Evolution Gaming Power Blackjack Live Dealer Game

Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming live dealer game is part of Infinite series, which means there's no limit to how many players can join. In this game, you can Double, Triple, or Quadruple Down on your first two cards, even if you've split them!

The game uses 8 decks but removes all the 9s and 10s, keeping only the picture cards. This means there are 64 fewer cards in the deck, giving Blackjack fans a chance to try new strategies.

Power Blackjack also offers four optional side bets: Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3, and Bust It. However, it doesn't include the Six Card Charlie rule.

What is Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming Live Dealer Game?

Power Blackjack is a popular Infinite Blackjack table from Evolution. It allows an unlimited number of players and includes four high-paying side bets. What sets this blackjack game apart is that it doesn't have any 9 or 10 cards, and you can double down up to 4 times.

Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming vs. Standard Blackjack

Similarities

• Both games use 8 decks of cards.
• They follow Vegas Rules, where the dealer gets 2 cards and checks for Blackjack.
• The dealer stays on all 17s (both Hard and Soft).
• You can Double Down on your initial 2 cards.
• Players can split any pairs, and split Aces receive only one additional card.
• Blackjack payouts are 3:2, and insurance payouts are 2:1.

Differences

• Evolution Power Blackjack removes all 9s and 10s from the decks, leaving 352 cards instead of 416.
• The dealer peeks for Blackjack when showing a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace.
• Insurance is only available if the dealer reveals an Ace.
• Players can Double, Triple, or Quadruple Down on their initial two cards and after splits.
• Standard Blackjack strategies are not effective; a specific Evolution Power Blackjack strategy is needed.
• Evolution Power Blackjack is a One-To-Many game, allowing unlimited players per hand, with each player making their own decisions. The system records all actions, and outcomes are compared after the round ends. Winning pays out, a tie results in a push, and losing means forfeiting your primary bets.

How to Play Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming?

In this blackjack game, the goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without exceeding 21. To start, choose your chip and place your bet, which can include side bets if desired.

Once bets are placed, the dealer will deal two face-up cards to you and two to themselves—one card face up and one face down. You can then decide to hit, stand, or Double Down (up to 4 times) on your hand. The dealer will draw cards until they reach 17 or bust. If the dealer busts, you win.

Key Features of the Game

• Uses eight decks of cards, but excludes 9s and 10s.
• Allows Doubling, Tripling, or Quadrupling Down on initial two cards and after splitting.
• Permits splitting pairs but only one additional card for Split Aces.
• Offers Insurance if the dealer shows an Ace.
• Pays 3 to 2 for a Blackjack and 2 to 1 for Insurance.
• The dealer stands on a soft 17.
• The dealer checks for Blackjack when holding a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace.
• A tie results in a push, where the original bet is returned.

Betting on Evolution Power Blackjack

Evolution Power Blackjack game round commences with "Betting Time," allowing a brief 12-second window for wagers – so swift decision-making is key!

Players begin by placing an initial bet, often referred to as an Ante Bet, to enter the hand. Subsequently, players have the opportunity to engage in up to four optional side bets:

1. Hot3 – Wagering on whether the player's initial two cards and the dealer's up card collectively form a total of 19, 20, or 21, or if they include three sevens.
2. 21+3 – Betting on the player's first two cards and the dealer's up card to create a three-card poker hand.
3. Any Pair – Predicting whether the player's initial two cards form a pair.
4. BustIt – Offering payouts if the dealer goes bust. The payout increases with the number of cards the dealer busts with!

Evolution Gaming Live Dealer Power Blackjack Rules

The game is overseen by a dealer and welcomes an unlimited number of players per game round.

Played with eight decks, each deck excludes 9s and 10s. In Blackjack, card values are as follows:

• Cards numbered 2 through 8 carry their face value.
• Face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are each valued at 10.
• Aces can be valued at 1 or 11, depending on what benefits the hand most. It's worth noting that a hand with an Ace valued at 11 is considered soft.

Once the designated betting period elapses, the dealer deals one card face up to each player and one for themselves. Subsequently, the dealer issues a second card face up to each player, but their second card remains face down. The value of the initial hand is prominently displayed alongside the player's cards.

