Caribbean 21

Introduction

Caribbean 21 is a unique variation of blackjack that can be found at RealTime Gaming online casinos. This game allows players to split any pair of starting cards and to hit or even redouble after a double down. However, keep in mind that ties result in a loss for the player. There are additional rule modifications compared to classic blackjack, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with these differences before you start playing. When adhering to the fundamental strategy outlined below, the game presents a lower house edge than is typical for most blackjack variations.

Rules

Below are the detailed rules governing Caribbean 21:

1. I'm unsure if this particular rule can be adjusted by RTG, but I've been informed by Bodog that they utilize 255 decks.
2. Card values follow the same system as traditional blackjack, with the notable exception that an ace is counted as just one point.
3. Players commence by placing an initial bet.
4. Players will receive two cards dealt face up, while the dealer gets one card face up and does not take a hole card.
5. Players have the option to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender, with hitting and standing functioning as they do in standard blackjack.
6. Players may choose to double anytime they hold two or more cards, which also includes the possibility of redoubling and doubling after a split.
7. Players are permitted to split any two cards. Aces can be split just like any other cards, devoid of any restrictions found in traditional blackjack. After splitting, each individual hand will immediately receive an additional card.
8. Players can opt to surrender at any moment. Should they choose this option, they will lose half of their total wager at that time. Surrender is permitted after a split, handled on a hand-by-hand basis.
9. Achieving an ace combined with two 10-point cards is referred to as 'Caribbean 21', which ranks above all other combinations totaling 21 points, even after a split.
10. The dealer shall win all ties.
11. A winning bet from a player pays out at even money, with the exception of a Caribbean 21, which pays 3 to 2 only on the original hand.
12. If the dealer's up card is an ace, players may opt for insurance against the possibility of the dealer having a Caribbean 21. This insurance can be taken at any moment and for an amount up to half of the total bet at the time it is placed. Should the dealer draw two 10-point cards as their second and third cards, the insurance payout is at 9 to 1. The resolution of the insurance bet occurs at the end of the hand, and players can increase their insurance bet at any time, ensuring it does not exceed half their total wager.

Strategy

Table 1 illustrates the recommended player strategy for the first two cards. To utilize the table, locate the player's initial two cards down the side and find the dealer's up card across the top.

Table 2 outlines the basic strategy when the option to split is no longer accessible.

House Edge

Utilizing the strategy outlined above, the house edge is 0.19% . The average final bet size tends to be 1.8 units, resulting in the element of risk is 0.11%. The standard deviation is 1.62.

The house edge on insurance is 5.38%.

Caribbean 21 in the Media

In late 2003, a player secured a remarkable win of $1.3 million while playing Caribbean 21, primarily at Hampton Casino. Was this individual simply fortunate, employing dishonest tactics, or did the game itself contain flaws? MSNBC covered this story, perhaps one of the most significant wins in the history of table games at internet casinos. For more information, check out www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4449401/ for the story.

Written by: Michael Shackleford