Double Exposure Blackjack

Double Exposure Blackjack is an exciting variation created by Richard A. Epstein. In this variation both of the dealer’s hole cards are dealt facing up. As you can imagine, this provides a massive advantage to the player.

Double Exposure goes by a couple of other names, too. In Germany it’s called Zweikartenspiel. Online and in brick and mortar casinos you’ll see it labeled as Dealer Disclosure or Face Up 21.

The strategies for Double Exposure are different, too. For example, if the dealer has a 19 and you have an 18, you have to hit. You might bust, sure, but you lose if you don’t try. Another example is if both you and the dealer share the same hand, say, a 20. Ties go in favor of the dealer. So, again, another situation where you have to hit with slim odds. Maybe different isn’t the right word. Double Exposure strategy is counterintuitive.

But I think I’m putting the card before the horse. Lets learn how to play this game first. Then you can worry about getting the house edge down to .66-1.5 percent (depending on where you play).

The objective of Double Exposure Blackjack is identical to traditional blackjack. Your goal is to beat the dealer’s hand, but without exceeding 21 points. If you go over 21 points your hand will bust, which means you lose your bet to the dealer.

The game starts out the same way, too. The dealer uses 8 decks, shuffles and cuts them first, and then deals each player 2 cards, one at a time.

Once the cards are dealt the action will start with the first player to the dealer’s left. Here are the options, hand values and payouts that are used.

Note – We put (varies) next to each rule that may change depending on the casino you play at.

Player Options

• Players may only split once (varies).
• Players may be able to split similar valued face cards, such as a KJ (varies).
• Players can double down on any two cards (varies).
• Players can split aces (varies).
• Players cannot surrender.

Dealer Options

• Dealers cards are dealt face up.
• Dealers hit soft 17 (varies).

Card Values

• Cards 2-10 are worth their face value.
• Face cards are worth 10 points.
• Aces are worth 1 or 11 points.

• Player blackjack pays even money (1:1).
• Dealer wins ties.

Natural blackjacks may be considered ties, which would result in the player receiving his wager back.