Blackjack is one of the simplest, most accessible casino games, suitable for everyone from total beginners to seasoned players. And if you want to experience a slightly different take on this classic game, you can choose from multiple variations — including Pitch Blackjack.
While it retains many of the core elements of blackjack, Pitch Blackjack offers enough differences to make it a compelling alternative to the standard game.
How does it work? Discover all you need to know to get started in our Pitch Blackjack beginner’s guide.
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What is Pitch Blackjack?
Pitch Blackjack is a card game played at brick-and-mortar casinos, though it is generally less common than other variations. The goal is to create a hand with a total value of 21, or at least to get closer to that than the dealer. Card values in Pitch Blackjack follow standard blackjack rankings.
However, the differences begin with the number of card decks used: dealers draw from just two decks instead of six or eight. This reduces the house edge, which may make Pitch Blackjack more appealing to players than other variations that generally work out better for the casino.
The dealing method also deviates from the usual approach: cards are pitched or tossed to players face down, whereas they are typically dealt face up in the traditional game.
Each player receives two cards at the start of each round. As these are dealt face down, players must handle their cards to check them. This is another change from the traditional blackjack model, in which players typically never handle their own cards.
With all cards dealt face down, only you will see your hand — presenting you with an opportunity to play more strategically. You may prefer to remain discreet and give no indication of your hand’s quality, as you would in other card games such as poker.
Pitch Blackjack Gameplay and Rules
Pitch Blackjack
Pitch blackjack games follow a particular sequence and set of rules:
- Dealers pitch two face-down cards to each player at the table. They usually handle the cards manually instead of using a shoe or dealing them automatically.
- Dealers provide themselves with two cards, one face up and one face down.
- Play proceeds as per standard blackjack rules: each player must decide whether to hit, stand, split, or double down.
- Once all players have completed their chosen actions, the dealer turns their face-down card to show their full hand. If they have a low-value hand, they need to hit until their cards are worth at least 17.
- The player with a combined card total of 21, or as close to that as possible without exceeding it (going “bust”), wins the game. If the dealer has the better hand, the house wins instead.
What do the possible player actions involve?
- Hit — Ask for one extra card to add to your starting hand. Players may hit multiple times until they reach 21 or go bust.
- Stand — Keep your current cards without taking any more from the dealer. This may be best if your hand is worth 17 or more.
- Split — Split a pair (two cards of identical value, such as two 9s) to form two different hands. You must place a second bet matching your initial wager.
- Double Down — Double your original bet after receiving your first two cards. You will get just one more card, but cannot hit again.
Understanding these actions before you play Pitch Blackjack will help you make smarter decisions at the table.
If you have never tried Pitch Blackjack or any other variation of the classic game, it is highly recommended that you watch a few hands as an observer or play a virtual blackjack game in demo mode before you dive in.
This will give you a better idea of how it works and ensure you feel more prepared when you play for real money for the first time.
Discover the Best Blackjack Sites in Ireland
Pitch Blackjack is one of the more distinctive blackjack variations, and offers a chance to play with a lower house edge than you may be used to. The game has a more hands-on structure than standard blackjack: players handle their own cards, whereas only the dealer usually does that.
If you want to play blackjack online, you can explore a huge range of games at blackjack sites for Irish players. However, choosing from the massive selection of sites can be difficult. Make it easier on yourself: read Gambling Zone’s guide to the best blackjack sites in Ireland, featuring only the top places to play online.
