Zappit Blackjack
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Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, a classic game that has been played the world over. In essence, the game is a simple one, with the basic aim of trying to come as close to a total of 21 as possible without going over, while also beating the dealer. However, while the rules are simple, the strategy behind the game is much talked about – playing the perfect strategy in the game can make the house edge almost negligible.
Zappit Blackjack is a variation of online blackjack, where you have the option of using the ‘Zappit’ option on a selection of hands. This option sees the two cards you received effectively zapped and replaced by two new ones. The hands in question are those tricky in-between hands, and in most cases, you’ll want to use that option. Zappit Blackjack can be enjoyed at online casinos in New Jersey.
This page starts with a full explanation of the rules of Zappit, including the advantages and disadvantages. Next up, the SG Digital version of the game is reviewed. Your best strategy for keeping the house edge to a minimum is also covered below.
How to Play Zappit Blackjack
We all know the standard rules of blackjack and how to win, and in most ways, Zappit Blackjack plays in exactly the same way. This game is played with six decks of cards and these cards are reshuffled between each game.
Zappit Blackjack differs in two distinct ways from your regular blackjack:
- Any time your initial two cards have a total of 15, 16, 17 or 18, you’ll have the chance to take the ‘Zappit’ option. A bolt of lightning symbol will appear on top of your cards and if you click it, the cards will be zapped and replaced by two new ones. You’ll then proceed as usual. Having chosen the Zappit option, it cannot be used again. For example, if you land a hand with a value of 17 and choose ‘Zappit’, you won’t have that option again if you hit a value of 15 with the new cards.
- Any time you have a hand that doesn’t bust and the dealer’s hand has a total of 22, the hand is considered a push, instead of being a winning hand for the player.
In Zappit Blackjack, here are the five possible actions you can take on any hand:
- Hit – An extra card will be added to your hand.
- Stand – Keep your hand as it is, and the action moves to the dealer.
- Double – This doubles the bet size and will see one more card to the hand, with no more action allowed after that point.
- Split – The two cards from the hand are split into two separate hands. This is an available option when the two cards form a pair.
- Zappit – When the cards have a value of between 15 and 18, they can be discarded and replaced with new cards.
Zappit Blackjack from SG Digital
Zappit Blackjack plays out on an eye-catching blue felt with a large yellow Z at the top to signify this version of the game. Easy listening music plays throughout, which adds to the feel of a live casino in this virtual game.
Your first option in the game is to choose the chip denomination. These appear at the bottom of the screen and you can choose 10c, 50c, $1, $5, $10, $25 or $50. With the denomination selected you’ll then simply click on the betting circle on the felt to place your bet. To place more than one chip, you’ll simply click more than once. The table limits in this game are a minimum of 10c and a maximum of $100.
Having placed the chips on the table, you can rectify any mistakes – you can ‘undo’ your last action or simply ‘clear’ all bets. You’ll then hit deal to start the action (use the ‘rebet and deal’ option if you want to repeat the bet from the last hand).
Having been dealt your two cards, all of the possible betting actions will appear below the cards, except for the Zappit action (if applicable) which will appear in front of the cards themselves.
At the conclusion of a hand, you’ll be told if you are successful and your bank balance will be updated accordingly. You can enjoy this game on casino apps for iPhones and Android smartphones, as well as on desktop (browser based) casinos.
Zappit Blackjack Strategy
There are many books and charts surrounding blackjack strategy and if you want to be successful at the game, you do need to have educated yourself on the best way to play Blackjack. This version of the game adds another layer of strategy into the game – the decision on which hands you should be using the Zappit option for. Here is a brief outline:
Any time you are dealt a hard 15, 16 or 17, you should take the Zappit option, whatever card the dealer shows. If you have a hard 18, you should stand, unless the dealer is showing a 9, 10 or ace value hand, in which case you should once again use the Zappit option.
The two exceptions are the 8,8 and the 9,9 split hands.
With 8,8 you should use the split option if the dealer shows a 6 or a 7, while you should use the Zappit option on all other cards.
9,9 is a little more complicated. Stand if the dealer shows a 2, 3 or a 7. Split if the dealer has a 4, 5, 6 or 8. If the dealer has a 9, 10 or an Ace, take the Zappit option.
This version of the game, if played with a perfect strategy offers a house edge of just 1.13%.
Final thoughts
While there are many versions of free blackjack online, some with different numbers of decks, or different rules on exactly when the dealer can stand, none are as different as Zappit Blackjack. The ‘Zappit’ option gives the game a whole new dimension and can take many of the trickiest playing hands out of the equation. Of course, there is a trade-off. You’d normally expect to win if the dealer has a total of 22, but in this game it’s a push (you can’t have it all your own way!).
SG Digital’s Zappit Blackjack can be enjoyed today at a selection of online casinos in New Jersey.