Premier High Streak Blackjack Rules and Means

Learn how to play High Streak Blackjack while utilizing all eligible means and methodologies of a pro.

There are some casino enthusiasts out there – both pros and amateurs – who take stock in the value of successive results. Some players will indulge in higher wagers during a hot streak, then decrease their bets when the tide of casino chips flows outward.

Multiple betting systems have been devised solely on the exploitation of hot and cold streaks. I don’t entertain the presumed power behind betting systems myself, but for those who do, Premium High Streak Blackjack is an excellent choice among 21 variants.

The exact version I’m detailing here today is one found at Microgaming online casinos. It’s part of their Premium line-up of table games, found at every online casino website that employs the Microgaming Quickfire platform.

Note: I’ve seen other reviews of this game touting the profitability of the High Streak side bet for card counters. The supposition is that placing the side bet when a string of wins is more likely (according to the count) will give you an edge. Those same websites also point out that it’s only available at online casinos, but they often fail to mention RNG-based online blackjack games (like this one) reshuffle the deck after every hand, thereby eliminating any and all efficacy of counting the cards.

How to Play High Streak Blackjack

This is, in many ways, a typical game of blackjack. The rules are pretty standard for the base game, although they do tend to favor the house a bit more than necessary. Ignoring the High Streak side bet (which we’ll discuss at much grater detail below), this game carries an RTP of 99.47% (house edge 0.53%). That is notably lower than the good-game average of about RTP 99.65% (house edge 0.35%).

The only rule that works largely in the player’s favor is that it’s a double-deck blackjack game. Otherwise, doubling is limited to 9-11, only one hand can be split, and the dealer does not take a second (hole) card until all player hands are settled; thus no peeking for blackjack.

The complete rules of the base game, pertaining to what the player/dealer can/must do, are as follows:

Specific Rules of Play

• Decks: 2
• Soft 17: Dealer Stands
• Doubling: Yes, on 9, 10 and 11 only
• Splitting: Yes, 1x only
• Double after Split: No
• Resplit Aces: No
• Draw to Split Aces: No
• Surrender: No
• Dealer Checks for Blackjack: No
• Blackjack Pays: 3 to 2

High Streak Side Bet

This is where the game gets more interesting. In fact, if you don’t intend to place the High Streak side bet, there’s really no point in playing this game. Classic blackjack rules provide for a better house edge of or below 0.4%. With that being said, here are the basics rules…

• This side bet is optional, and can be placed before the start of any hand.
• Any current wins recorded prior to placement of the bet will not count towards a streak.
• If the player loses a hand before two consecutive hands are won, the side bet is lost.
• If a hand results in a push (tie), it is not recorded as a win or loss, and the bet remains active.
• Once a player wins two consecutive hands, the pay table becomes active, and will pay out at the rate of the highest streak achieved until the player loses, or at the maximum 5-win streak.

Below is the Premium High Streak pay table and odds according to Mircogaming’s rendition of the game. The right column exposes the probability of winnings 2, 3, 4 and 5 hands in a row.

Note: The probability of winning any hand in blackjack (ignoring ties) is 46.36%. If we multiply this (0.4636) by the number of hands to be won in a row (# of streak), the results becomes the probability of that many consecutive wins. Ex: 0.4636 * 4 = 0.1159 or 11.59%

Strategy for High Streak Blackjack

As with any blackjack variations, there is a very specific decision-making strategy that should be applied to achieve the highest possible long-term return to player. That strategy should be based on the specific rules of the game being played. Below is a perfect strategy for Premium High Streak Blackjack by Microgaming. Following this guide precisely will give you the highest theoretical RTP of 99.47%.

The chart below has been divided into three segments, depending on what type of hand the player is holding – a hard total, soft total, or pairs.

How to Decide a Hard Hand

A hard total is a hand with an absolute value, containing no Aces eligible of being counted as 11 (as opposed to 1). A hard hand with a total of 12 or more calls for a more restrictive strategy, as a single hit can bust the hand.

How to Decide a Soft Hand

A soft total is a hand with a flexible value; one that does contain an Ace that can be valued at 11 without busting. This type of hand comes with a more liberal strategy for the simple fact that it cannot possibly bust in a single hit.

Conditions for Splitting Pairs

Pairs present a unique opportunity for the player, depending on the individual and combined rank of those cards, and the associated value of the dealer’s up-card. This last chart details how to play High Streak Blackjack when given the option to split.

Note: The rules of this game do not allow a player to split more than once. If you’re not eligible to split a hand, reference the corresponding hard or soft total strategy charts above to determine the appropriate action.