Blackjack UK by Playtech – Rules and Free Demo
You know the basic blackjack rule that your hand should be closer to 21 than the dealers’ hand without going bust? Well, with the UK Blackjack variation, there are a few other rules as well. We’ll see how the variant compares to the classic game and what its peculiarities are in a bit but let’s first summarise the most important points for you.
- Good RTP
- Advantageous Rules
- Beautiful Graphics
- Licensed by:
- UK Gambling Commission
- #1611
- Accepted Payment Methods:
- Debit Card
- Paypal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Paysafecard
In this review, we’ll focus on the game developed by Playtech, which represents the UK variety well. We’ll give you all the details on this curious blackjack variant. One thing that is certain is that because it is part of the Playtech portfolio, it is a highly entertaining with its beautiful graphics and intuitiveness. It offers a chance for personalisation and is an excellent choice.
Rules – How to Play Blackjack UK
This particular game variation uses six decks of cards and can be played in single- or multi-hand mode. Moreover, the cards are returned to the deck and shuffled after each round. There are additional restrictions concerning splitting, doubling down, and buying an insurance.
A player can split up to four hands but may not split a hand made up of 4s, 5s or 10s (including face cards). Also, if you split aces, you’ll only get one additional card. Regarding doubling down, you may do so only if your hand totals 9, 10 or 11. However, you may still double down after splitting, which is a great opportunity you don’t get too often. The rule that has to do with insurance is rather interesting. You may buy insurance only if you have a blackjack. Otherwise, you’ll have to hope that the dealer doesn’t have one.
Though some might argue that the inability to buy insurance unless you have blackjack is a disadvantage, this specific rule is arguably an advantage to the player because experts often advise players that they should restrain from the overuse of the insurance. Similarly, the restriction to split a pair of 10s seems like a great idea. Why would you want to split 10s? You already have an almost perfect hand totalling 20. If you did so, the chances are that you’d rather lose your advantage rather than improve your hand.
Special Features and RTP
This game has a good theoretical RTP of 99,47%. It is slightly lower than that of other Playtech blackjacks yet higher than those offering side bets. And though it might seem like a more restricted variant than classic blackjack, all the extra rules make perfect sense and in a way work to your advantage. The availability of the game in multi-hand mode is an opportunity to bet on up to 5 hands at the same time, which could potentially bring you more winnings in less time.
The most prominent feature is that a player can split a hand up to four times, providing it’s not a pair of aces. That is only one of two Playtech blackjack games that allow you to do so. The other one is Double Attack Blackjack but that variation has a lower RTP and at it, blackjack pays 1 to 1, whereas here blackjack pays the optimal 3 to 2.
Strategy Tips
Like any blackjack game, this variation is a fine combination of luck and strategy. You may be lucky to get great cards sometimes and a blackjack once in a while but chances are that most of the time that is not the case. That’s why having a cheat sheet with the correct blackjack strategy can really take the thinking out of the equation and minimise the mistakes while maximising your chances of winning. We have, therefore, prepared a special Blackjack UK strategy chart for your convenience. It will give you the exact decision you need to make in every situation.
The strategy chart is extremely useful when you’re starting out with this particular variation. Once you get the hang of it, you might have a strong urge to not always follow the chart. If I were you, I’d follow my gut most of the time. Especially if it’s giving me a win most of the times. Also, we recommend you take a look at other game reviews and other blackjack articles on our site for getting a better picture of how to improve your chances of winning.
Play Blackjack UK for Real Money
All in all, this variation is a great choice for blackjack players, even those who aren’t very experienced, if they’d like to make some cash. The rules do not stray too far from those of the classic game and the specific restrictions tend to work for your own good in the end. If you’ve had enough practice playing in demo mode, why don’t you visit the best Playtech casino Ladbrokes and start playing for real money? They have a nice, big welcome bonus for you. So, go play Blackjack UK and claim your £30 when you deposit £10!