Blackjack Switch Strategy Calculator

Determine when to switch cards in Blackjack Switch. See how switching the second cards between your two hands affects your expected value.

Formula:Compare combined hand strength before and after switching

Recommendation

SWITCH

Original Hands

Soft 16, Hard 16

After Switch

Soft 17, Hard 15

EV Improvement

+0.1%

Hand 1

Stays with Hand 1

Can be switched

Hand 2

Stays with Hand 2

Can be switched

Dealer's visible card

Switch Comparison

Original (Keep)
A5→Soft 16
T6→Hard 16
After Switch
A6→Soft 17
T5→Hard 15

Switching provides a marginal improvement to your combined hands.

Blackjack Switch Rules

Play Two Hands
You must play two hands with equal bets
Switch Second Cards
You may switch the second card dealt to each hand
Dealer 22 Push
If dealer busts with 22, all non-busted hands push (except BJ)
Blackjack Pays Even
Natural blackjack pays 1:1, not 3:2
Super Match Side Bet
Optional bet on first 4 cards matching
Dealer Hits Soft 17
Most BJ Switch games have dealer hit S17

Key Switch Strategy Tips

  • • Always switch to create a blackjack - even though it only pays 1:1
  • • Switch to create two 11s - great doubling opportunities
  • • Avoid creating two stiff hands (12-16) vs dealer 7+
  • • Two 20s is excellent - rarely switch away from a 20
  • • Consider dealer upcard - stiff hands are worse vs strong upcards

Key Facts

  • •Play two hands, can switch second cards
  • •Dealer 22 pushes against all hands except blackjack
  • •Blackjack pays 1:1 (even money)
  • •House edge: ~0.58% with optimal strategy
  • •Switch to create blackjacks whenever possible
  • •Creating two 11s is often a strong switch
  • •Dealer typically hits soft 17

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackjack Switch?

Blackjack Switch is a variant where you play two hands and can switch the second cards between them. For example, if you're dealt A-5 and T-6, you can switch to get A-T (blackjack) and 5-6. The trade-off is that dealer 22 pushes and blackjack pays even money.

What is the house edge on Blackjack Switch?

With optimal strategy, Blackjack Switch has a house edge of about 0.58%. This is higher than basic blackjack despite the switching advantage, due to the dealer 22 push rule and even-money blackjacks.

When should I switch in Blackjack Switch?

Generally switch to: create blackjacks, create 20s or 21s, create two hands of 11 (for doubling), or improve two stiff hands (12-16). Don't switch if it would turn two good hands into bad ones.

Does the dealer 22 push rule matter much?

Yes, significantly. The dealer 22 push rule adds about 6% to the house edge, which is mostly (but not entirely) offset by the switching and even-money blackjack rules. This is why optimal switch strategy is crucial.