Double Exposure Blackjack Calculator

Calculate optimal strategy for Double Exposure (Face-Up 21) blackjack where both dealer cards are visible but ties lose.

Formula:Adjust standard strategy for ties-lose rule

Optimal Play

Hit (or Split if desperate)

Your Hand

20

T-T

Dealer Shows

20

T-T

Your Hand

Total: 20

Dealer's Hand (Both Visible)

Total: 20

Strategy Explanation

You have 20 but dealer matches/beats it. Ties lose!

⚠️ Ties Lose Warning!

You have the same total as the dealer. In Double Exposure, you LOSE ties! You must try to improve your hand even though it seems counter-intuitive.

Double Exposure Rules

RuleImpact
Both Dealer Cards Face UpHuge player advantage - perfect information
Dealer Wins TiesMajor house edge - changes basic strategy dramatically
Blackjack Pays Even MoneyReduces value of naturals significantly
Split Any PairSmall player advantage
Double After SplitSmall player advantage
Dealer Hits Soft 17Small house advantage

Key Strategy Differences from Regular Blackjack

  • • Hit 20 vs dealer 20 - Counter-intuitive but necessary (ties lose!)
  • • Hit 17 vs dealer 17+ - Can't stand on ties
  • • Stand on stiffs vs dealer stiffs - Let dealer bust when you're ahead
  • • Double aggressively vs stiff dealers - Perfect information on dealer weakness
  • • No need for insurance - You see both dealer cards

Key Facts

  • •Both dealer cards dealt face up
  • •Dealer wins all ties (except BJ vs BJ)
  • •Blackjack pays even money (1:1)
  • •House edge: ~0.69% with optimal strategy
  • •Must hit more hands because ties lose
  • •Hit 17 vs dealer 17+ (normally a stand)
  • •Hit 20 vs dealer 20 (the hardest play to make)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Double Exposure Blackjack?

Double Exposure (also called Face-Up 21 or Dealer Disclosure) is a blackjack variant where both dealer cards are dealt face up. To compensate, the dealer wins all ties except on natural blackjacks, and blackjack pays even money instead of 3:2.

What is the house edge on Double Exposure?

With optimal strategy, Double Exposure has a house edge of about 0.69%. While seeing both dealer cards is a huge advantage, the ties-lose rule and even-money blackjacks take back most of that edge.

How does strategy change when ties lose?

The ties-lose rule dramatically changes strategy. You must hit many hands you'd normally stand on - even standing on 20 against dealer 20 loses! This creates situations where you're hitting stiff hands (like 17) that would normally be stands.

Is Double Exposure better than regular blackjack?

Regular blackjack with good rules (0.4-0.5% house edge) is better than Double Exposure (0.69%). However, Double Exposure is still one of the better casino games and can be interesting for the different strategy it requires.