Blackjack is a popular game that dates back hundreds of years. Throughout its history blackjack got many new game variations that are played in a similar way but got a new name because of a new rule that has been introduced.
These game variations of blackjack are designed to make games more interesting and to spice things up for people that want something different.
One of the game variations is called California Blackjack and in today’s article we will find out more about its rules and origins.
Where Does California Blackjack Name Come From?
A man by the name of Roger Wisted changed the world of blackjack in 1989 by introducing a new version of the game. Instead of competing against the casino, Wisted developed, patented, and trademarked a version of blackjack where players compete against each other. California Blackjack is what he called it.
With that said, today’s version of California Blackjack is played against the dealer but has a few different rules from traditional blackjack and blackjack crypto.
There are several Bay Area card rooms where that game can be found today, such as Artichoke Joe’s in San Bruno, Bay 101 in San Jose and the Oaks Club in Berkeley.
Garden City Casino in Saratoga also offers the game, and according to to shift manager Dan Morgan it attracts a lot of attention since it is unique
Rules of California Blackjack
The rules of California Blackjack are similar to those of traditional blackjack, with a few key differences that make the game distinct and challenging for players.
In California Blackjack, players are allowed to double down on any two cards and split any pair, including aces. This means that players can take advantage of favorable situations more easily and increase their chances of winning.
For example, if a player is dealt a pair of eights, they can split the pair and play two separate hands, each with a starting value of eight. This gives players more flexibility and allows them to strategically manage their bets and maximize their chances of winning.
The game also allows players to surrender their hand and forfeit half of their bet. This can be a useful option in certain situations, such as when the player has a low-value hand and the dealer is showing a strong card. By surrendering, the player can avoid losing their entire bet and minimize their losses.
One of the key differences between California Blackjack and traditional blackjack is that players are not allowed to double down after splitting a pair.
This means that players cannot take advantage of the additional flexibility that comes with doubling down on two cards, and must be more strategic in their decision-making. For example, if a player splits a pair of eights and then receives a nine on one of the split hands, they cannot double down and must instead hit or stand based on the value of their hand.
California Blackjack is also played with eight decks of cards, which means that there are more cards in play and the deck is less likely to run out. This can make the game more dynamic and allow for longer sessions, as players have more opportunities to hit, stand, double down, or split.
Structure of California Blackjack
In addition to these rules, California Blackjack follows the same basic structure as traditional blackjack. The goal of the game is to get a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible without going over, and players must compete against the dealer to see who can get the higher value hand.
The game uses the standard blackjack card values, with face cards worth 10 points and aces worth either 1 or 11 points depending on the player’s hand.
Overall, California Blackjack is a variation of blackjack that offers some unique features and challenges for players.
While the basic rules of the game are the same, the additional options and the use of eight decks of cards make California Blackjack a distinct and exciting game to play. Whether you’re a seasoned blackjack player looking for a new challenge, or a newcomer to the game who wants to try something different, California Blackjack is worth checking out.
