This is a very interesting variation of the classic game of blackjack. It differs by quite a lot and we’ll get into the details below. Match Play 21 is a blackjack variation by RTG, one of the best casino software suppliers worldwide. The game has a Return to Player percentage of 99.19% which is quite generous. It is played with 8 decks which have had all of their 10s removed.
This game comes with all popular RTG game features and unique gameplay experience. The winning combinations in this game are quite different from the classic game. This allows for more ways to win and some incredible payouts.
Gameplay
The game begins after players have selected their bet size by clicking on the chips and placed their bet. Players can choose to bet as little as $1 and as much as $500. This means that the game is suitable for low-rollers and high-rollers alike. However, this depends on the online casino of your choice.
Then the cards are dealt and players have several available options. They can hit, stand, double down, split, insure their hand, and surrender. Basically, every blackjack option is available. Only one of the dealer’s card is visible before the player has completed their turn.
After that, the dealer’s second card is revealed and the winner is decided after the dealer’s hand is complete. The dealer must stand on hard 17 or anything above and hit on soft 17 and anything below.
The player wins on any 21 but there are different payouts depending on the combination. In this game, any three 7s, or a 678 combination pays differently. The payouts are different based on several factors but we will get into that a bit later. The hand this game is named after is one consisting of three 7s of the same suit and the dealer’s face-up card being a 7 as well.
Splitting
You can split any two cards of the same numeric value. You can continue splitting until you have up to three hands at the same time. The bet placed for each hand is the same as your initial bet. Splitting does not limit your hands from that point on. You still have available options after that too.
Double Down
You can only double once in this variation of blackjack. If you choose to do so, you will be given one more card, after which you will only have the options to stand or surrender. Naturally, you can only double down on your initial hand.
Insurance
You can purchase insurance in this game as well. The option becomes available whenever the dealer’s visible card is an ace. Whenever that is the case, the player will immediately be able to see if they have won or lost that additional bet.
Surrender
Players who choose this game will also have the option to surrender at any given time. Whenever they choose to surrender they will receive half of their bet back. This is quite a useful option, especially when you have a really weak hand.
Payout
A natural blackjack pays 3 to 2 as is the standard. Insurance also pays 2 to 1 which is the most common payout. However, the rest of the payouts are quite uncommon. If the player gets a hand that consists of three 7s which are all spades, the payout is 3 to 1. If they are all the same suit but not spades, the payout is 2 to 1. If they are simply three 7s, the payout is 3 to 2.
The same applies to the combination of 678. An all spades hand grants a payout of 3 to 1. Any other combination of the same suit pays 2 to 1. A 678 hand of different suits pays 3 to 2.
A seven-card or more 21 pays 3 to 1. If it is a six-card 21, it pays 2 to 1. If it is a five-card or less combination amounting to 21 the payout is even money.
Now, finally, we get to the main hand – Match Play 21. This extremely rare hand pays 40 to 1. This is definitely an amazing betting opportunity. The game is quite great even without this huge jackpot-like reward.