Zappit 21

Blackjack Variations > Zappit 21

Zappit 21 is a blackjack variant that is exclusive to Bovada and related online casinos. The game was designed by Geoff Hall, the inventor of Blackjack Switch and the push on 22 rule that is used by many blackjack variations.

A hand of Zappit 21 starts just like a standard online blackjack game does. Players decide the wager amount and click the deal button. Players may bet any amount between $1 and $500. The player receives two cards face up, while the dealer receives one card face up and the other down.

The unique Zappit 21 rule allows players to dump a 15, 16 or 17 if received on the first two cards by clicking the “Zap” button. Players should always zap a 15, 16 or 17 unless the hand consists of two 8’s against a dealer’s 6 or 7. In that case, split the 8’s into two hands. Many players make the mistake of staying on 17 when the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6. This is not the correct play. A 17 hand should always be discarded, regardless of the dealer’s door card.

Hands may only be zapped if it is a hard 15, 16 or 17. A hand with this total consisting of an ace and another card cannot be zapped. It must be played as normal.

There is another rule change that balances out the generous Zappit feature. The dealer pushes the player on 22. A player that busts a split hand before the dealer draws against a split that survived still loses if the house makes a 22 point total. The draw only affects hands that did not bust.

Other Zappit 21 Rules

• Dealer hits soft 17
• Six decks that are reshuffled after each hand
• Pairs may be split twice, except aces
• Split aces receive just one card
• Dealt blackjack pays 3-2
• Zapped blackjack pays even money
• Insurance pays 2-1
• Surrender allowed, even after zapping
• Double down on any two cards
• Double down after splitting

Push 22 Rule Changes Strategy

Players familiar with Blackjack Switch and Free Bet Blackjack will understand that the rule giving the dealer a push on 22 changes the strategy. This is due to the fact that there are about 30% fewer dealer busts. Players should only stay on 12 against a 5 or 6. A 13 hand is a hit unless the dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6. Players should hit a pair of 6’s and 7’s against a 2 and stand on a pair of 9’s against a 2 or 3. A pair of 4’s should never be split in Zappit 21.

Do not double down on 10 against an 8 or 11 against a dealer’s 10 or ace. Never double on A3 or A4.

These soft hands perform better being hit in Zappit 21. Only double down on A5 against a 6, otherwise, hit it. A hand of A6 and A7 should only be doubled against a 5 or 6. Always hit A6 against other dealer cards and hit A7 against a 9, 10 or ace.

Zappit 21 has a house edge of about .98%.