Table operations & dealer procedures. Blackjack Switch. (Blackjack Switch at The 4 Queens, Las Vegas)

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1 Table operations & dealer procedures. Blackjack Switch (Blackjack Switch at The 4 Queens, Las Vegas) Last Revision March 2003 Geoff Hall geoff@blackjackswitch.com 1

2 Table operations & dealer procedures. Blackjack Switch Overview Table & Equipment Blackjack Switch Terminology Table opening Dealing Blackjack Switch Maximums & Minimums Closing Index 2

3 Game overview Blackjack Switch involves playing 2 blackjack hands with the cards being dealt in the same way as regular blackjack. Once the hands have been dealt, the player has the added option of switching over the top 2 cards of each blackjack hand to create stronger combinations. For example, the player is dealt a King followed by a Four for the first hand and a Six followed by a Queen for the second hand. (i.e. The top 2 cards are a four and a queen respectively). The player can now choose to switch over the Four and Queen to now give the first hand consisting of a King and a Queen and the second hand consisting of a Six and a Four. Obviously some switching decisions are quite difficult to make so this option adds an exciting concept and demands a new challenging addition to skilful decision-making within the game. Once the player has decided whether to switch or not, the hands are then played out as in regular blackjack. To compensate for offering this added advantage to the player the following rules are implemented. (Although the overall casino edge is still lower than regular blackjack if the correct switching decisions are made). Basic Rules 1. Blackjacks pay even money. 2. Dealer total of 22 will push all players hands. (However, the casino may decide to allow a players Blackjack to still beat a dealer 22). 3. All doubling and splitting is allowed as in regular Blackjack. More detailed rules and dealer procedures are covered in detail in the accompanying document. The "Super Match" bet is a further exciting addition to this game offering multiple odds. 3

4 Table & equipment. The Layout The layout covering the Blackjack Switch table shall have printed five demarcated areas for the players bets. In front of the player betting area will be an additional area for the "Super Match" bet. The area for Insurance will form an Arc as on a traditional Blackjack table. The following inscriptions will also be printed on the cloth. Blackjack Switch Patent Number Insurance pays 2-1 The logo or name of the casino (optional) Additional Equipment Blackjack Switch is played on a traditional Blackjack sized table and subject to the casino procedures the following equipment will or may be required. Payout & rules plaques. One that gives the basic game rules and the second that details the payouts on the "Super Match" bet. These will normally be displayed at each corner of the table. Minimum and Maximum signs. Shuffling machine. (Multi-deck) either a continuous Shuffler or of the type that will perform the shuffle whilst another set of decks are in play. Drop box. Located to the right of the dealer. Plunger. Used for depositing cash into the Drop box Discard holder. Also to the right of the dealer. May be absent if a continuous Shuffler is in play. Clicker. Or a device designed for recording the Drop at the table. Shoe. Required if the game is being dealt without a continuos Shuffling machine. The shoe will be capable of holding six complete decks Cards. Blackjack Switch is designed to be played with 6 complete 52 card decks. Cutting card(s). will be required when a manual shuffle is being used. 4

5 Blackjack Switch Terminology "Blackjack" Blackjack shall mean an Ace & any card having a point value of ten, dealt as the original two cards to the player or the dealer. In Blackjack Switch all Blackjacks pay even money. "Hard total" Means the point count of the hand which contains no Aces, or which contains Aces that are all counted 1 in value. "Hit" "Card" The player requires a card. These are the prefered player calls. "Insurance" If the dealer draws an Ace as the first card. All players may place a stake up to half of their original bet on the Insurance line after the initial deal has been completed. Should the dealer have Blackjack -Insurance pays 2 to 1. "Soft total" Means the point count of a hand containing an Ace or Aces, one of which can be counted both as 1 or 11, whilst the others must be counted as 1. e.g. Ace + 6 = 7 or 17 or Ace + Ace + 7 = 9 or 19. "Stand off" or "Push" The player neither wins nor loses his or her bet. "Stand" "Stay" The player does not want any more cards. "Super Match" An additional and optional bet in front of the players two normal hands. Payout odds will be displayed at the table. "Switch" The player after his or her two hands are dealt may elect to "Switch" cards to create a stronger combination. "Too many" If a players cards exceed 21 they automatically lose their bet. Likewise if the dealer exceeds 21 all players bets remaining on the table win. "Push 22" The rule incorporated within Blackjack Switch whereby a dealer total of 22 pushes all players hands (with the possible exception of a player Blackjack if the casino wishes to employ this). 5

