How to Play Chinese Blackjack

Chinese Blackjack (ban-nag in Cantonese, ban-luck in Hokkien), is a mainstay in casinos in Southeast Asia, and thanks to the Internet is gaining recognition in the West as well. Before you play this game, you should be familiar with its rules, which can be quite complex.

In Chinese Blackjack, two 52 card decks are utilized, allowing for a greater number of players to participate. The deck is shuffled, and is cut by one player (after which the cards are put aside). After two hole cards are handed to each player, the rest is put back into the cut hand.

As with traditional Blackjack, the goal is to reach 21 without busting. The values of the cards do not change except for Aces, which vary depending on what you hold. For example, if you have two cards, Aces are valued at 10 or 11; if you hit and now have 3 cards, the Ace counts for 1 or 10; if you hit for two cards, an Ace is worth 1 point.

Getting a Blackjack

There are three ways you can get 21 in Chinese Blackjack and each pay out differently. With 2 Aces, it is called a ban-ban, and you're paid 3 to 1. If you hold an Ace coupled with a 10 or a paint card, it is called a ban-nag, and the payout is 2 to 1. In the event the dealer also has a ban-ban or ban-nag, he or she will also win triple from all the players except those with a similar hand.

The third way is called 5 Dragon; if a player totals 21 after hitting for three cards, he or she gets paid 3:1. Even if the total does not reach 21, a 2:1 payout is assured if the hand does not bust. Although 2:1 is the norm, some pay out even money instead.

Free Hand

Both players and dealer can avail of the free hand (or escape hand) in Chinese Blackjack, which you receive when your hand total reaches 15. With this hand you can choose to surrender or proceed, thus saving you from the possibility of paying out triple to someone who has a ban-ban. However, while most versions use this option, others do not, so review the stipulations first.

Chinese Blackjack may seem like a complex game, and when you start it can be. Practice the game, and learn the rules. When you're comfortable, step into the casino, and get ready to make a bundle.