Double Exposure is a form of the game which is uncommon but is lucrative, providing one of the best options for gamblers, either online or in the real world. The name ‘double exposure’ derives from the fact that both cards held by the dealer are visible.
This rule makes it distinct from all other forms of the game, but in most other respect Double Exposure Blackjack is the same as all other variations. Nonetheless, in order to balance the fact that the dealer’s cards are visible to the player, there are a number of rules designed to compensate the dealer. These are:
1. The player can only win if he or she has blackjack. Otherwise, all ties are won by the dealer.
2. The payout for Double Exposure is even money, as opposed to 2:1 or 6:5, which are offered by most other forms.
3. The players are only allowed to split on one occasion during the game.
Outside of these variations, the game operates on the same principles as more popular forms of blackjack, with the bets being placed and then everyone being dealt two cards, using which they must choose to stand, hit, split or double down. The other difference arising from the dealer having no hole card, is that players cannot make insurance bets.
Double Exposure Blackjack is appreciated by some players because being able to see both of the cards held by the dealer eliminates much of the guesswork – particularly if the dealer has a hand worth more than 17. When the player has a hand adding up to 19, while the dealer’s hand adds up to 20, the only choice available is to split. There is only a small chance of winning, but it is still greater than it would have been had the player stayed and they do not have to pray that the dealer’s hole card is favourable to them, as they can see both of the dealer’s cards.