6 Opening procedure The table opening procedure will follow that laid down by the casino in the main operations manual. Staff will ensure that the tables does not rock or tilt, all surrounds are secure & not split or burned. If the table is in a smoking area that ashtrays are present for the use of customers. Cards The procedure for delivering the cards to the table at the start of play or when cards are replaced will also follow that in the main operations manual. Once at the table the dealer will check the cards physically back and front to ensure all are present with no visible imperfections. The cards once displayed on the table will then be visually checked by the Pitboss before shuffling may commence. If a shoe is being used then the dealer should ensure that it is complete and in good working condition. If shuffling machines are in use a quick inspection should be made to ensure the equipment is secure and in operational condition. Table float The dealer will check the float at opening to ensure all chips are present as detailed on the opening slip. This is usually done by cutting the chips out on the table and awaiting verification by a Pitboss or inspector. The two will then usually sign that all is in order. The chips are then returned to the float tray and divided for easy visual inspection during play. Pit staff will ensure that there are chips adequate in the float for the table stakes as well as smaller denominations if deemed necessary. Table signage At the table the basic game rules will be displayed along with the payouts for the "Super Match" bet and the table minimums and maximums. In addition a leaflet may also be available to players giving more detailed play information. 6

7 Dealing Blackjack Switch Shuffle After the cards have been laid out on the table and visually checked. It is normal for the first shuffle of the day to be a "Chemmy Shuffle" (Wash). The cards will be turned over with the cutting card. The wash now commencing and this will be done in a manner to ensure a thorough mix of the cards. This should take no less than 30 seconds and care should be taken to ensure the movement of the cards remains under control. The cards are then brought together in small groups, squared & placed in the discard. This is repeated until all the cards are in the discard. Subsequent procedure will again follow that laid down in the operations manual. If a manual shuffle is performed then that will be the standard shuffle employed on multi-deck Blackjack games on the premises. Cutting the cards Upon completion of the shuffle the cards must be cut before the first shoe may commence or the game may continue. The player to cut is usually The first player to the table, if the game is just starting or re-starting. The player on whose box the cutting card appeared during the last round of play. The player on the first box if the cutting card appears during the dealers hand. A player designated by the players should they concur If a player does not wish to cut the cards, the cutting card shall be offered to the player to his or her left. The cutting card must be inserted by the player a minimum of 14 cards in from either end of the deck although this rule will be in line with the company policy. If the cut is unacceptable for any reason, the cutting card will be removed & the cards offered again for cutting. Once the cutting card has been inserted by the player, the dealer will take the cutting card & all the cards in front of the cutting card & place them to the back of the deck. The card is then re-inserted approximately 100 cards from the back. Again this rule will be in line with company policy on multi-deck Blackjack games. The decks may be straightened on the side of the shoe. The roller is held at the back of the shoe & the cards allowed to slide down until they are in place. The dealer must ensure that the first card has indeed slid down to the front. The shoe is then placed in the dealing position. Should the casino have a policy of "Burning" cards" this will now be performed. The dealer & the table are now ready for change/play. 7

8 Before dealing The dealer will usually announce "Place your bets" At the start of play on a new game. When picking up the cards after finishing a hand. After a shuffle. This call may be made to the table, an individual player but may be omitted if the players are fully aware of how to play and are attentive to the game. Before commencing the deal the dealer will run his/her index finger around the Insurance line anti clockwise & check the following That all bets are placed in the betting boxes. That all bets comply with the minimums & maximums posted at the table. That all players have 2 bets on each box of equal amounts. This is a unique requirement and specific to the game of Blackjack Switch. That all bets are stacked up neatly, using clean hands procedure before touching a players bet. That all bets are placed with the highest value chip at the bottom & the lowest value on top. That players hands are away from the betting boxes. If at busy times there is more than one player on a box the seated player will usually be the person to call the hand. The dealer will also draw attention to the "Super Match" to players that normally play the bet and have apparently forgot to place their chips. Sufficient time should be given to players to place their bets and the game kept at a comfortable and enjoyable pace. Dealing the cards The method & technique of dealing cards is the same for dealing multi-deck Blackjack from the shoe as laid down in the companies procedure manuals. When all is in order, the dealer will call "No more bets thank you" & deal the first card face up to the left side of the first box that has a bet. As from this moment no more bets may be placed on the table, altered, or removed. The next card is to the players second bet on the right hand side of the box. The cards being placed to the left and right of the "Super Match" bet. This will continue until all boxes with bets have two cards. The dealer will then deal him/herself the first hole card face up. A second card is then dealt to the players, again as in regular Blackjack. The dealers second card is then dealt face down and slipped underneath the first. 8

