Double Exposure Blackjack, also known as ‘Dealer’s Hole Card’, is a popular variation of the classic game of 21. It is available in both online and land casino establishments. In Double Exposure, you are dealt two set of cards with their face value up, enabling players to look at the dealer’s hand. The edge the house has over the player increases to 0.69%, making it the highest edge the house can possibly have in Blackjack. This higher house edge makes the house’s winnings more significant, and accordingly, it also increases the player’s loss.

Despite its intense house edge, Double Exposure Blackjack still carries a lure among players, which is why it is still in demand. Winning at Double Exposure Blackjack is possible, though the game requires you to use a controlled and wise approach. Here’s an elaborate discussion on the strategy to apply when playing this variant.

The basic strategy for the more serious player is quite complex in Double Exposure Blackjack. Compared to the standard blackjack game, the basic strategy for Double Exposure is more complicated because players can look at the dealer’s hole (one face down) card. The higher house edge also means that players are at a statistical disadvantage and as such, you must use every tool at your disposal to minimise over-looking winning opportunities and to increase winnings.

Before we look at the strategy, well need to emphasise that the game is different to regular Blackjack in several ways. Firstly, you will almost always face a ‘push’ when you and the dealer get a 21 score. This is because you can see both of the cards the dealer holds. This fact must be kept in mind when playing this game.

You should also remember that in Double Exposure, you will be dealt two cards face-up instead of the usual one. To determine the most profitable course of play, you need analyze both of your hands and the dealers up-cards. Always remember that most of the time you will be dealing with a dealer’s ten and ace, which is likely to create a tie.

Regardless of whether you are awaiting your first card or have already seen the second one, always use the ‘HIT’ option if the total of your two cards is 8 or lower. On the other hand, if the total of your two cards is 9, 10, or 11, then you should use the ‘DOUBLE’ option. Similarly, if the total of your two cards is 12 and the dealer has a 4,5, or 6 showing, then you can use the ‘STAND’ option.

Also, when the total of your two cards is 16, the strategy is quite tricky. For instance, if the two faced-up cards are a 4 and a 6, you should hit against the dealer’s 4, 5 and 6 up-card, but stand against the dealer’s 7 and above.

Furthermore, when playing Double Exposure Blackjack, if the total of your two cards is 17 or above, then you should always stand. However, you should hit if you have 17 against the dealer’s ace or a ten up-card.

When it comes to splitting pairs, you can do it three times at a maximum. When you get two 8s as your first two cards, you should always split, while another rule of thumb is that you should always split aces. Additionally, you should split 7s when the dealer’s up-card is between 8 and ace.

If the deck of cards is quite rich in tens and aces, then you should double any two cards with the total of 10. On the other hand, if the deck is full of low cards, then you should only double when the total score is 11 or less.

Finally, be aware that in most standard Blackjack games, you can double down on just about any two cards. However, for Double Exposure Blackjack, you are limited to doubling on 9, 10, and 11, as well as when splitting aces and 8s. And, you can only double down after seeing your first two cards.

All in all, players should use a more aggressive strategy when playing Double Exposure Blackjack. This simply means that you should try to gain an edge over the house as often as possible by using the correct plays. Of course, the dealer will still have a great advantage, but the more aggressive your play, the better your chances of winning.