Blackjack Azure

Blackjack Azure by Pragmatic Play: A Review of the Classic Game with a New Twist

Blackjack Azure by Pragmatic Play is not just another version of blackjack; it's a meticulously crafted experience that brings the casino classic directly to your screen. With an elegant design, intuitive interface, and professional dealers, this game offers an immersive dive into the world of one of the most popular card games. If you value style, realism, and the opportunity to apply strategy, Blackjack Azure is an excellent choice.

Mechanics and RTP

Blackjack Azure is a live dealer game where your goal is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's, without exceeding 21. The game follows standard European blackjack rules with some features specific to Pragmatic Play.

• Number of Decks: Typically uses 8 standard 52-card decks.
• Dealer Stands on 17: The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more (including "soft" 17, i.e., Ace and 6).
• Doubling Down: Allowed on any two cards.
• Splitting: Allowed to split pairs (except 4s, 5s, and 10-value cards like 10, J, Q, K). After splitting Aces, only one card can be drawn for each hand. Re-splitting is usually not allowed.
• Insurance: Offered if the dealer's upcard is an Ace. Insurance pays 2:1.
• Payouts:
  • Blackjack: 3:2
  • Regular Payout: 1:1
  • Insurance: 2:1

RTP (Retu to Player): The theoretical RTP in Blackjack Azure with optimal strategy is approximately 99.5%. This is one of the highest percentages among all casino games, making blackjack very attractive to players who use strategy.

Volatility: Low. Blackjack itself is a low-volatility game, especially when using basic strategy. This means you can expect frequent but relatively small wins, allowing you to stay in the game longer and enjoy the process.

Bonus Features

In addition to the main game, Blackjack Azure offers several popular side bets that can increase your winnings and add excitement:

• Perfect Pairs: This side bet wins if the player's first two cards form a pair. There are several types of pairs with different payouts:
  • Perfect Pair: Two cards of the same suit and rank (e.g., two Queens of Spades). Pays up to 25:1.
  • Colored Pair: Two cards of the same color but different suits and same rank (e.g., Queen of Spades and Queen of Clubs). Pays up to 12:1.
  • Mixed Pair: Two cards of different colors and same rank (e.g., Queen of Spades and Queen of Diamonds). Pays up to 6:1.
• 21+3: This side bet is based on the combination of the player's first two cards and the dealer's upcard (i.e., three cards). If these three cards form a poker hand, you win. Possible combinations and payouts:
  • Suited Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same suit in sequence (e.g., 5, 6, 7 of Spades). Pays up to 100:1.
  • Straight Flush: Three cards of the same suit in sequence (e.g., 7, 8, 9 of Hearts). Pays up to 40:1.
  • Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Queens). Pays up to 30:1.
  • Straight: Three cards in sequence of different suits (e.g., 5 of Spades, 6 of Hearts, 7 of Diamonds). Pays up to 10:1.
  • Flush: Three cards of the same suit, not in sequence (e.g., 2, 7, K of Hearts). Pays up to 5:1.

These side bets are optional and introduce an additional element of randomness and potentially higher payouts, albeit with a lower RTP compared to the main game.

Final Verdict

Blackjack Azure by Pragmatic Play is an excellent implementation of classic blackjack in a live casino format. The game possesses all the qualities that players value: high RTP when using strategy, professional dealers, high-quality streaming, and a user-friendly interface. The "Perfect Pairs" and "21+3" side bets add variety and the potential for big wins, though with higher risk.

If you're looking for an authentic live dealer blackjack experience that combines elegance, strategic depth, and high winning chances, Blackjack Azure is an excellent choice. Pragmatic Play has once again proven its ability to create high-quality live casino games that meet the needs of the most demanding players.