Super Fun 21

Last update: Dec. 29, 2007

Introduction

Super Fun 21 is a blackjack variation found at lots of casinos in Las Vegas. There are lots of liberal rules offset by most blackjacks paying only even money.

The Rules

Blackjack rules are followed with these specifics and changes:

The game is with one, two, or six decks.
Dealer usually hits a soft 17.
Player may double after a split.
Player may resplit to up to four hands, including aces.
Player may hit and double down to split aces.
Player may double on any number of cards.
Player may take late surrender on any number of cards.
Player may surrender half of total bet after doubling, what is called "Double Down Rescue" in Spanish 21.
A player hand totaling 20 or less, consisting of six cards or more, except after doubling, automatically wins.
A player hand of 21 points, consisting of 5 cards or more, except after doubling, pays 2 to 1 instantly.
A player blackjack always wins
A player blackjack in diamonds pays 2 to 1, all other blackjacks pay even money.

Single Deck Strategy

Double Deck Strategy

Six-Deck Strategy

Double Down Surrender Strategy: The player should surrender after doubling down with either (1) 12 to 16 and the dealer has an 8 to ace, or (2) 17 and the dealer has an ace.

House Edge

The following house edge figures are random simulation based, assuming a cut card and using the basic strategies above.

1 deck, dealer hits soft 17: 1.16%

2 decks, dealer hits soft 17: 1.30%

6 decks, dealer hits soft 17: 1.40%

Side Bet

I have had two unconfirmed reports of a side bet in Super Fun 21, found in the casinos of San Diego county. The bet pays 300 to 1 on a suited blackjack in diamonds. It is only available on the first hand after a shuffle.

In a single-deck game the probability of winning is 0.3%, and the house edge is 9.2%.

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