Double Exposure: you see both dealer cards before you act
In Double Exposure blackjack, the dealer deals both cards face up. You know exactly what you must beat. In return, the dealer wins most ties and a player blackjack usually pays only even money.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Rule | Double Exposure | Standard game |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer cards | Both face up | One face down |
| Ties | Dealer wins (blackjack ties may push) | Push |
| Blackjack pays | 1 to 1 | 3 to 2 |
| Insurance | Not offered | Offered on an ace |
| Typical edge | About 0.7% | About 0.5% to 0.6% |
Key numbers
Double Exposure in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- Seeing both dealer cards makes many decisions obvious.
- Losing ties is the biggest cost, since about one hand in eleven ends level.
- Even-money blackjacks cost you about 2.3% compared with 3 to 2.
- Use a Double Exposure chart; standard basic strategy is wrong here.
On the felt
Reading the full dealer hand
Dealer: 10 and 6
Dealer has 16 and must draw
You: 8 and 4
Stand on 12 — let the dealer risk the bust
Dealer draws a 9
Dealer busts with 25 — you win
Against a visible stiff hand, standing on low totals is often right.
Key strategy changes
| Your hand | Dealer shows | Play |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Hard 16 | Stand |
| 18 | Hard 19 | Hit |
| 11 | Hard 20 | Hit, do not double |
| A-7 | Hard 17 | Hit (a tie loses) |
| 8-8 | Hard 20 | Hit, do not split |
Ties lose, so you must beat the dealer total, not match it.
Why ties matter so much
In a standard game, a tie returns your bet. In Double Exposure, the dealer takes it. That rule alone costs about 9% of hands their stake.
It is why players hit 17 against a dealer 18 or 19 more often than in normal play.
Where the edge comes from
| Rule | Effect on player |
|---|---|
| See both cards | About +6.9% |
| Dealer wins ties | About −8.9% |
| Blackjack pays 1 to 1 | About −2.3% |
| Combined (common rules) | About −0.7% |
Approximate figures; casinos change details.
When to double and split
You can double and split more often against visible stiff hands. A dealer hard 12 to 16 is a great time to double 9, 10 or 11.
Some casinos limit doubling to hard 9, 10 or 11, so check the felt.
Sequence
Playing a hand
Step 01
Look at both dealer cards
Find the dealer total.
Step 02
Check your total
Do you already beat it?
Step 03
Stand if ahead on a stiff
Let the dealer draw.
Step 04
Hit if behind
Ties lose, so beat it.
Step 05
Double on dealer stiffs
When the chart says so.
Where you find it
Double Exposure is rarer in casinos than it once was. It appears in some online casinos and a few land venues.
Online versions list the tie rule and blackjack payout in the help screen.
Floor rules
Double Exposure terms
Know before you sit
- Double Exposure
- Both dealer cards dealt face up.
- Tie rule
- Who wins equal totals.
- Stiff
- A hard total of 12 to 16.
- Even money
- A 1 to 1 payout.
Common mistakes
- Using normal basic strategy
- The charts differ a lot.
- Standing on a tie total
- Ties lose, so hit.
- Ignoring the payout
- Blackjack pays only 1 to 1.
- Doubling against a 20
- Hit instead.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, game mix, floor facts). Venues with this game in official counts, sorted high to low.
Open a casino page
Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
What is Double Exposure blackjack?
A blackjack variant where both dealer cards are dealt face up, with the dealer winning ties.
Does a blackjack pay 3 to 2?
Usually not. Most versions pay even money on a player blackjack. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Is there insurance?
No. You can already see whether the dealer has blackjack. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
02Strategy
Should I use basic strategy?
Use a Double Exposure chart; many plays change once you see both cards. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Should I hit when tied?
Usually yes, since a tie loses. A tie on 20 or 21 is the main exception. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
When should I double?
Mostly against a visible dealer total of hard 12 to 16. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
03Where to play
Is it common in casinos?
It is rare in land venues today, but some online casinos offer it. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
What is the house edge?
About 0.7% under common rules, but it varies. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Is it good for beginners?
The visible cards help, but the different chart takes practice. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Sources
- Wizard of Odds — Double Exposure Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 14, 2026Rules, strategy and house edge
- Wizard of Odds — Blackjack Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 14, 2026Standard rules
- Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 14, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER