Caribbean 21 differs somewhat from other versions of blackjack.
At face value, the game is quite similar with all the game's base rules
remaining intact.
The important thing to remember is that although the base rules are quite
similar, you need to keep the slight rule variations in mind so that you do not
make any silly mistakes.
Caribbean 21 is played with eight decks of cards. One of the biggest differences
between blackjack and this game is that an Ace is only worth 1 - a far cry from
the 1 or 11 in other forms of blackjack. This throws the game wide open because
a lot more depends on hitting the third card in order to get to 21.
The aim of the game is still to get as close to 21 as possible and the way to
win is to get closer to 21 than the dealer. The game starts with each player
placing a bet. This is then followed by the dealer dealing two cards to each
player. The dealer only gets one card face up. Players then have the option of
standing, hitting, splitting or surrendering. You are also able to double down
with two or more cards as well as doubling down after a split.
As you can see, the base rules are quite the same as conventional blackjack.
However, there are a set of rules that apply to Caribbean 21 which make this
game very unique.
Here is how the game functions:
- Each card is valued according to their number with picture cards being worth 10
and Aces being worth 1.
- You can split any two cards, including Aces, and then receive one new card per
split card
- You are allowed to surrender your hand after splitting.
- The highest possible hand you can hope to achieve is Caribbean 21, which is made
up of two cards of a ten value and an Ace - this will pay you out 3:2 where all
other winning hands pay out 1:1.
-
You may consider taking insurance if you see that the dealer's first card is an
Ace - this can be up to half of your bet and if the dealer ends up hitting
another two cards of a ten value then you will be paid out 9:1.
The most important rule to get your head around is the fact that Aces are only
worth 1 and are in essence no longer the most important cards in the deck. You
will now be looking out for the ten value cards to get as close to 21 as
possible.
