British Blackjack With 7 Cards – Odds, Rules & How To Play

British Blackjack, traditionally known as the 7 Card Game, is an engaging variant of the globally renowned card game. 

Although it shares the same name as the classic casino game, it shares very little else in common with the game of 21. Instead, it brings a unique twist to the table with its distinct rules and gameplay. 

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned blackjack player, this guide will walk you through the nuances of British Blackjack, helping you understand its gameplay, rules, and odds. 

What Is British Blackjack?

British Blackjack, also referred to as Switch or English Blackjack, is a captivating card game often played using a single deck of cards. However, the number of decks can be increased depending on the number of participants. Each player receives seven cards, while the remainder of the deck is placed face-down, forming the discard pile. 

Unlike traditional Blackjack, where the aim is to get a hand sum closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, the objective of British Blackjack is to discard all the cards in your hand by matching the suit or rank of the previously played card. 

How To Play Blackjack With 7 Cards

The gameplay commences with the dealer dealing seven cards to each player, including themselves. The rest of the deck is placed face-down, forming the draw pile. The dealer then flips the top card of the draw pile face-up, signalling the start of the game. 

The player on the dealer’s left initiates the game, and the turns continue clockwise. 

Each player aims to match the rank or suit of the last played card and place a card on the discard pile. Players can continue to place cards as long as they maintain a run in their turn. If a player cannot contribute to the run, they must draw a card from the draw pile. 

British Blackjack Game Rules

British Blackjack is governed by several unique rules that add an exciting twist to the game. Some cards, known as ‘power cards’, have particular meanings and associated rules: 

• 2 Card: Playing a ‘2’ card forces the next player to draw 2 cards or play another ‘2’. If the subsequent player also plays a ‘2’, the following player has to pick up 4 cards unless they can also play a ‘2’.
• Black Jack: If a player lays down a black Jack, the following player must draw 5 cards unless they have a black Jack themselves, in which case the subsequent player must draw 10 cards.
• Red Jack: A red Jack can neutralise the effect of a black Jack. So, if a player plays a black Jack, the next player can avoid drawing cards by playing a red Jack.
• 10 Card: Playing a ’10’ card changes the direction of the game. If the game was previously moving clockwise, it will now move counter-clockwise and vice versa.
• 8 Card: Playing an ‘8’ card results in the next player missing their turn.
• Ace: An Ace allows the player to change the suit to one of their choice. However, you can’t neutralise a ‘2’, Jack or an ‘8’ with an Ace.

7 Card Blackjack Odds & Payout

The odds and payout of British Blackjack can vary depending on the specific rules of the game and the number of decks used. Generally, the odds favour the player who plays strategically and knows when to play their power cards. 

The payout usually happens at the end of each round, with the player who discards all their cards first being the winner. However, it’s important to remember that the odds can change throughout the game based on the cards in play and the strategy used by players. 

This card game is rarely seen in casinos, so there are no typical or standardised odds or payouts to draw from. 

Play Blackjack Online

At Dream Jackpot, we offer a premium online gaming experience for blackjack enthusiasts. Sign up to gain access to an extensive selection of online blackjack games, each designed to challenge and entertain. 

We have the classic game of 21 available, along with variants that offer slightly different features to keep things interesting. We also have live blackjack games available too, which use real dealers operating the games on a live stream, and players make their decisions using the virtual overlay on their device’s screen. 

But that’s not all – Dream Jackpot is your one-stop destination for a variety of online casino games and slots, ensuring there’s something for every type of player. Whether you’re a seasoned casino veteran or new to the world of online gambling, our platform provides a seamless and exciting gaming experience. 

Click the ‘Join Here’ plus icon on the sidebar to start the registration process, and, as always, please remember to gamble responsibly, set a budget and stick to it.