Zappit

Introduction

Zappit is a game created by Geoff Hall, who later sold it to Scientific Games, also known as Shuffle Master. Blackjack Switch In this game, players can 'zap' their hand and swap it for two random cards if their initial total falls between a designated range, typically from 15 to 17 or 18, based on the specific rules in play. However, to balance this, if the dealer shows a total of 22, any remaining bets will not win, but will instead push.

Considerable online casinos intertwined with various physical casino locations.

The game is available at Bodog and Bovada Knowing the basic rules is crucial, and while many are adjustable, two key rules of Zappit are essential:

Rules

Zap It is based on conventional blackjack If a player’s first two cards sum to a range like 15 to 17, they have the option to 'zap' and exchange those for the next two cards from the deck.

1. Players cannot utilize the zap option after they have already zapped or after performing a split.
2. Should the dealer bust with a total of 22, any player hands that are still active will simply push.
3. Alongside the typical adjustable rules found in blackjack, Zappit introduces some intriguing new rules:

In the case where a player achieves a blackjack after zapping, does this result in an instant win, or is it considered to be merely a value of 21?

1. If a zapped blackjack is viewed as an instant win, what payout does that receive?
2. Is the dealer's check for blackjack conducted prior to or following the player’s chance to zap?
3. Here are some specific details about the rules as they are implemented at Bovada.

Players are allowed to zap prior to the dealer checking for blackjack.

1. Six decks are used.
2. Player may zap between 15 and 17 points.
3. A blackjack resulting from a zap is treated as an immediate win and pays at even money.
4. A blackjack before zapping pays 3 to 2.
5. When splitting aces, each will receive a single card, and players are not permitted to split aces again.
6. Player may surrender.
7. Player may double after a split.
8. It's understood that the cards are mixed after each round.
9. Dealer hits soft 17.
10. The following nuances relate to the rules as shared on the rack card distributed at the 2015 Global Gaming Expo, with some additional insights derived from observing gameplay at the event.

Rack card from the 2015 Global Gaming Expo.

The dealer checks for blackjack before any zapping takes place.

1. Six decks are used.
2. Player may zap between 15 and 18 points.
3. A blackjack that results from a zap is counted as 21 points.
4. A blackjack before zapping pays 3 to 2.
5. It's presumed that a cut card is utilized to aid in shuffling.
6. Player may not surrender.
7. Player may double after a split.
8. It's understood that the cards are mixed after each round.
9. Dealer hits soft 17.
10. The subsequent strategy will be applicable for any game using six to eight decks where the dealer hits on a soft 17.

Screenshot from Bovada

Strategy

This strategy will outline when to zap with your initial two cards.

The following guidance explains how to play your hands after the zapping occurs.

After performing a simulation based on the aforementioned rules and strategies, I have calculated the following house edges:

Analysis

Under the Bovada rules, players are expected to zap approximately 20.7% of the time, whereas under the G2E rules, this percentage drops to 19.5%. The difference arises because players are allowed to zap against a dealer blackjack in Bovada but not in G2E.

• Bovada rules: 1.15%
• G2E rules: 1.24%

Statistically, the dealer will achieve a total of 22 on 7.26% of all initial hands, and 7.62% of cases when they do not hold a blackjack. These calculations assume that the dealer must play through every hand, even if all players choose to surrender or bust first.

Mathematically sound strategies and detailed information are available for numerous casino games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and many others.

Written by: Michael Shackleford