In this blog post, we will share with you all you need to know about Power Blackjack. That includes mentioning some of the well known Evolution Gaming casinos because that is where you can find this exciting live variation of blackjack. We will give you the rules of the game. We will also comment on the strategy and the odds and give you our expert tips and tricks.
How to Play Power Blackjack (Evolution Gaming)
As with any blackjack, the goal of Power Blackjack is to get a hand that is higher than that of the dealer, without going over 21. The RTP is 98.80% for the blackjack game and between 94.71% and 96.58% for the side bets. The bet limits for blackjack are £1-£1000, and for side bets – £1-£100. The table is the same as for Infinite Blackjack and Free Bet Blackjack, both of which are available at the best blackjack sites in the UK.
However, in this live dealer variation, there are a few notable differences. Most importantly, all the 9s and 10s have been removed from the deck. Since the game is played using eight decks, the difference is significant – there are 64 fewer cards in a shoe. Also, the dealer checks for blackjack if the dealer’s upcard is a face card. That saves players from multiplying their wager when the dealer has a blackjack.
Another difference is the doubling down option. Forget the old-school double down. At this table, players can triple down or even quadruple down. As if that is not impressive enough, you can do that on any two cards, after splitting hands, too. Naturally, those major differences in the game rules call for a whole new strategy, tailored especially for Power Blackjack.
Power Blackjack Side Bets
An exciting feature of Power Blackjack is the side bets. Like Infinite Blackjack, this game has four side bets, but unlike it, it does not follow the Six Card Charlie rule. The four optional side bets are Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3, and Bust It. These are all well-known side bets that offer different payouts. Let’s have a look at what they mean and how they pay.
- Any Pair – the player’s first two cards are a pair
- 21+3 – the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard form a Straight, Flush, or 3-of-a-kind
- Hot 3 – the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard total 19-21
- Bust It – the dealer busts
Naturally, some side bets variations pay better than others. For example, a pair pays 7:1, but a suited pair pays 20:1. With the 21+3 and Hot 3 side bets, the difference is even more impressive. If your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard make 19, the Hot 3 payout will be 1:1. In case those first three cards are all 7s, though, you will get a payout of 100:1.
But the winner must be the Bust It side bet. If the dealer busts with eight cards or more, you will get the handsome payout of 250:1. That’s quite a reward for doing nothing. All side bets are easy to spot and place a bet on. Should you wish to bet on all four with a single click, there is a handy button, ‘All side bets,’ which places the selected bet on all four for you.
The Power Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack experts often remind players that they should use a strategy when playing. They also note that it is vital that the strategy is for the particular variation and not just any blackjack strategy card. Power Blackjack is no different. A good strategy can be very helpful. But you need to make sure it is the correct one. Beware of just any strategies found online and have a look at our expert tips.
Blackjack is very scientific. There’s always a right answer and a wrong answer. Do you take a card, increase your bet, bet big or bet small. There’s absolutely a right and wrong answer. Charlie Ergen, co-founder and chairman of Dish Network and EchoStar
Make sure you have the right strategy made for Evolution Gaming’s Power Blackjack. There are other games bearing the same name, including a game played at land-based casinos and titles from other providers. Also, be prepared that you might have to learn the strategy by heart. You will not have much time to refer to a chart and consider options, because this top live dealer blackjack table offers a very fast-paced game.
Expert Tips & Tricks
First of all, there is no blackjack strategy for any variation that guarantees you a win. Also, finding a Power Blackjack strategy is no mystery. In fact, the help section of the Evolution game has some strategy pointers. As far as the options to triple and quadruple down go, these should be taken when your bankroll allows it. We’ll improve your chances at winning by giving you tips on when to split, double/triple/quadruple down, hit or stand.
| Split | Double/Triple/Quadruple Down | Hit or Stand |
|---|---|---|
| A pair of 2s if the dealer has a 6. | On a pair of 5s if the dealer has less than 10. | Always hit on hard 14 or less. |
| A pair of 3s if the dealer has 2-8. | On hard 10 if the dealer has 2-7. | Hit on hard 15 unless the dealer has a 5. |
| A pair of 4s if the dealer has a 6. | On hard 11 if the dealer has 2-8. | Hit on hard 16 unless the dealer has 2, 4-6. |
| Never split a pair of 5s | On soft 15 and 16 if the dealer has a 6. | Stand on hard 17 unless the dealer has 11. |
| A pair of 6s if the dealer has 2-8. | On soft 17 if the dealer has 5-6. | Always stand on hard 18 or more. |
| A pair of 7s if the dealer has 2-7. | On soft 18 if the dealer has 2, 4, 5, 6. | Always hit on soft 18 or less. |
| Always split a pair of 8s. | On soft 19 if the dealer has a 6. | Stand on soft 18 unless the dealer has 8-Ace. |
| Never split a pair of face cards. | Stand on soft 19 or more. | |
| A pair of Aces if the dealer has 2-6 or 8-10. |
Power Blackjack Casino Bonuses
Before you join the Power Blackjack live table, you should make sure you have a good understanding of the rules of the game. Have in mind that they are not as simple as the ones for most hi-lo game variations. You should also be acquainted with the strategy basics. Ideally, you would have read through our expert tips.
Another thing to remember is that the finest online casino operators offer a special live casino bonus. Alternatively, they make live games count towards the wagering requirements of their general bonuses.
Final Thoughts on Power Blackjack
Evolution’s Power Blackjack is a very entertaining live dealer game. If you are a fan of blackjack, this variation is a must-try. The removal of the 9s and 10s means that you will have unusual gameplay. And the four side bets are a chance for some memorable wins with a payout of up to 250:1. The Power Blackjack odds may not be the best around, but the game is worth your time, nonetheless.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Interesting Blackjack Variation | No Insurance |
| Four Side Bets | Average RTP |
| Interactive Table | No 6 Card Charlie Rule |
| Dealer peeks for Blackjack | – |
| One to Many Game | – |
| Good Live Table Ambience | – |
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Blackjack
Power Blackjack is a thrilling live game. There is a lot more we can say about it. However, we have made it a priority to keep this post short and sweet. That is why we have only given you the essential information. We will conclude this overview with the common question players ask when they hear about Evolution’s live table.
