How to Play Pirate 21
Pirate 21 is a blackjack variant that’s found at many Australian online casinos. It looks identical to standard blackjack but has many rules that favor players, and one key difference that makes it more challenging to make a blackjack.
Today you will learn how to play Pirate 21 and where you can play this fun blackjack variant at online casinos in Australia.
Pirates Stole All the 10s
Pirate 21 looks like standard blackjack on the surface but players start with a distinct disadvantage over standard blackjack games. First, all of the 10s are removed out of the deck in Pirate 21. This makes it less likely to make blackjack in the game. Fortunately, there are several rules that help to make up for the lack of tens.
First, a player 21 always wins. If you make 21, the hand concludes. Next, a player blackjack will beat a dealer blackjack. You can only push on tied hands under 21. Dealers will always hit a soft 17.
Next, players may double down on any number of cards. Players are also allowed to resplit aces, something not allowed in most blackjack games. Next, if you split aces, you are allowed to double down. Again, something you don’t see in most blackjack games.
Hit the Jackpot Wih Three Card Bonus
This game also has a 21 bonus. Make 21 with five cards and you will be paid 3 to 2. Hit 21 with six cards and get paid 2 to 1. Hit 21 with seven cards and you’re paid 3 to 1.
There’s is also a separate three-card bonus that does not require a side bet. If you hit 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 in mixed suits, you’re paid 3 to 2. Hit the same hands in the same suit and you’re paid 2 to 1. If the hands re in spades you get 3 to 1.
Finally, if you hit a suited 7-7-7 and the dealer’s upcard is a seven, then you will hit a jackpot bonus. For bets of $5 to $24, the bonus is $1,000. For bets $25 an up the bonus is $5,000.
Note that 6-7-8 and 7-7-7 hands do not count if you hit them after doubling. Also, the 7-7-7 hand does not pay off if you hit it after a split.
Pirate 21 Match the Dealer Side Bet
Pirate 21, like many alternative blackjack games, has a side bet that you can take advantage of. The match the dealer side bet will pay out if either of your hole cards matches the dealer’s upcard. For example, in the example below, we were dealt K-Q and the dealer’s upcard was a king. We won the side bet.
For this bet, if your match is of a different suit, you’re paid 4 to 1. If your match is of the same suit, you will win 9 to 1 on the bet. Note that this bet is exclusive of your hand bet. After the deal, if you win the side bet, you will be paid out before the dealer’s hand plays.
Play Pirate 21 at Australian Online Casinos
Pirate 21 is available at many online casinos in Australia, including Pokie Pop and Red Stag Casino. Common table limits for this game are $1 to $100 per hand and you can play up to three hands at a time. For the match the dealer side bet, you can bet between $1 and $25 per hand.
While it may be tougher to hit blackjack in this game, the other rules of Pirate 21 make it an attractive option for blackjack aficionados. Like most games, we don’t recommend playing the side bet but with two bonus games in addition to the side bet, Pirate 21 offers you plenty of chances to hit a big win.