Double Exposure

Double Exposure is a version of blackjack in which all cards are dealt face-up, including the dealer’s cards, hence the term ‘exposure. This version of the game, which is also known as Face Up 21, Dealer Disclosure and Bayou Blackjack, increases your odds of winning by 8.80%.

However, casinos aren’t in the business of philanthropy, so they usually adjust other rules to favour the house even more than in conventional blackjack.

These adjustments include paying blackjacks at even money, allowing doubling down only on 9, 10, 11 and not allowing you to take insurance, re-split or surrender. In addition, all tie hands result in a loss (as opposed to a push) with the exception of a player’s blackjack, which beats a dealer’s blackjack.

Despite all of this, when dealer disclosure blackjack is played properly, and depending upon playing conditions, the house edge can also run below that of conventional blackjack. For example with six decks, dealer hits a soft 17, double on any first two cards, doubling after splits not allowed, tied blackjack wins, split only once, a jack and ace of hearts pays 2:1 and a suited 6-7-8 pays double, the casino advantage is 0.26%. But with six decks, dealer hits a soft 17, doubling allowed only on a hard 9-11, doubling after splits not allowed, split only once, and a tied blackjack pushes, the house edge is 1.47%, which is more than in standard blackjack.

As you can see, slight modifications in the double exposure rules can greatly affect the casino’s edge. But still, with either example, it still ranks as one of the better games in the casino, and possibly worthy of a few of your hard-earned cash.
 

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