Review about Power Blackjack by Evolution Gaming

There is a very good reason why Evolution Gaming is the online casino industry's leading live casino game software developer. Not only do they innovate new technologies for the live dealer realm, but they also develop games using the latest gaming trends. Hence, you often see them create live dealer games like Power Blackjack.

If a person had to describe Power Blackjack in just a few words, a combination of conventional Blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold'em would fit the bill. It's actually a complicated version of Blackjack with lots of twists and turns. Being as the game includes so many differences from conventional Blackjack, it forces players to adopt new strategies. Without adopting new strategies, players risk putting themselves at a real disadvantage.

For Evolution Gaming's part, they have done a great job developing a clean and concise live casino gaming format. Clearly, the attractive dealers add to the game's appeal. However, it's the rule changes that are the real hero of this new game.

Before any player decides to venture in this direction, we highly recommend caution. The game is fun and exciting. However, players need a full understanding of the rules here to avoid making any logistical mistakes.

Power Blackjack features optional bets, live-action betting, and a lot of additional decision-making opportunities. After spending years playing conventional Blackjack variations, this game will tantalize even the most experienced Blackjack players. It's simply that exciting, especially for online gamblers who have been looking for a different online gambling experience.

How Power Blackjack Works / Power Blackjack Rules

To better understand the nuances of this new Blackjack variation, it makes sense to compare/contrast this game to conventional Blackjack. By doing so, the stark differences become very clear. With that in mind, let's look at the similarities and differences.

The Similarities

A game of Blackjack will always be a game of Blackjack. When the game creators slightly change the rules, the new game simply becomes a variation of conventional Blackjack. This is a variation of conventional Blackjack. However, it's a variation on steroids.

As for the similarities between this game and conventional blackjack, they include:

• Both online games use 8 decks of cards
• Both games follow Vegas rules
• Dealer will look at “hole” cards for possible Blackjacks
• Dealers stands on all 17s (soft and hard)
• Players can double down
• Players can split cards
• Player only gets one card per hand when splitting Aces
• Blackjack pays 3:2 while insurance on Blackjacks pays 2:1

So far, so good.

The Differences

After seeing the similarities, a player might be thinking the differences can't be material. They would be misguided to believe that. In fact, it's the differences that make this game one of the most interesting games that players can play. Are you ready for the differences? Here they are:

• All 9s and 10s have been removed from the PBJ version (Face cards are included and count as 10)
• 8 decks contain 352 cards, not 416 cards
• Dealer will peek for blackjack if their top card is a face card or Ace (insurance offered with Ace)
• Players can double down and increase bets 1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x after seeing the first two cards, but get only one card (power double down move)

The other primary difference is PBJ offers four different side bets, which we will cover in the next section.

Side Bets

The real attraction to this game comes from the four different side bets players can make on each hand. Hence, each side bet becomes a game unto itself. Let's take a look at these side bets.

1. Hot3 Wager – betting that the player's first two cards and the dealer's face-up card will all three be 7s or will be equal to 19, 20, or 21 (payouts vary based on result).

2. 21+3 Wager – playing player's first two cards and the dealer's face-up card as a Three Card Poker hand (payouts based on strength of poker hand, starting with Flush or better).

3. Any Pair – betting player's first two cards are a pair (suited pair pays higher than normal pair).

4. Bust-it Hand – betting on how many cards before dealer busts (8 or more pays 250:1).

What Makes This Game Unique

Several things make this game a unique version of Blackjack. First, the removal of cards completely changes the odds for the player and the house. Second, all of the side bets collectively give players more chances to win or lose money. Third, players only get 15 seconds to make decisions. Hence, they have to stay alert at all times. Finally, conventional Blackjack strategies and systems are of no use.

Without going into too much detail, a player has to understand the math if they want to win playing Blackjack. That's applicable no matter what version a player is playing. However, the rule changes of this game cause such a distortion of the rules that conventional mathematical strategies won't work. That's very unique. In no other game does the odds become distorted by so much due to a key rule change. Several Power Blackjack rules distort the odds on this game.

Power Blackjack Payouts

There are lots of Power Blackjack payouts to consider. First, betting limits on this game are set forth at the online casino level. In most cases, online casinos will follow their standard betting policies, only making exceptions for VIP players.

As for the payouts/odds on this game, the base game follows standard Blackjack protocols. That includes 1:1 on winning hands, 2:1 on Blackjack insurance, and 3:2 on player blackjacks.

Where things get interesting is with the side bet options.

On the Hot3 side bet, the payouts can range from even money on a 19 to 100:1 for landing three 7s.

The 21+3 side bet, pays in range from 5:1 for a flush to 100:1 for suited trips (three of a kind).

On the Any Pairs side bet, suited pairs pay 20:1 and conventional pairs pay 7:1.

At the Bust-it side bet, the payouts range from 1:1 on a three-card bust up to 250:1 on an eight-card bust.

Tips for Playing This Version of Blackjack

To begin with, players should study and understand the conventional wisdom behind when to hit/surrender/stand. In many books, professional blackjack players have offered up proper hitting and standing strategies. If players don't invest time learning these strategies, they will experience pain at the tables.

The most important tip to offer on PBJ is this: learn the rules before you play. The rules change the odds and the odds dictate your chances of winning. If you follow this tip and use proper hitting and standing strategies, you will be fine.

Conclusion

It was a joy to learn about this game. Power Blackjack is a unique and exciting take on Blackjack. For their part, Evolution Gaming has done a great job with the game's presentation.

The truth is it's hard to find any criticism for this game. If anything, some players might get a bit overwhelmed if they try playing all the side bet options. Becoming overwhelmed can lead to big losses. Otherwise, this game is a winner and suitable for players at all levels.

For Evolution Gaming's part, they have done a great job developing a clean and concise live casino gaming format. Clearly, the attractive dealers add to the game's appeal. However, it's the rule changes that are the real hero of this new game.

Before any player decides to venture in this direction, we highly recommend caution. The game is fun and exciting. However, players need a full understanding of the rules here to avoid making any logistical mistakes.

Power Blackjack features optional bets, live-action betting, and a lot of additional decision-making opportunities. After spending years playing conventional Blackjack variations, this game will tantalize even the most experienced Blackjack players. It's simply that exciting, especially for online gamblers who have been looking for a different online gambling experience.