Double Exposure Blackjack is one of those rare blackjack variants that actually does something interesting, and Play’n GO’s take grabbed my attention almost instantly. It’s still blackjack at heart, but the rule tweaks change the rhythm enough to keep you on your toes.
Released back in November 2015, this version flips the script by exposing both dealer cards, which sounds generous until you realise the game fights back elsewhere. In this review, I’ll break down what Double Exposure Blackjack is, how it works, and how to play blackjack for beginners without getting caught off guard.
You can try the Double Exposure Blackjack demo right here on this page, which is ideal for getting comfortable before committing real money.

Double Exposure Blackjack by Play’n GO looks familiar at first glance, but it changes the game in one important way: both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up. That extra information sounds generous – and it is – but the game balances it with stricter rules, so knowing the basics matters.
When you load the game, you’ll see a classic blackjack table with a clear interface and a short intro explaining the objective and basic blackjack strategy. You can place bets on up to three hands at once, using chips ranging from $1 to $100. Each hand can be wagered individually, with a maximum of $100 per hand.
Once the cards are dealt, the dealer receives two face-up cards, not one hidden card like in standard blackjack. From here, you play as usual using Hit, Stand, Split, and Double, making decisions with full visibility of the dealer’s hand.
Because ties go in the dealer’s favour, playing carefully and understanding the rule tweaks is essential. If you want to fully master blackjack rules, the built-in help menu (accessible via the question-mark icon) lays everything out clearly.
The layout will feel instantly familiar if you’ve played Play’n GO titles like European Blackjack. Buttons are clearly placed, rules are easy to access, and everything runs smoothly on both desktop and mobile.
Bottom line: Double Exposure Blackjack is easy to learn, quick to play, and deceptively tricky. Knowing the rules – and adjusting your approach accordingly – is what keeps this version from biting back.
The Double Exposure Blackjack game is just your plain old blackjack but with both of the dealer’s cards exposed. So, pretty much all of the features from regular blackjack carry over to this variant.
After playing Play’n GO’s Double Exposure Blackjack online for a while, here are some special features I think are worth mentioning for beginners.
The Double feature is only available on certain hands and can potentially increase your payout twofold. It works by doubling your initial bet in exchange for one extra card before forcing you into a stand.
If your hand sums up to more than the dealer’s, you get twice your initial potential payout. On the other hand, your potential loss is also twofold if the dealer beats you (or in the event of a tie).
Splitting is only possible when you’re dealt two of the same cards for your first two cards, and it works by separating the two cards, letting you play them as different hands with the same bet size.
While splitting also risks more money for a larger payout, it's less risky than doubling down. At least you choose when to hit and stand.
Double Exposure Blackjack gives you more information, but don’t confuse that with an advantage. Seeing both dealer cards is helpful – losing on ties is not. Your entire basic blackjack strategy should be built around that trade-off.
1. Play More Conservatively Than Usual
Because ties go to the dealer, borderline hands that might be fine in standard blackjack suddenly become dangerous. Standing on weak totals just because the dealer looks shaky is a fast way to bleed chips.
2. Be Selective With Doubling
Yes, seeing both dealer cards makes doubling feel safer – but remember, wins only pay 1:1. Double down when the math is clearly in your favour, not just because you feel informed.
3. Splits Need Extra Caution
Splitting can still be useful, but don’t get aggressive. Since there’s no push safety net, splitting marginal pairs can backfire quickly.
4. Ignore the “Free Information” Trap
Knowing the dealer’s hand doesn’t mean you should overplay yours. Many players get reckless simply because everything is face-up. The house edge is still very much alive.
5. Bankroll Discipline Matters More Here
Double Exposure games swing faster than standard blackjack. Keep bets flat, avoid chasing losses, and don’t ramp up stakes just because you think you’ve got the edge.
Bottom line: treat Double Exposure Blackjack like regular blackjack with stricter consequences. Use the extra information wisely, play tighter, and don’t let visibility trick you into overconfidence.
The Double Exposure Blackjack game is just your plain old blackjack, but with both of the dealer’s cards exposed. So, if you’re wondering how it compares to Classic Blackjack, you have your answer.
However, besides this feature, are there other differences between the two Blackjack variants? The table below contains a breakdown of all you need to know about Double Exposure Blackjack and Classic Blackjack.
| Double Exposure Blackjack | Classic Blackjack |
|---|---|
| All dealer’s cards are dealt face up | One dealer's card is dealt face up while the other faces down |
| The dealer wins unless tied hands are Blackjack, so Ties don't push | An Ace and a ten split hand isn't considered a Blackjack, and their score is 21 |
| You can't split pairs more than once | You can only split cards that are of the same value. For instance, 2 Jacks and 2 tens. |
| Split hands of a face card, an Ace, or a ten don't count as Blackjack | Blackjack is an automatic win. If the dealer and player get a Blackjack, it's a draw |
Like other Play’n GO blackjack games, Double Exposure Blackjack is available at a fair number of online casinos for real money play. If you have no idea where to play Double Exposure Blackjack, consider choosing from the top online casinos below.
Not only do all my recommended online casinos feature the game, but they’re also reputable platforms that offer fair odds for reasonably competitive play.
These offers are not available in your state.
Karolis Matulis is a Senior Editor at Casinos.com with more than 6 years of experience in the online gambling industry. Karolis has written and edited dozens of slot and casino reviews and has played and tested thousands of online slot games. So if there's a new slot title coming out soon, you'd better know it – Karolis has already tried it.
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