The Blackjack Peek Game – You Can't Beat a Natural
This blackjack variation seems rather simple. Upon receiving an Ace or a 10-valued card, the dealer will peek at their face-down card. If there's a natural, you lose, if not – you can continue your game, perhaps double down and win more. The variation is available at top blackjack peek casinos and is suitable for novices and expert players alike. It will not offer fun side bets or give you the option to surrender. It will not entice you with a huge progressive jackpot, either. But it will help you avoid costly mistakes, which may turn out to be more important for you in the long run.
Game Basics and the Peek Rule
As a popular game, blackjack has many variations. The peek version is similar to the classic one. It gives you one strategic advantage, though. Since the dealer has to check the face-down card, when the game keeps going, it means that they don't have a natural. You can safely presume the hand you're competing with is valued 20 at the most. Certainly, a weaker hand is quite possible. As for your advantage, it's two-fold. First, you cut your losses because you don't wager against a blackjack. Second, you get to make your call with that extra information in mind. The principal edge of the casino comes from the fact that the house draws cards last. So, if you know you don't have a blackjack to beat, that is a good thing.
How does peeking work? Unlike land-based casinos, where dealers use a blackjack peek mirror to check their card, in the RNG game, peeking happens automatically when the face-up card of the dealer is a 10-valued one or an Ace. Everything happens very quickly, and if you aren't paying attention, you might miss it. Once it happens, if the game continues, you'll know the dealer doesn't have twenty-one. But let's recap the basic rules just in case:
- It's a six-deck game
- The dealer stands on all 17s
- You are allowed to split cards but only once
- You can split Aces, but they get one card only
- You can take insurance, which pays 2:1 in case the dealer has a natural
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How the Blackjack Peek Rule Saves You Money
If you're still unsure as to what this game could do for you, we'll give you an example where the peek rule will save you money. Imagine you have a hand that adds up to 11 versus a dealer’s 10. If you play by the blackjack strategy charts, you will double. In this game, however, the peeking will save you from making the costly mistake of doubling against a natural, because the dealer will peek and the game will be over before you get the chance to double down.
Blackjack Peek Game Tips
To start with, since the peek rule variation is so close to the classic one, do follow the basic strategy to minimize the house edge. Have a look at a strategy chart and memorize the basics – it will be all worth it. Also, don't take insurance – it increases the house edge, which for this variation is 0.58%. As for the specific rules of the game, the option to avoid a game against a natural is always welcome. Here's a list of blackjack peek game tips:
- If you have a hard 17 or above, always stand
- If you have a soft 17, always hit
- If you have a couple of Aces or 4s, always split
- If you have 9, 10 or 11, double down
Playtech’s Blackjack Peek
Blackjack peek casinos are most likely to offer this particular game. The variation does not imply anything specific in terms of additional options. You will find all the common options, such as hit, stand, and double as buttons. The only difference is the quick peek the dealer takes when their upcard is a 10-valued card or an Ace and the fact that the game ends if they have blackjack.
In terms of appearance, the Playtech peek variation is part of their beautifully-designed blackjack series. That means it feature eye-pleasing views and mellow music to provide you with that coveted casino ambiance. Players are pampered with extras like being able to change the color of the table. It might seem trifle, but a detail like that shows the company really has their customers best interests at heart. Another feature that shows Playtech cares is the fact that if you have a hand valued at 18, for instance, and you attempt to hit, you'll get a prompt asking you if you're sure you'd like to hit.
Other Blackjack Variations
Blackjack Switch
This variation is based on traditional blackjack but has a few specific rules. Most notably, it offers the chance to switch two cards, and thus get a better hand.
Blackjack Surrender
When you play blackjack long enough, you will notice that there are certain situations when you can tell the positive outcome isn't very likely. That's when the option to give up your hand but still not lose your wager may come handy.
Progressive Blackjack
It's an exclusive online game that not only caters to your blackjack needs and rewards your strategy knowledge and skills but also offers the chance to try your luck with a progressive jackpot.
A Quick Recap
Unlike other variations, blackjack peek will not provide you with unexpected twists and turns, and it will not offer you fantastic payouts from side bets. Instead, it will give you more insight into the hand of the dealer and thus give you a better perspective into how the round will develop. That means you'll be able to make smarter calls and, consequently, get better payouts. Following the basic blackjack strategy, players will inevitably end up in situations when knowing whether the house has blackjack or not will help a lot. And that's what this game is about. Some novice players may find it unattractive, but if they visit one of the top blackjack casinos and play long enough, they'll surely come to appreciate the benefits of the game.