• Blackjack:
  Achieving a hand value of precisely 21 with your initial two cards results in Blackjack!
• Insurance:
  When the dealer's upcard is an Ace, players have the option to purchase insurance to mitigate the possibility of the dealer having Blackjack – even if the player themselves have Blackjack. The insurance amount equals half of the main bet, settled independently from the hand bet. Subsequently, the dealer examines their downcard to determine if they have Blackjack. If the dealer lacks Blackjack, the round progresses. However, if the dealer has Blackjack and the player does not, the dealer's hand prevails.
  In the event that both the player and the dealer obtain Blackjack, the round results in a push, and the player's bet is refunded.
• Dealer checks for Blackjack on J-Q-K:
  If the dealer's upcard is a face card, they will inspect the downcard to determine if it's an Ace and if the dealer has Blackjack. If the dealer does have Blackjack, the dealer's hand emerges victorious. In the scenario where both the player and the dealer achieve Blackjack, the game concludes in a push, and the player's bet is refunded. However, if the dealer does not have Blackjack, the round proceeds.
• Hit or Stand:
  If the dealer doesn't have Blackjack after inspecting their two initial cards, players have the opportunity to enhance their hand values by the dealer offering additional cards.
  If your initial hand value isn't 21, you have the choice to Hit, receiving another card to increase your hand's value. You can Hit multiple times to get additional cards before opting to Stand once content with your hand's value.
  However, it's essential to note that players won't be presented with decision options when their soft hand score reaches 21.
• Double, Triple, Quadruple:
  Alternatively, players have the option to Double, Triple, or Quadruple their bet. By choosing this option, players increase their bet accordingly and receive only one additional card to enhance the value of their hand.
• Split:
  If your initial hand consists of a pair of cards of equal value, you have the option to Split the pair, creating two separate hands with individual bets matching your main bet. After receiving a second card for both hands, you can enhance their value by choosing to Hit. Additionally, you can increase the value of your hands by opting to Double, Triple, or Quadruple your bet. In this case, only one additional card is dealt to each hand after increasing the bet. Once content with the value of your two hands, you can choose to stand.
  However, if you Split an initial pair of Aces, you'll receive only one additional card per hand with no option to Hit.
• Outcome:
  If the total value of your hand surpasses 21, you go bust, resulting in the loss of your bet on that hand.
  Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer unveils the value of their downcard. The dealer must Hit on a hand totaling 16 or less and must Stand on a hand of soft 17 or higher. (It's important to note that a 'soft hand' includes an Ace valued at 11).
  You emerge victorious if the value of your final hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand, or if the dealer busts. In the event that the values of your hand and the dealer's hand are identical, the game round concludes in a push, and your bet is refunded.
  It's worth mentioning that blackjack can only occur with the initial two cards dealt. A hand totaling 21 resulting from a split pair does not qualify as a blackjack. Therefore, a blackjack triumphs over any hand totaling 21 resulting from a split pair.

Evolution Power Blackjack House edge & Side Bets

In addition to the main Blackjack bet, this game offers optional side bets such as Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3, and Bust It. Players can place these side bets in conjunction with their primary blackjack wager. Importantly, players have the opportunity to win on any side bet, regardless of the outcome of their Blackjack bet.

Any Pair

With the Any Pair side bet, players can wager on the combination of their first two cards.

To win this bet, players need any two cards of the same value, such as two Queens, two Aces, two 8s, and so on.

There are two types of combinations for the Any Pair side bet, each offering different payouts:

• Any Pair: For example, 8 of Clubs and 8 of Hearts.
• Suited Pair: For example, two Aces of Spades.

21+3

The 21+3 side bet offers players the opportunity to win based on specific combinations formed by their first two cards and the dealer's upcard. These winning combinations, akin to those found in poker, each come with varying payouts:

• Suited Trips - Three cards of identical value and suit, for instance, 3x Queens of Hearts.
• Straight Flush - Cards in numerical sequence and sharing the same suit, such as Jack, Queen, and King of Diamonds.
• Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same value but differing suits, for example, any three non-matching Kings.
• Straight - Cards in numerical sequence but of different suits, like 2 of Spades, 3 of Clubs, and 4 of Hearts.
• Flush - Non-sequential cards sharing the same suit, such as 2, 6, and 8 of Clubs.

Hot 3

The Hot 3 side bet allows players to wager on the combination of three cards, comprising their first two cards and the dealer's open card. Various combinations for the Hot 3 side bet offer different payouts:

• Total 19: For instance, Jack of Hearts, 2 of Diamonds, and 7 of Spades.
• Total 20: For example, 8 of Hearts, 2 of Diamonds, and Queen of Spades.
• Total 21, Suited: Such as 8 of Diamonds, 3 of Diamonds, and King of Diamonds.
• Total 21, Unsuited: For instance, 8 of Hearts, 3 of Diamonds, and King of Spades.
• 7-7-7: An example would be 7 of Hearts, 7 of Clubs, and 7 of Diamonds.

