Multihand Blackjack Review – Pragmatic Play
Multihand Blackjack by Pragmatic Play offers a modern twist on the classic Blackjack card game. This popular table game variant allows players to play multiple hands simultaneously, providing greater action, more opportunities for winning, and a more dynamic gaming experience compared to traditional single-hand blackjack. Whether you’re a seasoned card player or a novice looking for a fun introduction to the world of online blackjack, Multihand Blackjack delivers a high-quality and immersive experience with professional dealers, an intuitive interface, and a wide range of betting options.
Let’s dive into an extensive review of Multihand Blackjack by Pragmatic Play, exploring its features, gameplay, and overall appeal.
Game Overview
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Game Type: Live Casino Game
- Game Category: Blackjack
- RTP (Return to Player): 99.5%
- Volatility: Low to Medium
- Min/Max Bet: €1 – €5,000
- Platforms: Desktop, Mobile, Tablet (Optimized for all devices)
Theme and Design
As is customary with Pragmatic Play live casino games, Multihand Blackjack offers a sleek, polished, and professional setup. The visuals are sharp, modern, and user-friendly, making the game both visually appealing and accessible. The background of the table has a classy, traditional casino feel, featuring dark tones with accents of gold and green, evoking the atmosphere of a real-world casino blackjack table.
The dealer sits behind a real blackjack table, while the players’ cards are dealt in a neat and clear layout, with easy-to-read indicators of their hands and the dealer’s up card. The entire interface is intuitive, making it simple to place your bets, view your hand, and take actions such as Hit, Stand, Double, and Split.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Multihand Blackjack follows the traditional rules of blackjack but introduces the ability to play up to five hands simultaneously. This means you have the opportunity to place multiple bets and increase your chances of winning without having to switch tables or wait for a new round. Let’s explore the key features and mechanics:
Rules and Objective
The main objective in Blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21 (also known as a bust). Each card has a specific value:
- Cards 2-10: Face value.
- Face cards (J, Q, K): 10 points each.
- Aces: Can be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on what is more advantageous for your hand.
In Multihand Blackjack, players can play multiple hands simultaneously. The gameplay mechanics are identical to standard blackjack but with the added complexity of handling multiple hands. Each hand will receive its own set of cards, and you can Hit, Stand, Double, or Split just as you would in regular blackjack.
Actions Available
- Hit: Draw an additional card to your hand.
- Stand: Keep your current hand without drawing any more cards.
- Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive only one additional card.
- Split: If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands and play them independently. Each new hand gets one additional card.
Multihand Feature
In Multihand Blackjack, players can play up to five hands at the same time. This allows for faster-paced gameplay and more opportunities to win per round. You’ll be able to make separate decisions for each hand, giving you more control over the game and the chance to make more profitable decisions.
For instance, if you’re dealt two weak hands, you may choose to split one of them to create two playable hands. Meanwhile, the other hand might benefit from a double down. This flexibility makes the game more engaging and allows for higher win potential.
Dealer Rules
The dealer in Multihand Blackjack follows standard Blackjack rules:
- The dealer must stand on a hand of 17 or higher.
- The dealer must hit on a hand of 16 or lower.
- If the dealer’s hand totals 17 or more, they will not take any more cards.
Payouts
- Blackjack (Ace + 10-point card): Pays 3:2.
- Winning hand (non-blackjack): Pays 1:1.
- Insurance: Pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack and you have purchased insurance.
Note: The standard payout of 3:2 for blackjack makes this variant favorable for players compared to some other live blackjack games that offer 6:5 payouts.
Side Bets
Some variations of Multihand Blackjack offer side bets, which provide additional opportunities for players to win. Common side bets include:
- Perfect Pair: Bet on whether your first two cards will be a pair (e.g., two 8s, two Jacks).
- 21+3: Bet on whether your hand plus the dealer’s up card will form a poker hand, such as a straight or a flush.
- Lucky Lucky: A bet on the total of your first two cards combined with the dealer’s up card, aiming for specific total values like 19, 20, or 21.
These side bets can increase the excitement and provide more ways to win, but they tend to have higher house edges than the main game. If you’re looking for additional action, side bets are a fun addition.
RTP and Volatility
- RTP (Return to Player): 99.5%
- Volatility: Low to Medium
The RTP of 99.5% is a standard payout rate for blackjack games and ensures that the game provides a fair chance for players. The low to medium volatility means that wins in Multihand Blackjack may not be huge jackpots, but they will come more frequently compared to more volatile casino games, offering a steady stream of small and medium-sized payouts.
Betting Range
The betting range in Multihand Blackjack is quite flexible, catering to both casual players and high rollers:
- Minimum Bet: €1 per hand (for players wanting to make smaller wagers)
- Maximum Bet: €5,000 per hand (for those willing to place larger stakes)
This range allows for a broad spectrum of players to enjoy the game, whether you’re looking for a casual experience or aiming to make larger, more strategic bets.
Mobile Compatibility
As with many of Pragmatic Play’s live casino games, Multihand Blackjack is fully optimized for mobile devices, meaning you can enjoy the game on your smartphone or tablet wherever you are. The layout adapts smoothly to smaller screens, with clear and simple controls for placing bets, hitting, standing, and more. The interface remains intuitive, and the gameplay experience is seamless, ensuring that mobile users have an equally enjoyable experience as desktop players.
Strengths of Multihand Blackjack
- Multihand Feature: The ability to play up to five hands simultaneously adds depth and excitement to the game.
- Classic Blackjack Rules: The game follows the traditional blackjack rules, offering familiar gameplay for veteran players.
- High RTP: The 99.5% RTP ensures that players have a strong chance to win over time.
- Side Bets: Optional side bets give players the opportunity to win extra payouts on top of the main game.
- Mobile Optimization: The game is fully optimized for mobile play, allowing players to enjoy it anywhere, anytime.
- Smooth User Interface: Easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced blackjack players.
Weaknesses of Multihand Blackjack
- High Stakes for Casual Players: While the minimum bet is relatively low, the maximum bet may be prohibitive for casual players who prefer to keep their wagers smaller.
- Side Bets Have a Higher House Edge: While the main game offers a good RTP, side bets come with a significantly higher house edge.
- No Progressive Jackpot: Unlike some live casino games, there is no progressive jackpot attached to this blackjack variant, which may be a downside for players seeking larger, life-changing prizes.
Conclusion
Multihand Blackjack from Pragmatic Play offers an engaging, fast-paced twist on the classic Blackjack game, with the added excitement of playing multiple hands at once. The professional design, high-quality streaming, and smooth gameplay make it a great choice for blackjack fans who are looking to add variety to their gameplay. The 99.5% RTP and ability to place side bets make the game appealing for both experienced players and newcomers alike.
With the ability to bet on up to five hands simultaneously, the game offers additional opportunities for higher rewards and strategic play. Whether you prefer to play conservatively with a single hand or maximize your chances with multiple hands, Multihand Blackjack provides plenty of flexibility and excitement.
If you’re a fan of blackjack and enjoy the thrill of multiple hands, **Prag
matic Play’s Multihand Blackjack** is definitely worth a try. The game provides a solid and entertaining blackjack experience with a few extra twists for those seeking more action.