Blackjack 21 Duel

21 Duel Blackjack Review: Try the Demo and Play for Free

If you want to enjoy a blackjack game with a bit of a twist, then 21 Duel Blackjack is a great option for you to try out. Developed by Playtech, a software developer with decades of experience, it’s a blackjack variant that adds more depth to the game. 

You can play 21 Duel Blackjack in the free demo with virtual currency on Playtech’s site. However, before you start playing the main game, understanding the rules will improve your gameplay experience. 

In this review, we’ll be covering 21 Duel blackjack, all of its rules, how it’s different, and how the rules work. Without any further ado, let’s get this review started.

21 Duel Blackjack: What Is It?

If you try to approach this Playtech game with your understanding of classic blackjack, you’ll see it’s very different from the original game. 21 Duel Blackjack combines elements of blackjack and poker to create a game for casino players looking to try something new. 

Along with diversifying the rules and getting a 98.38 percent RTP, you also get great graphics. The game is played with six decks of cards. You can also play up to three hands simultaneously. 

Since the rules are a mix of two games, the best way to learn it is to try the demo version first. Just like poker, you have to deal with communal cards, which calls for strategizing in the game. Players need to decide which of the two communal cards they want to use alongside the two cards they’ve already been dealt.

If a player hits and goes over the 21-point hands, he will lose the Ante and Raise bets. The same applies to the dealer, which has a 1 to 1 payout, also known as an even money bet.  

That covers the basics of 21 Duel Blackjack. Now, let’s get into the detailed explanations. 

Game Objective

The main goal of this game is the same as regular blackjack. The party with the higher hand wins the game. Players need to reach the coveted 21 points to automatically win or get as close to it as possible by adding cards to their hands. 

Card Values

The card values in this variant remain the same as in the classic variant. Number cards are worth their face value. Face cards, such as King, Queen, or Jack, are worth 10 points. As for the Ace, it can be worth a single point or 11 points, depending on the player’s needs. 

Game Phases When You Play 21 Duel Blackjack

The game begins with each player being dealt two cards: one face up card and one face-down card and the two community cards. These two cards are placed on the table just like Texas Hold’em poker.

After the dealing is done, players will have to choose a community card from the table and add it to their hand. The game keeps going as usual, with players choosing to hit or stand until it’s time for the duel. As long as the player’s hand has 16 or less, they can keep hitting. 

Players can either challenge the dealer by revealing the face down card and win if they beat the dealer’s hand. However, they can also forfeit their hand and wager if they’re not confident. If you want to continue, you will need to make a raise bet equal to the Ante bet.

Betting Structure

As the game uses regular cards and community cards, you’ll find a mix of classic bets and new rules like the 2up side bet. So, let’s quickly go over all of them. 

Initial Ante Bet

Just like the classic game, the initial Ante bet is placed before the dealer puts the cards on the table. Without this first deposit, the game can’t begin. 

2Up Side Bet

Along with the original Ante bet, you can also make a 2 up side bet. The side wager pays based on the three cards that you have in your hand. Players will get paid for a pair or a three-of-a-kind. 

Among the two, three of a kind has the highest paying value at 20 to 1. You’ll get a 3 to 1 payout if you get a pair. So, you can see that the side bet gives you the opportunity to get a generous payout. 

However, based on expert analysis, playing the side bet can raise the house edge to 6.53 percent, which is never a good option. So, you need to have an optimal strategy to make the most of the experience.

Strategy Guide for 21 Duel Blackjack  

Here are some tips to help you enjoy 21 Duel Blackjack if you’re trying it out for the first time at a new casino. 

Checking Communal Cards

When you get the three communal face-up cards, make sure to choose the option that gets you the closest to 21. If you’re playing the multi-hand version of the game, make sure to do it for each hand you’re playing. 

Fold if Needed

If the first card and communal cards don’t show much promise, it’s better to fold early on than keep hitting just to stand on 17. Folding doesn’t mean you lose the game. It just means you’re regrouping for the next round. 

Consider the House Cards

As the dealer needs to have a minimum of 13 to win, keep an eye on their cards. Based on the dealer’s hand, you should decide whether you want to hit or stand. 

Avoiding Risks

Remember that this version of the game doesn’t have a double-down or split option. So, instead of going for a flashy play, focus on strengthening your hand. 

Using Casino Bonuses

When you’re ready to play with real money, make sure to pick the bonuses that don’t just apply to selected games. This will let you use your bonus balance on 21 Duel Blackjack. However, don’t get carried away by the boosted balance and what T&Cs apply to the offer. 

Finishing Up

Once you master 21 Duel Blackjack, you’ll see that it’s more fun than the regular version. The unique rules and increased payouts are sure to attract both new and veteran players. If you want to check out more Playtech games, consider checking out their portfolio on the official website.