British Blackjack, often referred to as 7 Card Blackjack, is an interesting variant of the well-known casino game. While it shares a moniker with its American counterpart, it has unique rules and gameplay that make it very different to the classic game of 21.
What Is British Blackjack?
Also known as Switch, English Blackjack or 7 Card Game, British Blackjack is an engaging card game that can be played with one or more decks.
Each player is dealt seven cards, and the aim is to get rid of all the cards in hand by matching the suit or rank of the previously played card. This game demands swift thinking and strategic gameplay, in stark contrast to traditional Blackjack, where the aim is to get a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust.
How To Play Blackjack With 7 Cards
Playing British Blackjack begins with the dealer, who hands out seven cards to each player, including themselves. The remainder of the deck is placed face-down, forming a draw pile. The game commences with the dealer flipping the top card of the draw pile face-up.
The player to the dealer's left initiates the game, and the turns continue in a clockwise direction. Players aim to match the rank or suit of the last played card to place a card on the discard pile. They can continue to place cards as long as they maintain a run in their turn.
For example, if the discard pile displays a 7 of hearts, a player could place a 7 of spades, followed by an 8 of spades, then an 8 of diamonds, and so forth. If a player cannot contribute to the run, they must draw a card from the draw pile.
7 Card Blackjack Rules
Certain cards in British Blackjack hold special meanings, making the game more intriguing. These 'power cards' and their associated rules are as follows:
- 2 Card: Playing a '2' forces the next player to draw 2 cards or play another '2'. This cycle continues until a player doesn't have a '2' to play, leading them to draw the accumulated number of cards.
- Black Jack: Playing a black Jack (spades or clubs) causes the next player to draw 5 cards unless they, too, have a black Jack, in which case the player after them must draw 10 cards.
- Red Jack: A red Jack (hearts or diamonds) can neutralise the power of a black Jack. So, if a player plays a black Jack, the next player can avoid drawing cards by playing a red Jack.
- 10 Card: Playing a '10' changes the direction of the game. If the game was previously moving clockwise, it will now move anti-clockwise and vice versa.
- 8 Card: Playing an '8' results in the next player missing their turn.
- Ace: An Ace allows you to change the suit to one of your choice. However, you can't neutralise a '2', Jack or an '8' with an Ace.
Blackjack Switch: 8 Miss a Go
In British Blackjack, the '8' card holds a unique power. If a player lays down an '8', the subsequent player has to skip their turn. This is especially advantageous if the next player has very few cards in their hand, as this means they are close to possibly winning. So, if they miss a go, they don't get the chance to go on a run and possibly empty their hand.
This rule adds a strategic element to the game, allowing players to disrupt the flow of the game and potentially alter the outcome.
Is Blackjack Switch Better Than Blackjack?
Whether British Blackjack - or 'Switch' - is superior to traditional Blackjack is subjective and depends on personal preference.
The unique rules and gameplay of British Blackjack make for very different gameplay compared to traditional Blackjack. However, traditional Blackjack is globally renowned and popular for its simplicity and straightforward rules. Both games offer their own set of challenges and require strategic thinking, making them both appealing in their own ways.
Play Blackjack Online at Roulette Online
British Blackjack is mostly enjoyed as a physical card game, and online platforms do not typically offer this game. However, Roulette Online casino offers a multitude of incredible blackjack games, and by this, we mean the classic game of 21.
We also have a range of different variations of this casino titan to explore, some offering a different number of "seats" and different betting limits and others offering different features that may make for interesting gameplay.
By creating an account here at Roulette Online, you can gain access to a wide array of games, including table games and top slot games. Click the 'Join Now' button to begin your registration process. As always, please gamble responsibly.