We’re always looking for exciting new games when going through the best online blackjack sites, so imagine our surprise when we noticed 21 Burn Blackjack. This take on the casino classic is an online title from Betsoft that allows you to play up to 3 hands simultaneously through its titular “Burn” option. The aim remains that of getting a score that’s as close to 21 as possible, but this Burn feature adds a new strategic wrinkle that’s unique to this Betsoft version of the game. Ready to learn how to play 21 Burn Blackjack? Then continue reading, as we’re going to tell you all about it.
The Basics of 21 Burn Blackjack
As mentioned above, 21 Burn Blackjack is an online-only blackjack variant that comes to us courtesy of developer Betsoft. It features a clean, classic design based around the green velvet of the blackjack table, and is available at most online casinos. This is an online, single player game that’s played against the virtual dealer, allowing you to fully concentrate on the game and your strategies.
The main feature of 21 Burn Blackjack is the Burn option. Like regular blackjack titles, each round starts with you receiving 2 cards. However here you have the option to “burn” your second card. This will then be replaced with a new, random card. The burn option increases your initial bet by 50%, and a special bet is automatically placed on what card it will reveal.
The game is played using 6 decks of cards, which are virtually shuffled via Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure each round is truly random and, as such, fair. You can play up to 3 hands simultaneously at any round, with the burn option available for each hand. Your aim while playing is simple - just like classic blackjack, you need to get a hand with a score that’s as close as possible to 21 without exceeding this total.
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The 21 Burn Blackjack Rules
We’ve mentioned how 21 Burn Blackjack adds a new option to this card game, so you’ll be wondering how this changes the structure of any given round. With this in mind these are the rules of 21 Burn Blackjack:
- The game is played using 6 decks.
- The dealer must hit if they get a soft 17.
- The dealer peeks at their hole card for a blackjack before the player can play their cards.
- Insurance in case the dealer gets a blackjack is available if the dealer gets an ace face up.
- The player may double on any two cards, and can double after splitting.
- The player can split once.
- There is no surrender option.
- The player can burn after seeing their first two cards and the dealer’s up card. The burn increases the initial bet by 50% and replaces the second card with a new random card.
- Splitting is not available after using the burn.
- An ace and 10 after using the burn is considered a blackjack.
- Blackjack pays 1:1 (as opposed to the typical 3:2).
The Burn Card Paytable
The burn option does not only reveal a new card - it involves a bet based on what card you’ll get. Here’s what you can potentially win and how:
|
Burn Card |
Payout |
|
Ace of Spades |
7:1 |
|
All other aces |
2:1 |
|
All other cards |
Loss |
21 Burn Blackjack Strategies
21 Burn Blackjack Strategies
While the burn feature adds an exciting option to the player, some experts suggest it might prove to be a negative in the long run. First off, it does cost half your initial bet, meaning it’s not exactly the best value at most times. The burn wager is also heavily weighted in favour of the house, considering only aces can bring you a win.
Following that is the question of when you should use the burn option. From what we’ve seen, you should only employ the burn when you get the following hands:
- Your first card is a 7, the second card is an 8 or 9, and the dealer’s up card is a 7.
- Your first card is an 8, 9, 10, or ace.
What should you do in any other situation? Not use the burn option, really. As for any other situations, regular blackjack strategies should work just fine. Take advantage of the fact you can play up to 3 cards at a time if you feel like you can handle the pressure, set yourself a bankroll, and don’t place big bets especially if you plan on using the burn option.
Experience the Burn with this Blackjack Variant!
21 Burn Blackjack enhances the casino classic with its burn option. After all, the burn is something of a card - pay half your bet to replace your second card with something that’s potentially worse? However it can be the card you need to get that precious blackjack, and an ace means an extra payout! So enjoy 21 Burn Blackjack at your favourite online casino site, and do check out our other how to play online blackjack online if you want even more information. Have fun and, as always, play responsibly.
