European Blackjack MH Review
European Blackjack Multiple Hands (MH) from Play ‘n Go, was released in 2018 and, while it was primarily designed for mobile play, it can be enjoyed on desktop platforms as well. Based on the standard game of blackjack, European Blackjack MH introduces fans to a number of interesting game features and highlights.
While a traditional game only allows for a single hand per round to try and get a better hand than the dealer (without going over 21), this version of the game allows for up to three hands per round. The game is played with 6 card decks and offers a Return to Player (RTP) of 99.37%. While this is still a great RTP percentage, it is also worth noting that it is somewhat lower that Play ‘n Go’s other blackjack games which feature an RTP rate of around 99.50%.
That said, this version of the game sees the croupier restricted from checking his hole card (face down card) for an automatic blackjack round, which sets the game apart from other versions from Play ‘n Go. A standard win in this game offers a payout of 1:1, while a winning hand pays out at 3:2. If the dealer stands on 17, the players are allowed to double on any hard 9 to 11. Apart from that, other useful features include the option to buy insurance. That’s if the croupier’s face-up card is actually an Ace.
European Blackjack MH – Basic Gameplay
To launch around in the game, simply begin by selecting the appropriate chip size for your needs. This ranges from 1 on the low end, up to a value of 100 on the high roller end. Once you’ve selected your desired chip size, place your bet on one, two, or even all three betting circles in front of you. This tells the game how many hands you are betting for.
If you decide to change your mind about how many hands (bets) you would like for that round, simply clicking on the ‘X’ will remove one or more of these bets. Should you decide that you prefer to clear all of your bets, clicking on the ‘Clear All’ button will accomplish that instantly. If you’re happy with what you’ve bet, clicking on the ‘Deal’ button will launch the round.
Once you’ve clicked on the deal button, you’ll receive two cards. These are both face-up from the dealer and this will apply to each hand that you paid for (bet). As in most other blackjack games, the croupier deals two cards to his own position, one face up and one face down. However, unlike another version of the game, the dealer may not peak at his face down card.
Since all of your deals consist of a pair of face-up cards, it is very easy for you to see the total values of each hand. This allows you to then move to the next phase in the round, deciding on the best betting option for each hand.
A Look at The Betting Options
Play ‘n Go’s European BJ MH allows for several betting options which most casino players will already be familiar with, if not, use a blackjack guide. These include:
- Hit: Clicking on this betting option tells the croupier that you would like another card. This selection is best if your total hand value is too low to be competitive against the dealer’s perceived hand.
- Stand: This betting option tells the dealer that you are satisfied with your hand total and do not want any more cards. This option is best if your total is already high enough to be competitive against the dealer’s perceived hand.
- Split: This betting option is designed to accommodate a two-hand deal where both cards are the same in terms of value. For example, if you are dealt two queens, two 8’s and so on. When choosing this option, your hand will be split into two new hands and each will receive their own new cards from the dealer. Both hands will then proceed as per normal, hitting or standing as you see fit or until you bust (score over 21). However, two split Ace cards only receive one additional card each.
- Double Down: In-Play ‘n Go’s European BJ MH, the double down option is only available for hard 9 to 11 hands. This option doubles your bet value and, at the same time, deals you another card. In this version of the game, you may also split after doubling down, should your hand permit.
- Insurance: This betting option is technically known as a side bet, and it will become available if the dealer’s face up card happens to be an Ace. You then have the option of placing this side bet at 50% of your starting bet amount. Should the dealer achieve a total of 21, your insurance bet then pays you out at 2:1. However, should he not achieve this result, you lose your insurance bet and the remainder of the round plays out in the usual way.
The Dealer’s Hand
Once you have opted to stand on one or all of your hands, the dealer then proceeds to deal additional cards to his position. Should the dealer achieve a total of 21, you lose. However, should the dealer’s total hand value exceed 21, his hand is considered a ‘bust’ and you win? The dealer is also required to stand at 17 and, should the dealer’s total and your total fall into the 17 to 21 range, it’s a draw (push) and your bet is returned to you.
Hand Values
Hand values in Play ‘n Go’s European BJ MH follow the same values as any standard game of blackjack. These are as follows:
- Ace cards = 1 or 11
- Kings, Queens, Jacks = 10
- 2 – 10 = Their face value (2 = 2 etc)
Our Review Conclusion
Play ‘n Go’s European Blackjack MH adds another arrow to the quiver of Play ‘n Go’s multi-hand blackjack series, which includes Double Exposure BJ MH and standard BJ MH. We could conclude that this version of the game is merely a combination of the two others. However, the additional feature of the dealer not being able to peak at his face down card adds plenty of interest to an otherwise standard blackjack game which you can play on your mobile device or desktop.
