Complete Guide to Infinite Blackjack by Evolution Gaming

Infinite Blackjack, created by Evolution Gaming, offers a unique take on the classic blackjack game by allowing an unlimited number of players to join each round. Played with eight decks, the game follows the traditional blackjack rules with a few notable variations, such as the option to cash out and the introduction of a Six Card Charlie rule. This version of blackjack is designed to provide a smooth, engaging experience for players of all levels, offering a variety of strategic choices and betting options while maintaining the essence of the original game.

Rules of Play

Decks Used

Infinite Blackjack is played with eight standard 52-card decks, which are shuffled together to create a large pool of cards for each game round. This allows for more variation in the game and reduces the likelihood of card counting.

Card Values

In this version of blackjack, card values follow the standard blackjack rules:

• Cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are each worth 10.
• Aces are worth either 1 or 11, depending on what benefits the hand more.

Gameplay Flow

• Initial Deal: After players place their bets, the dealer deals two cards to each player, both face-up. The dealer also receives two cards, one face-up and one face-down.
• Card Display: The value of the player's hand is displayed next to their cards, making it easy to assess the current situation.

Player Actions and Decisions

Basic Actions

Once the initial cards are dealt, players have several decisions they can make depending on the situation.

• Hit: If the value of the hand is not yet 21, the player can choose to draw another card to improve the hand. Multiple hits can be taken, but players cannot hit if their total reaches 17 or higher.

• Stand: If the player is satisfied with their hand, they can choose to stand, meaning they do not receive any more cards and their hand is finalized.

• Double: If the initial hand value is favorable, the player may choose to double their bet and receive only one additional card. This is a way to increase the potential payout in favorable situations.

• Split: If the player’s first two cards are of equal value, they can split the cards into two separate hands, each with a bet equal to the original wager. This creates the opportunity for two hands to be played out separately.

• Cash Out: If the player wants to end the round early, they can choose to cash out. This option returns a payout based on the value of the hand and the dealer's face-up card, which ranges from 0.4x to 1.77x of the original bet. The Cash Out option is not available after splitting, doubling, or busting.

Action Restrictions

Certain restrictions apply to how and when players can take specific actions:

• No Hit on 17 or Higher: Players cannot choose to hit if their hand is 17 or higher, as these are considered "hard hands."
• No Double After Split: After splitting a pair, the player cannot double their bet.
• Single Card to Split Aces: When splitting Aces, the player only receives one additional card for each hand and cannot take any further actions.

Special Features

Infinite Blackjack includes several unique features that add depth and excitement to the game, offering both players and dealers opportunities for strategy and decision-making.

Blackjack and Push

A Blackjack occurs when the player’s first two cards total 21, which is the highest hand in the game. This payout is 3:2. If the dealer also has Blackjack, the round results in a push, meaning the player’s bet is returned, and no one wins.

Six Card Charlie Rule

A special rule in Infinite Blackjack is the Six Card Charlie, which guarantees a win for the player if their hand contains six cards with a total value of 21 or less, regardless of the dealer’s hand. This rule applies to each individual hand in a split scenario, giving players an additional chance to win with a low-risk strategy.

Insurance

If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, players are offered the option to purchase insurance. This bet is a side wager that protects the player in case the dealer has a Blackjack. The insurance bet is equal to half of the player’s original wager and pays out at 2:1 if the dealer has Blackjack. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, the round continues as usual. The option to buy insurance is not available if the dealer’s upcard is a 10 or face card.

Dealer Behavior

The dealer follows specific rules that determine when they must hit or stand:

• The dealer must hit on a hand totaling 16 or less.
• The dealer must stand on a soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace counted as 11) or higher.

These rules are fixed, ensuring a consistent and predictable outcome for players once their decisions are made.

These special features, including the Six Card Charlie and Insurance, add layers of strategy and excitement to Infinite Blackjack, enhancing the player experience with additional opportunities to win or protect their bets.

Betting Limits and Accessibility

Infinite Blackjack offers flexible betting options to accommodate a wide range of players. The game allows players to adjust their stakes based on their individual preferences and bankroll, making it accessible for both casual players and high rollers.

