Microgaming software offers several different variations on a regular blackjack game, quite possibly the most out of all the major software providers. One of Microgaming’s best features in their blackjack game is the ability to set the game to “expert” mode, or Autoplay, as it’s more commonly known. Click for other software versions - boss media, cryptologic, playtech and realtime gaming.
Autoplay allows the player to set the speed of play, along with the number of hands that will be played. The player can also customize a strategy card and determine for themselves the play on every possible hand combination the player might receive. When used properly, Autoplay allows the player to play blackjack with optimal strategy and lower the house advantage (depending on the blackjack variation played) to its lowest possible percentage.
The following are the house rules for each blackjack variation that Microgaming offers and the specific house advantage (HA) percentage:
Vegas Strip – 4 deck shoe, dealer peeks on 10s and Aces, dealer stands on soft or hard 17, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, Aces split only once. HA = .35%
Vegas Downtown – 2 deck shoe, dealer peeks on 10s and Aces, dealer hits on soft 17, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, Aces split only once. HA = .38%
European – 2 deck shoe, dealer does not peek on 10s and Aces, dealer stands on soft or hard 17, double on 9, 10 and 11 only, no double after split, split up to 2 hands, Aces split only once, can draw after Aces are split. HA = .40%
Atlantic City – 8 deck shoe, dealer peeks on 10s and Aces, dealer stands on soft or hard 17, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, Aces split only once, late surrender allowed. HA = .43%
Bonus Blackjack – 2 deck shoe, dealer peeks on 10s and Aces, dealer hits on soft 17, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, Aces split only once. HA = .38%.
Optional bonus bet given if secondary bet is played and pays on player’s first two cards:
Any 2 suited cards pays 5:2
Jack and Ace suited pays 25:1
Jack and Ace of Spades pays 50:1
Spanish Blackjack – 8 Spanish card deck shoe, dealer peeks on 10s and Aces, dealer hits on soft 17, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, Aces split only once, player BJ beats Dealer BJ, player 21 beats dealer 21late surrender. HA = .30%
Bonuses don’t apply after doubling:
5 Card 21 pays 3:2 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 mixed suit pays 3:2
6 Card 21 pays 2:1 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 same suit pays 2:1
7 or more card 21 pays 3:1 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 spades pays 3:1
Suited 7-7-7 when dealer has 7 showing pays 50:1 (not after splitting)
The most recent blackjack development in the Microgaming platform is the introduction of the Gold versions of the classic Atlantic City, European, Vegas Downtown, Vegas Strip, Spanish and Bonus blackjack variations. Advertised as being much more realistic and true to brick and mortar casino play, the Gold versions also have a more three-dimensional look to them. The rules for each of the above variations remain the same; therefore, the individual house advantages have not changed.
Lastly, Microgaming offers the following new versions in their Gold offerings:
Classic Blackjack Gold – 1 deck shoe, dealer does not peeks on 10s and Aces, dealer stands on soft or hard 17, double on 9, 10 and 11 only, no double after split, split up to 2 hands, Aces split only once, can hit after splitting Aces. HA = .09%.
Pontoon Gold – 8 deck shoe, dealer stands on hard or soft 17, player must hit on 14 or less, double after split, double on any 2 to 4 cards one time only, player loses ties, dealer peeks on 2 down cards for pontoon, 10 and Ace after splitting Aces considered pontoon, 5 card trick (5 cards without busting) beats any hand except dealer Pontoon. HA = .17%.
Double Exposure Gold – 8 deck shoe, split to 4 hands, since dealer’s cards are exposed peek rule is not applicable, dealer hits on soft 17, dealer wins all ties except for player winning blackjack tie, even money on blackjack, double on 9, 10 or 11 only, double after split, Aces split only once and only receive one card. HA = .84%
Super Fun 21 Gold – 1 deck shoe, dealer hits soft 17, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, hit and/or double on split Aces, blackjack pays 1 to 1, late surrender anytime, player blackjack always wins. HA = .94%.
Optional bonus given on following hands, but only before doubling:
Diamond blackjack pays 2 to 1
6 card or more 21 pays 2 to 1
6 card Charlie – this variation registers a player win if they reach a total of 6 cards without busting.
Big Five Blackjack Gold – 5 deck shoe, dealer hits soft 17, dealer does not peek on 10s or Aces, double on any two cards, double after split, split up to 4 hands, split Aces once, early surrender but not on dealer Ace. HA = .61%.
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