9 Super Match. After the initial deal has been completed the dealer will first attend to the "Super Match" bets. Starting from the last box the dealer will now check the players hands that now comprise four cards. The payout scale is as follows and will also be displayed prominently on a plaque at the table or, alternatively, on the layout. Using all four of the players cards Hand and payout odds ( 6 Decks 8 Decks ) 1 pair 1/1 1/1 3 of a kind 5/1 5/1 2 pairs 8/1 7/1 4 of a kind 40/1 50/1 As the dealer checks the hands he or she will announce to each player the result of each hand and pay or remove the bets. Winning bets once paid are handed off to the player. This is a security measure to prevent a players hands passing over their bet on the Blackjack Switch. IF MORE THAN 1 OF THE OUTCOMES ABOVE OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY THEN THE WAGER IS PAID ONCE USING THE HIGHEST PAYOFF THAT OCCURS WITHIN THAT PARTICULAR HAND. When all "Super Match" bets have been dealt with the dealers next procedure will depend on his or her Up card. If the dealer shows 2 through 9 a Blackjack is not possible and the player on the first box will be addressed. If the dealer shows a 10 or face card then the down card will be checked for a Blackjack. If the dealer shows an Ace then he or she will offer the table Insurance. Dealer has a 10 or Face card showing After first paying or taking the "Super Match" bets the dealer will check the second card. If it is an Ace then all player bets lose and will be removed except those where the player also has a Blackjack. Those hands are a Push and the players bet will stand. If the dealer does not have an Ace then the game will continue with the first box now being addressed. Dealer has an Ace showing If after the initial deal has been concluded and the dealers Up card is an Ace he or she will announce "Insurance". Players are now entitled to place a bet on the Insurance line up to half of their original bet. 9

10 As players in Blackjack Switch play two boxes they may decide to insure both or just one of their hands. Therefore a player with 2 $10 bets who wishes to fully insure both hands will place an additional $10 on the Insurance line. Players who have a Blackjack are not offered 1 to 1 but must either take Insurance or wait until the conclusion of the hand. The reason for this is that it is possible that with Blackjack only paying 1 to 1 the player may elect to Switch and create 2 alternate hands instaed of keeping the Blackjack. The dealer will announce "Insurance closed" and then check the down card. If the card is not a ten or face card there is no dealer Blackjack and bets on the Insurance line lose and will be removed. The hand will then continue with the dealer addressing the player on the first box. If the dealer does have a 10 or face card then it is a Blackjack. All bets lose with the exception of player Blackjacks. These hands are a Push and the players bet will stand. After all losing bets have been removed the dealer will then pay the winning Insurance bets at 2 to 1. All winning bets on the Insurance line are handed off to the players. The hand has now been concluded and the cards will be removed ready for the next hand. Dealer has a 2 through 9 showing. No Blackjack is possible and after the "Super Match" bets have been paid or taken the dealer will return to the player on the first box. It is now that the players must make their decisions on how to play their hands. Pointing with the index finger of the right hand the dealer will announce the point total of the first of the players two hands and the option to Switch. Example: "15 or Switch" "19 or Switch" etc. Player options The player now has the same options as in regular Blackjack with the exception of the addition of "Switch". The players 5 options being - Card, Double down, Split, Switch or Stand Card If the player does not wish to Switch he or she may take additional cards as in regular Blackjack to achieve a better total. Players may continue to draw as many cards as required until the total reaches 21. Players may not draw on 21. Once any additional cards have been drawn the player cannot Switch. When the first hand has been completed the player will then make decisions for their second hand. The player will always make a clear signal or call before the dealer will deliver another card. If either hand goes over 21 the dealer will announce "Too many" and the bet and cards are removed. The chips are taken with the left hand and the cards with the right. The cards are then placed into the discard or back into the continuous Shuffler. 10

