Double Exposure Blackjack: How to Play & Win

Double Exposure Blackjack hands the initiative to the player, but it has some fundamental differences from standard blackjack. Learn how to play and win this popular blackjack game at top online casinos in the United States.

What is Double Exposure Blackjack? 

Double Exposure Blackjack is a blackjack variant with one crucial distinction: the dealer receives both cards face-up, rather than one. 

This is significant, as it lets you assess the full scope of the dealer’s cards before deciding whether to hit or stand. 

How to Play Double Exposure Blackjack 

Choose a top-rated legal online casino to play Double Exposure Blackjack for real money. Then, create your account, deposit funds, and trigger the new-player bonus. You can then search the game lobby to find and launch Double Exposure Blackjack. 

When you open the game, your first job is to decide how much to wager. Bet limits vary from game to game, but often range from $0.50 to $100 and beyond. Toggle the bet to an amount you’re comfortable with and place the virtual chips in the spot provided. 

Finally, click “Play” or “Bet” to start the game. You and the dealer will both receive two face-up cards. The object of the game is to form a hand as close to 21 without going bust, beating the dealer in the process. After receiving your cards, you have the following options: 

• Stand: You’re happy with the deal and don’t want another card. 
• Hit: You would like at least one more card to improve your hand. You can hit as many times as you like, provided your cards don’t total over 21. 
• Double down: Double your bet and receive just one more card to try and hit 21.
• Split: If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two hands. You must place another bet to split your hand. 

How to Win Double Exposure Blackjack 

To win in Double Exposure Blackjack, your hand must equal 21 or be closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without going over. In blackjack, all number cards retain their face value, while picture cards are worth ten points. Ace can be worth one or eleven, depending on your hand. 

So, the best hand you can get is 10/J/Q/K + ace. If you receive this hand right away, you will land blackjack. The dealer may match your hand, but they cannot beat it. If the dealer also has blackjack, a push will occur, and your stake will be returned. 

You will win in blackjack if your hand is higher than the dealer’s, but below 21. For instance, if you stand on 20 and the dealer has 14 (10+4) showing, then hits with an 8 to total 22, you will win, as the dealer has gone bust. 

However, if you stand on 20 but the dealer hits on 14 to receive a seven, you will lose, as the dealer will have a hand equalling 21. 

Potential Payouts in Double Exposure Blackjack 

The casino hands you the initiative in Double Exposure Blackjack, making it easier to decide on your next move, based on the dealer’s full hand showing. To compensate for this, the payout for blackjack (10+ace) is reduced from 3:2 to 1:1. 

There’s also no option for an insurance wager, which is an optional side bet you can place when one of the dealer’s up cards is an ace. 

Another difference is that, in most Double Exposure Blackjack games, the dealer wins every push, except for a push with blackjack. You should check the rules carefully before choosing a game, as they can significantly affect your long-term returns. 

Some Double Exposure Blackjack variants also limit which hands you can double down on (often those equalling 9, 10, and 11), which is something else to consider. 

Most Double Exposure Blackjack games have an RTP of 99% or higher. 

Strategy: Double Exposure Blackjack Expert Tips 

We want to leave you with some expert Double Exposure Blackjack tips to help you win: 

• Always hit if your hand is lower than eleven, as losing with one extra card is impossible. 
• Always stand on 17 or 20 unless the dealer has a higher hand. This is crucial in Double Exposure Blackjack, as the dealer wins all pushes, so it’s worth the extra risk if the dealer starts with 18 or 19. 
• Never split tens, as you’re unlikely to improve on a score of 20. 
• Always split aces, giving you a decent chance of landing two hands of 21. 

Play Double Exposure Blackjack for real money today at top casinos like BetMGM and FanDuel. Sign up via YouBet for a welcome bonus and play for real money prizes.