Bet Limits

The game features a betting range of $1 to $1,000, providing players with the freedom to choose their wager amount within this span. Players can place bets within the limits displayed on the Bet Limits panel, which may vary slightly depending on the specific table or session. It’s important to check these limits before placing a bet, as they can change from time to time.

Unlimited Players

One of the key advantages of Infinite Blackjack is that it supports an unlimited number of players at any given table. This allows more players to participate in a round without having to wait for an open seat, creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all players.

Adjustable Settings

To improve player experience, Infinite Blackjack provides customizable settings that let players adjust certain features, such as visibility of the Cash Out option. This level of customization ensures that players can tailor their experience to their preferences.

Return to Player (RTP)

Infinite Blackjack is designed to offer a high payout percentage, making it an attractive option for players who enjoy games with favorable odds.

RTP

The optimal theoretical Return to Player (RTP) for Infinite Blackjack is 99.47%. This RTP is based on the first hand in the shoe, meaning that, on average, players can expect to receive back 99.47% of their total wagers over a long period of play. This RTP value reflects the house edge, which is relatively low for a live casino game, making Infinite Blackjack a competitive option for players looking for favorable odds.

The combination of high RTP and flexible betting limits helps position Infinite Blackjack as a compelling choice for both casual and experienced players.

Best Card Counting Systems for Infinite Blackjack

Since Infinite Blackjack has moderate penetration (4 to 4.5 decks) but also limits individual betting control, card counters need a system that is easy to track, allows for quick decision-making, and takes advantage of high-value betting opportunities. Here are some of the best card counting systems for this game:

1. Hi-Lo Count (Best for Simplicity & Backcounting)

• How It Works:

  • Assign values to each card:
    • +1 → 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    • 0 → 7, 8, 9
    • -1 → 10, J, Q, K, A
  • Track the running count and divide by remaining decks to get the True Count.
  • Only enter the game when the True Count is +2 or higher.

• Why It's Good for This Game:

  • Simple and effective for tracking high-card-rich decks.
  • Works well for backcounters who only jump in at high counts.

2. KO (Knockout) Count (Best for Easy Tracking Without True Count Conversion)

• How It Works:

  • Similar to Hi-Lo but removes the need for a True Count conversion.
  • The count starts at a pre-set number based on the number of decks in play.
  • When the count reaches a certain threshold, the deck is favorable.

• Why It's Good for This Game:

  • No need to calculate the True Count—great for fast, low-effort counting.
  • Helps quickly spot favorable conditions without precise calculations.
  • Best for wonging in and out without extra mental effort.

3. Hi-Opt II (Best for More Precision, If Allowed to Stay Seated)

• How It Works:

  • A more advanced system that gives more weight to 4s and 5s (the most important cards for counting).
    • +1 → 2, 3, 6, 7
    • +2 → 4, 5
    • 0 → 8, 9
    • -1 → 10, J, Q, K
    • 0 (ignored) → Aces
  • Track the count and divide by remaining decks for True Count.

• Why It's Good for This Game:

  • More accurate at spotting profitable betting opportunities.
  • Helps optimize doubling and splitting decisions.
  • Works well with games where penetration is just moderate.
  • Downside: Harder to use, so it's best for experienced counters.

Which System Should You Use?

Additional Strategies for Backcounters in This Game

• Jump in at a True Count of +2 or higher → This ensures that the deck is rich in high-value cards before you start betting.
• Avoid in neutral/low counts → The 10% fee on main bets makes it less attractive unless the count favors it.
• Use a spread of at least 1:4 if possible → While you can’t vary bets per hand, entering and leaving at the right time is key.

 Basic Strategy Chart for Infinite Blackjack

Key Adjustments for Card Counters

1. Stand on 16 vs. High Cards (TC +3 or higher)
   • Normally, you'd hit, but at a high count, the deck is rich in 10s, making standing a better option.
2. Double A-7 (Soft 18) vs. 9, 10, or A when TC is +2 or more
   • With more 10s in the deck, an aggressive double becomes more profitable.
3. Stand on 12 vs. 2 or 3 when TC is +2 or higher
   • A higher count means the dealer is more likely to bust.
4. Increase Side Bet Play at High Counts
   • If 21+3 or other side bets are available, they become more profitable when high cards dominate the shoe.