What Is London Blackjack?

If you are a fan of blackjack, then you may have heard of London Blackjack. This variation of the classic card game has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. In this article, we will explore what makes London Blackjack different from traditional blackjack games and how to play it.

Firstly, what sets London Blackjack apart is the use of a special deck of cards. Instead of the standard 52-card deck, a London Blackjack deck consists of 48 cards, with all the 10s removed. This means that there are only four cards with a value of 10 in each suit (jack, queen, king, and ace).

The objective of London Blackjack is the same as traditional blackjack – to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to 21 points as possible without going over. However, due to the lack of 10s in the deck, players need to adjust their strategy accordingly.

One popular strategy is to avoid doubling down on hands that would normally be advantageous in traditional blackjack games. For example, if you have a hand with a total value of 11 and the dealer’s upcard is a six or lower (which would usually be an ideal situation for doubling down), it may be better to simply hit or stand instead.

Another difference in London Blackjack is that players have the option to make certain side bets. One such bet is called “Perfect Pairs,” where players can bet on whether their first two cards will be a pair (such as two kings or two sevens). If so, they win a payout based on the type of pair they have.

To further differentiate itself from other variations of blackjack, London Blackjack also introduces what’s known as “Super Sevens.” This side bet involves betting on whether your first card will be a seven or not. If it is and you win your hand against the dealer’s hand, you can earn additional payouts based on how many sevens are in your hand.

In terms of gameplay, London Blackjack follows the same basic rules as traditional blackjack. Players place their bets, receive two cards each (face up), and then have the option to hit, stand, double down, or split (if they have a pair).

The dealer also receives two cards but only one is face up. Once all players have finished their turn, the dealer reveals their second card and must hit until they reach a total of 17 or higher.

In conclusion, London Blackjack is a unique and exciting variation of traditional blackjack that offers players the chance to try out new strategies and make side bets for added excitement. While it may take some adjusting to get used to the lack of 10s in the deck, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it just as thrilling as any other blackjack game. So why not give it a try and see if you can beat the dealer?