Bust It

The Bust It side bet enables players to wager on the dealer's total card value exceeding 21, resulting in a bust.

This side bet results in a push if the player has Blackjack.

Various combinations for the Bust It side bet offer different payouts based on the number of cards the dealer busts with:

• Bust with 3 cards.
• Bust with 4 cards.
• Bust with 5 cards.
• Bust with 6 cards.
• Bust with 7 cards.
• Bust with 8 or more cards.

Evolution Power Blackjack Odds, Payouts and RTP

In Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming:

• Blackjack pays out at a ratio of 3:2.
• A winning hand pays out at a ratio of 1:1.
• If the dealer has Blackjack, insurance pays out at a ratio of 2:1.

The payout you receive is contingent upon the type of bet you place.

It's important to note that any malfunction will nullify the game round and void all potential payouts for that round.

Return to Player (RTP)

With a lower return to player compared to regular Blackjack, Power Blackjack raises questions about its appeal.

The return to player for Power Blackjack, established on the first hand in the shoe, stands at 98.80%.

Here are the return to player percentages for the optional side bets:

• Any Pair Side Bet: 96.58%
• 21+3 Side Bet: 96.09%
• Hot3 Bet: 96.21%
• BustIt Side Bet: 94.71%

Considering these figures, players may wonder about the allure of Evolution Power Blackjack despite its comparatively lower return to player.

What is Blackjack Power Cards

Blackjack power cards isn't a standard term, but it might refer to cards that significantly influence the game's outcome. Typically, these would be the following:

• Aces: They are versatile because they can count as either 1 or 11, giving players more flexibility in forming strong hands.
• Face Cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks): These cards are valued at 10, which helps in making a total of 21 (Blackjack) when paired with an Ace.
• 10s: Like face cards, they also have a value of 10, which is crucial for making high-value hands.

In some variations of Blackjack, like Power Blackjack, these cards may have additional significance or special rules. For example, removing all 9s and 10s from the deck can make Aces and face cards even more critical since they become the primary cards for achieving high-value hands.

Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming Dealers Turn

Once all players have finished their turns, the dealer will play their hand according to specific rules:

• If the dealer's hand is 17 or higher, they will stand and stop drawing cards.
• If the dealer's hand is less than 17, they must keep drawing cards until they reach 17 or higher, or until they bust (go over 21).

This rule is the same whether the dealer has a Soft 17 (which includes an Ace) or a Hard 17 (which does not).

Power Blackjack Strategy for Winning

Evolution Power Blackjack differs from other versions available online. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution when seeking a playing strategy, as existing strategies may not be suitable for this specific variant. Keep in mind that 9s and 10s have been eliminated from the decks!

EVO Live Gaming has devised its own Power Blackjack strategy, which I'll be sharing with you. To facilitate your gameplay, I've crafted a Power Blackjack strategy Chart that you can utilize during your online sessions.

Playing Power Blackjack Strategy Explained

Similar to Basic Blackjack Strategy, Power Blackjack strategy advises players on the appropriate action to take after receiving their initial two cards. This action is determined by the value of the player's hand and the visible card of the dealer.

Evolution acknowledges that while this strategy may not be the most optimal method to play the game, it's the foundation used to establish the game's Return to Player (RTP) rate, which stands at 98.80% based on the first hand in the shoe.

Splitting Strategy

• Split 2’s if the dealer has a 6; otherwise, hit.
• Split a pair of 3’s if the dealer has 2-8; otherwise, hit.
• Split a pair of 4’s if the dealer has a 6; otherwise, hit.
• Never split a pair of 5’s.
• Split a pair of 6’s if the dealer has 2-8; otherwise, hit.
• Split a pair of 7’s if the dealer has 2-7; otherwise, hit.
• Always split a pair of 8’s.
• Never split a pair of Jacks, Queens, or Kings.
• Split a pair of Aces when the dealer has 2-6 or 8-Jack, Queen, King; otherwise, hit.

Power Blackjack - Double/Triple/Quadruple Down Strategy

When doubling down in Power Blackjack strategy, consider the following:

• Bet either 2/3 or 4 times.
• Double down on a pair of 5’s when the dealer has less than 10; otherwise, hit.
• On a hard 10, double down if the dealer has 2-7; otherwise, hit.
• Double down on a hard 11 when the dealer has 2-8; otherwise, hit.
• With a soft 15 and 16, double down if the dealer has a 6; otherwise, hit.
• For soft 17, double down when the dealer has 5-6; otherwise, hit the hand.
• On soft 18, double down if the dealer has 2, 4, 5, or 6; otherwise, take another card.
• For soft 19, double if the dealer has a 6; otherwise, hit. (Note: This is a marginal decision, especially if the dealer shows a 7 or 8).

