How To Play Chinese Blackjack: Rules And Special Hands

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Chinese Blackjack is a fun card game similar to the classic Blackjack, but with some unique rules. It is often played during Chinese New Year in many Asian communities and is believed to bring good luck. The game can be played by 1 to 7 players using a standard 52-card deck.

Once bets are placed, no one can change them until the round is over.

Game Setup

The dealer is chosen at random. They shuffle the deck, and one player cuts the cards. The dealer starts giving out cards from their left side.

• First card – dealt face down to each player.
• Second card – dealt face up.

Card Values:

• Number cards = their number.
• Court cards (J, Q, K) = 10 points.
• Ace = can be 1, 10, or 11 (whichever benefits the player).

How the Game is Played

1. The dealer first takes bets from everyone.
2. Players can draw more cards if they wish.
3. Once players are happy with their hand, the dealer decides whether to take more cards or stop.
4. Everyone then shows their cards.
5. Whoever beats the dealer’s total without going over 21 wins.

Quick Rule for Winning:

• A total of 21 is the strongest possible hand.
• If your total is higher than the dealer’s (without going over 21), you win.

When to Hit or Stand

• Total less than 16 → Hit.
• Between 16 and 21 → You can Hit or Stand.
• Exactly 21 → Stand immediately.

Special Winning Hands

Some card combinations give extra payouts or instant wins:

1. Ban-Ban (Double Aces) – Instant win, unless the other side also has Ban-Ban or a “free hand.”
2. Ban-Luck (Ace + Court Card) – Instant win, same exceptions as Ban-Ban.
3. 15 Points (No Man’s Land) – If the dealer has 15, they can choose to draw more cards or end the round early.
4. 7-7-7 – Three sevens in a hand win unless the dealer also has 21.

Extra Payout Hands

• 5-Dragon – Any five cards without busting doubles the bet.
• House Rule Win – Five cards that total exactly 21 triple the bet.

Variation: Kampung Blackjack (Malaysia Version)

This rural version of the game adds more twists:

• 15 Points = “License” – Players with less than 15 pay a set fine to all other players.
• Max 5 cards per player.
• Burning Cards – Players with 15 in face cards can throw away their hand and draw again at double the bet.
• 21 with Ace + Court Card pays 1:2.
• 21 with five cards pays 1:3 (house choice).
• Triple 7 can pay up to 1:21 (house choice).
• Pairs don’t count as wins.
• Players reveal busts automatically.
• Dealer always moves last and may reveal certain cards to influence the game.

Extra Winning Tips

• Always watch the dealer’s face-up card before deciding to hit.
• Avoid going over 21 even a good hand loses if you bust.
• Use “Ban-Luck” and “Ban-Ban” to win quickly before the dealer plays.
• Remember: in Kampung Blackjack, “license” hands can save you from paying fines.

End of the Game

The round ends when everyone has shown their cards.

• A hand totaling 21 is an automatic win.
• Any hand between 16 and 21 that beats the dealer also wins.

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