Chinese Blackjack

Chinese Blackjack is also known as 21-point, ban-luck (Hokkien), ban-nag (Cantonese), and xì dách (Vietnamese). The game is played in South East Asia and resembles conventional Blackjack. In Malaysia, this variant is known as Kampung (Village) Blackjack to differentiate it from the standard Casino Blackjack, and it grew from the game played in the old days in villages. Traditionally, most casual gamblers gamble during the Chinese New Year; it is believed the new year brings in fresh new luck. Chinese Blackjack is one of the most popular games played during the new year. The game is played extensively in Singapore as well. The game uses one or two 52-card deck(s) and is playable by any number of players. One is the dealer, or they may take turns dealing. The game probably evolved from the fact that amongst friends, it is hard to host a casino rules blackjack game that needs a dealer who plays differently from the players. In casino rules, the cards are opened, and the dealer must play at least until 17 points but must stand once reached, while the players have no limits. This is complicated for a home friendly game, and it appears that the odds are stacked against the dealer. So most friends don't volunteer to be the dealer. A unique feature is that the dealer is allowed to selectively reveal some players' hands, settle bets with them and then hit again and reveal other players' hands. Another unique feature is a special status given to owning 5 cards unbusted. Although Chinese Blackjack has some standard rules, unusual house rules are common.