Power Blackjack - Hit or Stand Strategy

In Evolution Power Blackjack strategy, follow these guidelines:

• Always hit on a hard 14 or less.
• Hit on hard 15, unless the dealer has a 5.
• Hit on hard 16, unless the dealer has 2, 4-6. In that scenario, stand.
• Stand on a hard 17, unless the dealer has an Ace.
• Always stand on hard 18 or more.
• Hit on soft 17 or less.
• Stand on soft 18, unless the dealer has 8-Ace; in that case, hit.
• Stand on soft 19 or more.

Evolution Power Blackjack Strategy Chart

• Key:
  • S – Stand.
  • H – Hit.
  • SP – Split
  • QD – Double/Triple or Quadruple – Whatever you can afford.

Make a Decision in Power Blackjack Live Dealer Evolution Gaming

Upon receiving your initial two cards in Power Blackjack, you can promptly make an initial decision regarding your hand. The available decision options, such as Hit, Stand, Double, Triple, Quadruple, or Split, will be displayed, with only the applicable options enabled. These decision options are backed by real-time statistics, representing the decisions made by other players who were in your exact situation and faced the same choice.

The decision options are represented as follows:

• HIT: Draw an additional card.
• STAND: No additional cards are drawn.
• DOUBLE: Double your bet, and only one additional card is drawn.
• TRIPLE DOWN: Triple your bet, and only one additional card is drawn.
• QUADRUPLE DOWN: Quadruple your bet, and only one additional card is drawn.
• SPLIT: Double your bet, and split cards into two individual hands.

If you fail to make a decision before the time expires, the following auto-decision will be applied:

• If the total card value of your hand is 11 or less, you will automatically HIT.
• If the total card value of your hand is more than 11, you will automatically STAND.

In case your balance is insufficient for Double, Triple, Quadruple, or Split, the corresponding buttons for those decisions will be disabled.

If your balance becomes insufficient before Double, Triple, Quadruple, or Split decisions are accepted, your preferred decisions will be rejected, and the following auto-decision applied instead:

• If your decision was to Double, Triple, or Quadruple, you will automatically HIT.
• If your decision was to Split and the total card value of your hand is 11 or less, you will automatically HIT.
• If your decision was to Split and the total card value of your hand is more than 11, you will automatically STAND.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Power Blackjack

• What is Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming live dealer game?
  Power Blackjack is an adapted version of traditional Blackjack. It differs from standard Blackjack as all 9’s and 10’s are removed from the deck, and players have the option to Double, Triple, or Quadruple their bet after receiving the first two cards. Despite these modifications, the gameplay remains largely the same. However, it's important to exercise caution as standard basic strategy no longer applies in this variant.
• Is Evolution Power Blackjack easier to play than normal Blackjack?
  While Power Blackjack by EVO Live Gaming may seem similar in gameplay, it's important to note that it's not necessarily easier. In fact, players need to adapt their strategies when it comes to decisions such as Hitting, Doubling, and Splitting. The reduced number of cards in play significantly alters the dynamics of the game, requiring players to approach it differently compared to traditional Blackjack.
• What are the differences between Power Blackjack and normal Blackjack?
  The primary distinction lies in the removal of Nines and Tens from the deck. Additionally, players have the option to triple or quadruple their bet. Furthermore, the dealer checks for Blackjack with an Ace, King, Queen, or Jack.
• Can you use basic Strategy when playing Power Blackjack live dealer Evolution Gaming?
  The conventional Basic Blackjack Strategy isn't applicable; instead, players must utilize a basic Power Blackjack strategy to play effectively.
• What is the Evolution Power Blackjack strategy?
  The optimal Power Blackjack strategy focuses heavily on optimal splitting, doubling, tripling, and quadrupling. For optimal outcomes, consider tripling or quadrupling your bet when you're in a favorable position.
• Why Should I play Power Blackjack Evolution Gaming live dealer game?
  If you're seeking a different twist on Blackjack, Evolution Power Blackjack presents itself as a compelling alternative. With its five side bets adding to the excitement and the ability for an unlimited number of players to participate in a single hand, there's no need to wait for a seat to join the action.