Super 21 Blackjack Explained

October 11, 2013 Posted in Casino Games by No Comments

Super 21 is a blackjack variation that you can find at most online casinos. The rules of Super 21 are similar to those of blackjack; you start with two cards, the dealer gets two cards and then you hit or stand in order to get as close to 21 as possible.

What makes Super 21 blackjack unique is that it has liberal rules that are advantageous to the player. For example, the player wins on all blackjack ties and players may double after any number of cards, just to name a couple.

Of course, these player-friendly rules come with a catch: blackjacks only pay even money instead of the standard 3:2 found in regular blackjack. Blackjacks pay less money in order to counteract the advantageous rules for the player.

In short: Super 21 gives the player many advantageous rules in return for only paying even money on blackjacks.

Here’s a list of rule changes found in Super 21:

  • Dealer hits on soft 17
  • You may split up to 4 times
  • You may double down once at any time
  • You may take late surrender at any point
  • You may double after splitting
  • Your blackjacks always win (even if the dealer has a blackjack)

Special payouts:

  • Blackjack pays even money
  • Blackjacks made out of diamonds pay 2:1
  • 5 card 21 pays 2:1
  • 6 card 21 pays 2:1
  • Any 6 cards less than 21 give you an instant win and pay even money
  • Insurance pays 2:1

Almost all of these rules are beneficial from the player’s standpoint. The biggest thing you lose in Super 21 is the 3:2 payout for blackjacks.

House Advantage

The house advantage in Super 21 depends on the number of decks in the game. In single deck games, the house advantage is about 1.16% and it goes up from there. With six decks in play, Super Fun 21 has a house advantage of 1.4%.

I can’t figure the exact house advantage for online versions of Super 21 because online casinos shuffle the deck after every hand. That said, I would guess the house edge is close to 1.4% based on an assumption of there being six decks in play at most online casinos.

The true house advantage may be just a tad lower than 1.4% because constant shuffling actually reduces the house advantage a little. It doesn’t make a big difference in regular blackjack, so I will assume it doesn’t make a big difference in Super 21. This is just speculation though as hard-and-fast numbers are difficult to come by.

Where to Play Super Fun 21

Finding Super 21 online is a little hit-and-miss. Some casinos have it, some don’t. You’ll find it at most RTG casinos. The most important thing is to make sure the gambling site you play at is a safe and reputable place to play for real money. My personal favorites are listed below.

I checked both of these casinos just now and they definitely have Super Fun 21. The betting limits at Lucky Red max out at $100 per hand and the betting limits at Sun Palace max out at $250 per hand. I like the promotions at Lucky Red, but I like the high betting limits at Sun Palace. Either one will treat you fine and pay your winnings.

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