Free Bet Blackjack is a highly regarded blackjack variant. Introduced in 2012, this blackjack variant is undoubtedly not new. It has managed to cope with the dynamics involved in the online gaming industry and the fact that the house edge is relatively higher than what other blackjack variants offered.
It is similar to the original blackjack game, but with some subtle differences. One of the main distinguishing features of this game is that the house pays when a player splits and doubles down. This means that players get a chance to win up to seven bonuses, thus improving their chances of winning with little risks.
Free Bet Blackjack is subject to the standard blackjack rules. The object of the game is to have a hand closer to 21 than the dealer's hand. If the dealer bursts with a 22, and the player has 21 or less, the result is a push.
When a player draws a hand of 21, the dealer has two options to push the wager. He can either tie the player's hand with a 21, or a 22. In case of a push, the player can take free doubles, which often have a marginal chance of tilting the bet to the player's favor.
Free Bet Blackjack players should understand when to play a free split, and what it means to their chances of winning here. Ideally, blackjack pairs can only be split three times in four hands. Here's the catch, players are allowed to split all pairs expect 10, J, Q, and K value cards.
While placing a free split, players are not expected to make an additional wager. The dealer, in turn, will place a Free Bet "Lammer" besides the player's original bet indicating the free split. For winning hands, the "free bet" button is replaced with real chips that are of equal value to the original wager.
Free double downs are only availed to hands with a 9, 10, and 11 that do not include an ace. It is worth noting that this rule applies both before and after splitting. Also, it is only applicable to the first two cards dealt to the player.
With free doubles, the player's initial wager is matched with a "free bet." When the dealer wins, the player loses his original wager only. If the player wins, he receives winnings equal to double their wager. But if the hand results in a push, the player gets his original wager only.