11 Double down The player may double on any two card total except a Blackjack. When a player has decided to double down he/she must place a bet equal to their original stake to the side of the first bet. After doubling the player will receive one card only. The dealer announces "Doubling down, one card only". The third card is placed at right angles to the first two cards (this rule however will follow the house procedure for regular Blackjack). If the third card is an Ace it will count as 1 or 11, whichever gives the player the best point total. Only the player who calls the box has the right to make the decision to double. Any additional players on the box then also have the option to double if they wish. Doubling down after Switch is allowed. - see below. Split The player may split any hand that comprises a pair and also has the option of being able to double down on the split hands (with the exception of splitting Aces). In the case of splitting Aces then just 1 card is dealt to each Ace. Switch This is the fundamental part of the game that gives the players much more control over their game as well as many more options. When addressing the player the dealer will call the point total for the first of his or her two hands and offer the option to Switch. This in play will be abbreviated to "15 or Switch" "18 or Switch" etc. The player may Switch their second cards over. This will be done by the dealer after a call of "Switch" from the player, with a corresponding hand signal, if required. After the Switch has been completed the dealer will then address the first of the players two hands. The player now can play out the hand as in regular Blackjack with the option to take further cards, Stand, Split or Double. Double downs again receive one card only. After the first hand has been completed the second will be addressed. Again the player will make the decisions required. The process of calling the point total "or Switch" will continue until all players have completed their hands. Should a player call "Switch" but after seeing the new totals change his or her mind the cards may be replaced by the dealer in their original position provided no further cards have been drawn on the hand and also with the announcement of "Switch back" being audible by either the inspector or floorperson. Stand/No Card/Stay In this instance the player requires no more cards and will have announced or signaled his or her intention clearly. The dealer will announce "Stand" and move on to the next hand or player. Players have the option to draw cards on any any total below 21. The dealer should be sure the player does not require another card before moving on to the next hand and will clarify with the player if required. 11

12 Dealers hand Once all players hands have been attended to the dealer will announce " No more cards" and move on to his or her hand. Should the dealer have a 10 or Ace showing then the hand will have been checked earlier for a Blackjack. The Down card will be turned over with the aid of the Up card. The Up card then being placed on the right of the two cards and the total announced. The dealer will take cards as in regular blackjack. The dealer must stand on hard 17 and above and hit 16 or under. In Blackjack Switch the dealer may also hit soft 17 (depending on the house rules of the regular Blackjack). The final point total will be clearly announced or if the dealer has bust, with a total of 23 or more, as "too many". If the dealer has a total of 22 then all players remaining bets are pushed (with the possible exception of players Blackjacks as stated earlier) and the cards are picked up ready for the next round to be dealt. Payouts. In Blackjack Switch the dealer will push with a total of 22. All Blackjacks are paid at 1 to 1. These payout rules should be prominently displayed at the table so as to avoid confusion during the game. Should the dealer go over 22 then all winning bets on the table are paid at 1 to 1 starting from the dealers right. The last box being paid with the right hand so as to keep an open stance towards the table. The three middle boxes may be paid with either hand and the first box with the left. When the dealer has made a point total then each hand will be compared to the dealers and the bet either paid or taken accordingly. Dealers will make a point of "talking" the payouts as they are made with pushes on also announced. This procedure will also assist players fully understand especially if they are new to the game. Payouts color for color should be the norm however a total may be paid provided it is announced clearly and the player and the inspector fully understand. Large or unusual payouts can be made up in front of the dealer before being placed on the winning box. Dealers will keep the float tray tidy and easy to read at all times working with the outside tubes first. Card pickup Once all payouts have been completed then the dealer will smoothly scoop up the players cards as in regular Blackjack and place them on top of his or hers. The cards are then placed into the discard or into the continuous shuffling machine. 12

13 Disputes Should there be a dispute after the payout has been completed or when the cards have been removed an inspector or floorperson should be informed. The procedure followed will be as the casinos general operating manual. Change The procedures for accepting either money or chip change at the table are the same as for a regular Blackjack game and casino procedures will be followed for counting out, cutting down and handing off to the player. Cashing in of players smaller chips before they leave the table should be made in between hands. Clean hands As on other games a "Clean hands" policy should be in place and followed. Some of the more apparent instances include before touching money and players chips, leaving the table or adjusting dress etc. Maximums, minimums & betting requirements Table limits will be clearly marked or displayed on the table. The casinos rights to change these will be in line with those laid down in the operating manual. Players bets must be for the same amount on both of their hands. The dealer will visually or physically (if required) check the values before commencing the initial deal. It is the dealers responsibility to ensure that he or she is fully aware of the maximum and minimum bets and will advise players accordingly should their bets require adjustment. The outgoing dealer will also announce to the new dealer the table value. Players who bet the boxes have the option to play the "Super Match" if they wish. A player must have bets on the boxes to play the "Super Match". Bets that have been made that are either over or under the allowed limits and have been missed by the dealer before commencement of the initial deal will be refered to a floorperson for a ruling. Sufficient chips in the correct denominations will be maintained in the float so as not to hinder or slow down play. Closing The announcement made to players at the end of play or when a table is about to be closed will follow the procedures laid down in the main operating manual. Normally this would be "the last shoe" or last "X" hands. Procedures followed will once again be the same as for a regular multi-deck Blackjack table. 13