Extreme 21 - How To Play Extreme 21

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Extreme 21 Odds & Strategy

Extreme 21 is an entertaining variant form of regular blackjack that is primarily played for fun because the odds of winning any significant money are very low. The house edge happens to be three times that of regular blackjack. A player who is more interested in trying to make money would be better served by trying a different game.

However, for the recreational player looking for something different, this can be an exciting game. Extreme 21 Blackjack is played just like a normal game of blackjack except for one crucial difference and that is that the dealer cannot stand on a hand value. In Extreme 21, the dealer will keep hitting until they get a higher number than the player or until they go bust.

How To Play Extreme 21 Blackjack

The card values are all the same for this variation. Number cards retain their normal value, face cards are worth ten, and aces are worth either one or eleven. Most games use six decks of 52 cards but some casinos vary the number.

Extreme 21 is played one on one individually between each player and the dealer. The game starts by the player making an initial bet. They then receive one up card from the dealer.

The players take turns and after each player has received a second card, the dealer gets one card face up. The game continues with the player either hitting or standing. Once the player is satisfied with their hand, the dealer will take the game to its completion.

If a player stands on anything less than 21, the dealer must keep hitting until they beat the number or bust. Because of this the dealer does not get a hole card. The player is allowed to double on the first two cards, even after a split.

Redoubling is also allowed in most casinos but it’s a good idea to check first with the house rules. A player may even hit and redouble after doubling. Splitting on the first two cards is legal if the cards are the same point value.

Aces may only be split once but other cards may be resplit an unlimited number of times. If a player splits, the dealer will play against each hand individually, hitting until they beat either hand or go bust. Getting a blackjack has no significance in this game because it is treated as any other 21-point hand.

If a player gets a 21 point hand, it is an automatic win with an even 1 to 1 payout. However, blackjack pays the same ratio as well. That is just a way for the house to better their edge against the player. There is no push in Extreme 21 because no tie is possible since the dealer must keep hitting. Surrender is also not allowed in Extreme 21 and a player is prohibited from playing multiple hands.

Extreme 21 Blackjack is designed for the player to have fun but also designed to give the house a high edge. It does not allow the opportunity for a player to make some serious money. The game is widely played in Canada but is also available in Las Vegas and in various casinos online.

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