version at some minor software provider – we hope to introduce it here later on.

Rules

Not to worry, most of the rules you’ve grown to know and like are still the same. Familiar game will be made extra exciting with several add-ons. Each player will place 2 wagers for the blackjack game and 1 wager for the 5-card bonus game. Do note that if you bet $5 or more on the bonus hand, you’ll get action on everybody else’s poker hands on the table.

The game starts with the dealer dealing 2 cards to each hand. He will then evaluate the first four cards for each player plus his own up-card against the bonus paytable. Once bonus wagers are settled, the game will continue as regular blackjack.

Action bonus: if another player at the table gets a Royal Flash, all the players at the table that placed a wager above $5, will get $250 payout.

First, the odds of the main game are not something to write home about. There are plenty blackjack games with RTP above 99.7%, so 98.5% doesn’t look very attractive. Then you have 10% house edge on the side bet. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t play this game, but you do need to be aware that you are expected to pay a higher price.

Caribbean Blackjack Strategy and Tips

Your poker hand is as it is, you’ll collect (or not) based on what you’ve been dealt and there’s not much you can do about it. The only decision involved is whether to make this wager or not. There is a 16.25% probability of landing the lowest paying hand, a pair of Ace to 10. Probability of hitting four-of-a-kind is 0.024% and only 0.0002% for revealing a Royal Flush.

When it comes to the blackjack part of the game, you’ll be on familiar ground. Yes, there is an element of luck, but choosing the right strategy can significantly impact your bankroll.

Generally, you should stand if your hand is 12-16 when the dealer has 2-6 but hit if they reveal 7-Ace. It’s been shown that dealer will bust 40% of the time when they have 4, 5 or 6.

Always double down on any hand that totals 11 and do the same when you’re holding a 10 and dealer holds a 9 or lower. Always split Aces and 8s but never do it with any cards with 10s or 5s.

Bottom line: Some might pass on the game for paying $6 to $5. Others will find it too exciting to give it up.