Double Exposure Blackjack Calculator
Calculate optimal strategy for Double Exposure (Face-Up 21) blackjack where both dealer cards are visible but ties lose.
Formula:
Adjust standard strategy for ties-lose ruleOptimal Play
Hit (or Split if desperate)
Your Hand
20
T-T
Dealer Shows
20
T-T
Your Hand
Total: 20
Dealer's Hand (Both Visible)
Total: 20
Strategy Explanation
You have 20 but dealer matches/beats it. Ties lose!
⚠️ Ties Lose Warning!
You have the same total as the dealer. In Double Exposure, you LOSE ties! You must try to improve your hand even though it seems counter-intuitive.
Double Exposure Rules
| Rule | Impact |
|---|---|
| Both Dealer Cards Face Up | Huge player advantage - perfect information |
| Dealer Wins Ties | Major house edge - changes basic strategy dramatically |
| Blackjack Pays Even Money | Reduces value of naturals significantly |
| Split Any Pair | Small player advantage |
| Double After Split | Small player advantage |
| Dealer Hits Soft 17 | Small house advantage |
Key Strategy Differences from Regular Blackjack
- • Hit 20 vs dealer 20 - Counter-intuitive but necessary (ties lose!)
- • Hit 17 vs dealer 17+ - Can't stand on ties
- • Stand on stiffs vs dealer stiffs - Let dealer bust when you're ahead
- • Double aggressively vs stiff dealers - Perfect information on dealer weakness
- • No need for insurance - You see both dealer cards
Key Facts
- •Both dealer cards dealt face up
- •Dealer wins all ties (except BJ vs BJ)
- •Blackjack pays even money (1:1)
- •House edge: ~0.69% with optimal strategy
- •Must hit more hands because ties lose
- •Hit 17 vs dealer 17+ (normally a stand)
- •Hit 20 vs dealer 20 (the hardest play to make)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Double Exposure Blackjack?
Double Exposure (also called Face-Up 21 or Dealer Disclosure) is a blackjack variant where both dealer cards are dealt face up. To compensate, the dealer wins all ties except on natural blackjacks, and blackjack pays even money instead of 3:2.
What is the house edge on Double Exposure?
With optimal strategy, Double Exposure has a house edge of about 0.69%. While seeing both dealer cards is a huge advantage, the ties-lose rule and even-money blackjacks take back most of that edge.
How does strategy change when ties lose?
The ties-lose rule dramatically changes strategy. You must hit many hands you'd normally stand on - even standing on 20 against dealer 20 loses! This creates situations where you're hitting stiff hands (like 17) that would normally be stands.
Is Double Exposure better than regular blackjack?
Regular blackjack with good rules (0.4-0.5% house edge) is better than Double Exposure (0.69%). However, Double Exposure is still one of the better casino games and can be interesting for the different strategy it requires.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
Optimal Play
Hit (or Split if desperate)
Your Hand
20
T-T
Dealer Shows
20
T-T