Objective of Zappit Blackjack: The goal of Zappit Blackjack is beating the dealer or creating a hand with a value closest to 21, without going over 21.
Number of players: 1
Materials: 6 standard decks of 52 cards, casino chips, and Blackjack table.
Type of game: Casino Card Game
Audience: Adult
Overview of Zappit Blackjack
Zappit Blackjack adds one of the most unique spins to a casino classic. This Blackjack variant lets you entirely change your hand. When you have a hand value of 15, 16, 17 or 18 from your initial two cards, you can replace them with new cards.
If your initial hand has a total value of 15-18, you will have the option to “Zap” it, hence the name Zappit Blackjack! This Blackjack variant exploded in popularity after release and it’s still one of the most entertaining takes on Blackjack out there.
Keep in mind, this is a digital casino game that’s only available online. It can be played for fun or real money at online blackjack sites, some of which are operated by casino brands from Vegas and Atlantic City.
How to Play
Zappit Blackjack is played with 6 decks. Card counting is not possible because the decks are automatically reshuffled by the computer after each round. You can use Basic Strategy while playing, and there is a variant of the strategy that covers “Zap” element.
If you’ve played Blackjack before, then you can jump straight into Zappit. The core gameplay doesn’t differ from conventional gameplay, and card values remain the same.
This game variant was Invented by Geoff Hall, the same person behind Blackjack Switch, which is another popular variant across land and online casinos.
Card Values
- A = 1 or 11
- 2 – 10 = face value
- J, Q, K = 10
- Suits are not relevant.
Rules
- Decks used: 6
- Deck reshuffle: Every round
- Blackjack pays: 3:2
- You can Zap when your hand has a value of 15, 16, 17, or 18 from the initial two cards dealt by the dealer
- You can’t Zap twice in the same game round
- You can only split in your first action after initial cards are dealt, and only if the initial two cards have the same rank.
- Re-splitting is not possible. Re-splitting A’s restricts further action.
- Double Down is possible, only on the initial two cards.
- Dealer hits all soft 17s.
- Dealer stands all hard 17s.
- Getting “Blackjack” is not possible after Zapping, even if your hand value is 21 from the Zapped hand.
Payouts
- Win – 1:1
- Draw – Push*
- Blackjack – 3:2
- Insurance – 2:1
*Push refunds your initial bet.
Basic Zappit Blackjack Strategy
This strategy applies to any 6 to 8 deck blackjack game where the dealer must hit on soft 17s. The strategy can be followed before and after zapping your cards.
Source: wizzardofodds.com
When using the chart while playing Zappit Blackjack, you can treat “Zap” as a “Hit” when you have an unfavorable hand.
End Of Game
When the dealer busts, the round is resolved.
When a player reaches 21 from initial two cards, he is paid out, other players on the table can continue.
When no more cards can be drawn. The player or dealer (whoever’s hand is highest to 21 without going over) is paid out.
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