Unlimited Blackjack

Introduction

Unlimited Blackjack is a variation that allows an infinite number of players to participate in the same hand, available on online casinos that utilize Ezugi software.

Rules

This overview assumes that the reader is knowledgeable about traditional blackjack rules. Here, we outline how Unlimited Blackjack differs from the traditional format.

1. Eight standard decks are used.
2. When the dealer shows an ace, they will check for blackjack but will not check if their upcard is a 10.
3. If the dealer reveals a blackjack starting with a 10, all player bets—including those made on splits and doubles—will be forfeited.
4. The dealer shall stand on soft 17.
5. Double after a split is allowed.
6. Surrender is not allowed.
7. Play may split to only two hands.
8. Split aces get one card per hand.
9. Automatic splitting occurs for pairs of 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, 8s, and aces; players can decide whether to play one or both hands after splitting. However, pairs of 4s, 5s, 9s, and 10s cannot be split.

In this format, an unlimited number of players can participate, and the dealer will continue to deal cards as long as no player stands or the hand doesn't bust. Cards that do not contribute to your hand are displayed in grey. Once a pair is split, players will have to decide whether to play one or both hands, with a time limit of about five seconds to make their choice. If they fail to decide in time, the game will automatically choose for them.

Strategy

Strategy

According to my analysis and a mathematical report by Cindy Liu—which does not specifically account for the unique rules at the Ezugi casino—the house edge stands at 0.42%. The game's help files claim a return of 99.56%, indicating a house edge of 0.44%, leaving players to draw their own conclusions about which source to trust.

Written by: Michael Shackleford