Atlantic City Blackjack Overview
Developed by Microgaming, Atlantic City Blackjack is an online blackjack variant that is becoming an international attraction. Despite being a low-volatility game, Atlantic City Blackjack is popular because it adds a prominent feature, Late Surrender. Though there are slight adjustments to the rules, the strategy of 21 still remains intact.
Another feature that adds appeal to the game is that players are able to play up to 5 hands in the same round, allowing for ample wins. As no side bets are available, some might find Atlantic City Blackjack to be more comprehensive than regular blackjack, and a blackjack guide isn’t necessary for beginners, especially if they are already familiar with the basics.
Here we take a look at the gameplay, the features of the game, and what defines Atlantic City Blackjack, making it a popular variant of the card game.
Atlantic City Blackjack Gameplay
Because the variant of blackjack is played online, when you launch the game, you are presented with a table that holds 5 open spots. These are identified by the casino chip values selected which are then placed on the number of hands a player chooses to activate.
The coins are available at the edge of the table, each coin holding a different value so that players can determine how much they wish to wager for each hand played. Choose the value of your liking by utilizing the coin feature at the bottom of the screen. This is difficult to miss as only one area of the game allows players to choose the value of the bet they will be playing on the designed hand where the area is strictly for chips.
Once the wager has been chosen, the number of hands selected, and players are ready to begin, there is a “Deal” button that will pull cards from the deck to begin the gameplay. Atlantic City Blackjack is played with 8 decks of cards rather than 4, which is the number used in Vegas Blackjack. Another difference is that the dealer is required to stand on a soft 17. Finally, unlike many other variants, Atlantic City Blackjack allows players the advantage of surrendering hands.
Once you have begun, the dealer and you will be dealt 2 cards. However, you will only be able to see 1 of the dealers’ cards but will be able to see your 2. The dealer’s second card will remain face-down. This is when you will be required to proceed to your next move. Players have the option to:
- Hit (take another card)
- Stand (stay in the position without drawing another card)
- Double Down (double your bet and draw another card, only allowed with your initial hand, but can be repeated without limitations on your first hand)
- Split (create two separate hands for additional draws but only if they have the same value. This can only be repeated 3x for each game)
- Surrender (take a loss and lose half the wagered bets as a result of making an initial wager. It is only available on the first 2 cards dealt)
Once the wager has been placed, the cards have been dealt, and you have chosen one of the above wagering options, the dealer will reveal the “mystery” card that was dealt face down. Next, the dealer may need to draw more cards, right up until they have hit a 17 or higher. Should the dealer hit 21 or higher, the win is yours for the taking!
The winner is the player (or dealer) with a card value of 21 or nearest to this total. Hit a 21 on the spot and your bet will payout bigger.
Additional Features
Microgaming has created a very basic version of Atlantic City Blackjack with very minimal features. One could look at the additional feature of “Late Surrender” as an add-on, but really it just simplifies the game as there are no side bets available when you choose Atlantic City Blackjack. Online blackjack generally allows for side bets, meaning players will need to familiarize themselves with all the side bets in order to make an informed decision. Therefore, cutting out these bets makes for a more comprehensive gaming experience, even for a new player.
Payouts
When you win, the biggest win you can unlock in Atlantic City Blackjack is a 3:2 ratio. It is important to note that you cannot beat a blackjack win, you can only match it. To add to the appeal of the game, Atlantic City Blackjack also allows for “Insurance” bets. This is what players do when they believe the dealer has blackjack (the cards totalling 21). Placing an “Insurance” bet only pays 2:1 if won. So, make sure you know that the dealer can win before placing this bet as you stand to lose more when this bet is made.
Atlantic City Blackjack Game Design
Unlike your typical top online slots gaming design, players are gifted with a fresh look that couples top table games with blackjack. The combinations lend an authentic feel to the game, presenting a real-time gameplay experience.
The design is realistic and the sound effects only work to further the accuracy of the game that is also played at top land-based casinos. Players are able to adjust sound effects to better suit their gaming preferences. This is achieved by clicking on the settings button located at the bottom of the screen.
All functionality is presented as you launch the game, and as all features are represented on the same page, newcomers will find navigation to be self-explanatory.
Microgaming software developer is a forefront runner in the iGaming industry, and the evidence presents itself when launching Atlantic City Blackjack into motion. Bets start at as little as 1.00 and can reach a maximum wager of 200.00 per bet.
Needless to say, if you are an online gaming enthusiast, and have a thirst for blackjack variants, Microgaming’s Atlantic City Blackjack has been tailored to appeal to the modern gamer in you.
Atlantic City Blackjack Summary
This blackjack variant is popular, sleek in design, and easy to understand. The game is readily available at top online casinos as Microgaming is a successful brand and the developer’s gaming releases are high in demand.
Because of the additional “Surrender” rule, players who may be on smaller budgets will most assuredly find appeal in the game. The rules are similar to that of regular blackjack with the ultimate goal of hitting 21 or the nearest is what pays out. Therefore, if you are already familiar with the top card game in the world, you will find this variant quick to grasp.
Play online Atlantic City Blackjack for fun or real money, either way, you can rest assured that you are bound to find yourself immersed in an innovative gaming environment expertly created by Microgaming.