Vegas Strip Blackjack

Las Vegas is also the home to Vegas Strip Blackjack, one of the most popular blackjack variations in the world. This version uses 4 standard decks and keeps to the usual blackjack rules – more or less – which makes for some simple, enjoyable play.

The Graphics

The crisp graphics and bird’s eye view of the green baize give an immersive feel to Vegas Strip Blackjack – as it should be. The card shoe is to the right, with your chips on the edge of the table in front of you and the betting boxes. It´s a lovely design (having enjoyed the Roulette from Switch Studios we´d expect nothing less).

You’ll get to grips with the interface in the blink of a monocled eye, and don’t forget to cock an ear for the soothing pianoforte soundtrack.

All in all, Microgaming and Switch Studios have produced a high-quality game with an authentic casino look and feel.

Vegas Strip Blackjack Game Play

Not everyone is a table-game expert, so here’s a quick refresher for those who are rusty, or just new to Blackjack.

This is a game where you face your opponent, the dealer, straight on, and the aim is to hold cards with a value closest to the number 21, without exceeding it, and going bust.  You also want to get a higher number than the dealer to win the most chips.  The name gives us a clue to the Vegas style rules for the game; and Vegas Strip Blackjack is played with four decks of cards.

Numbered cards are worth their face value, while picture cards are worth 10 and an Ace is worth 11 or 1. The rule of thumb is in general, the dealer, your adversary, would hit on a hand with a value of 16 or less, but stand on a card of 17 upwards, as it the case here.

Depending on your hand, you stick (you’ve got a keeper of hand), hit (get another card), double down (double your bet on the next unseen card- you can do this with two cards here) or split your hand into different hands of cards. This game gives you the chance to double down until you have an upper limit of four hands at play, that’s high for online blackjack.

You can also take an insurance bet and these pay at a rate of 2 to 1 and Blackjack of 3 to 2.

To get cracking just choose your chips and push the “deal” button. I rather like the animated cards being dealt before my eyes.

Both you and the dealer will get your initial cards but note that the dealer will check his hand for Blackjack, ie if his first card is a ten or ace. Now this is highly advantageous as you have the chance to cut your losses by not splitting your hand or doubling down. Next, depending on your hand, just touch the double, split, stand or hit buttons at the bottom of the screen.

How very straight forward!

The Monkey Verdict

Microgaming and Switch Studios have played fair with Vegas Strip Blackjack, giving you a chance to enjoy a Las Vegas casino experience (with the same four pack game and advantageous rules that you’ll find in Nevada). Up the ante and play now!

4.5 out of 5 bananas.

A great looking design for a popular blackjack classic. Well done, Switch Studios.