The objective of Down Under Blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand by having a hand value closer to 21 without exceeding it.
Down Under Blackjack allows you to see the strength of the dealer’s hand before you decide how to play your hand.
After the initial deal, the dealer will identify a range of ranks for the dealer’s down card by moving the dealer’s hand into 1 of 3 color-coded areas. The color-coded areas show the ranges for the dealer’s down card: small (2–5), medium (6–9) or large (10 or higher).
Once the range of ranks for the dealer’s down card is identified, you make a decision about your hand, using this information to your advantage! You have the following options:
- Hit: Take another card to try to get closer to 21.
- Stand: Keep your current hand value and end your turn.
- Double down: Double your initial bet and receive 1 more card. This option is often allowed on the first 2 cards.
- Split: If you have a pair, you can split them into 2 separate hands and place an additional bet.
The dealer hits on any total of soft 17 (an Ace card and a 6) and stands on a soft 18 (or larger) or hard 17 (or larger).
All hands push against a dealer 22, except a player’s 21 always wins against a dealer 22, and original 2-card hands (no splitting) with 2 Gold Cards win against a dealer's 22.
Players can split any pair a total of 3 times. Split Aces receive only 1 card each. Players may double on any 2-card total and double after a split.
