Chinese Blackjack is one of many variations of the classic card game, and is most commonly played at home among friends and relatives. But how is it different from standard blackjack, and what are the rules?
In this beginner’s guide, we will explain Chinese Blackjack’s structure and special rules to help you prepare for your first game.
What is Chinese Blackjack?
Chinese Blackjack (also known as Ban-Luck, Ban-Nag, or 21-Point) is a card game traditionally played during Chinese New Year celebrations. Games typically feature one or two standard card decks, each with 52 playing cards, depending on how many people are at the table.
As in standard blackjack, your goal in Chinese Blackjack is to build a hand with a total value of 21, or to get as close to that as you can without exceeding it (e.g. 22). If your hand is worth more than the dealer’s and other players’ hands, you win.
Chinese Blackjack uses multiple special combinations, such as Ban-Ban and Ban-Luck. Forming one of these in your hand can affect your position in the game — and it may even help you boost your winnings.
Our recommended sites for playing blackjack.
Chinese Blackjack Gameplay and Rules
Chinese Blackjack plays out in the following pattern:
- Players add a predetermined bet to the centre of the table to show that they are ready to take part.
- One of the players volunteers to be the dealer. If there are no volunteers, players may pick straws or toss a coin.
- The dealer shuffles the deck, then places two face-down cards in front of each player. Once all players have their starting cards, the dealer gives themselves two face-down cards.
- Players can take the usual blackjack actions after receiving their cards: hit, stand, split, or double down.
- Players may hit if they want to improve the total value of their hand. If they want to stay in the game to potentially beat the dealer, players with a hand worth less than 16 must hit.
- The dealer might hit to increase their hand value, or they can stand if their cards total 16 or higher. Before they hit, dealers can also ask players to reveal their cards.
- Whether a player or the dealer is closer to 21 without going bust, a winner is declared and winnings are paid.
In Chinese Blackjack, ace values are based on how many cards you hold in your hand:
- 2-card hand: ace = 10 or 11
- 3-card hand: ace = 1 or 10
- 4 or 5-card hand: ace = 1
Chinese Blackjack Special Combinations
Chinese Blackjack Special Combinations
In Chinese Blackjack, players and dealers may hold the following special combinations:
- Ban-Ban: A Ban-Ban is a pair of aces. Players holding a ban-ban receive their starting bet tripled. However, if the dealer has a Ban-Ban, they receive all player bets tripled (unless a player also has a Ban-Ban).
- Ban-Luck: A Ban-Luck is an ace and a 10/face card, creating a total of 21. Players win double their bet.
- Free Hand: A Free Hand occurs when a dealer’s cards add up to 15. Holding a free hand gives dealers a choice to either keep playing or stop. If they choose the latter option, they will collect players’ cards, reshuffle the deck, and deal again.
- Triple 7: As a house rule, participants can decide exactly how Triple 7 works. It occurs when a player or dealer holding a pair of 7s receives a third 7. They will receive a payout of 7x their bet or higher (e.g. 21x) — participants need to agree on an amount before a game starts.
- Five-21: If a hand value increases to 21 after receiving a fifth card, this is a Five-21. An immediate payout of triple the player’s bet is awarded. Dealers holding a Five-21 hand receive triple all player bets.
- Five-Dragon: Players still in the game with a four-card hand may request a fifth card. Going bust on the fifth causes them to lose double their bet. But if the fifth card improves their hand without making them go bust or create a total value of 21, the player claims a payout worth double their bet. If dealers have a Five-Dragon hand, they win double all player bets.
Find the Best Blackjack Sites in Ireland
Chinese Blackjack can be more complicated to learn than some other variations, especially for novices. Study the rules and special combinations carefully before playing for the first time.
Ready to try standard blackjack and popular variations online? Discover the top places to play in Gambling Zone’s guide to the best blackjack sites in Ireland.
