21BURN
Will you make the right burn?
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about how 21 Burn works and what makes the game different.
What is 21 Burn?
21 Burn is a blackjack-style game in which both the player and dealer begin with three cards. The player chooses one card to burn before normal play begins, while the dealer later burns the highest-value card from the dealer's three-card set.
When does the player choose a burn card?
The player sees all three player cards and the dealer's exposed center card, then must choose one player card to burn before the dealer's two concealed cards are revealed.
How does the dealer choose a burn card?
After all player hands are complete, the dealer reveals both concealed cards and burns the single highest-value card among all three dealer cards.
Can the dealer burn the exposed card?
Yes. The dealer's exposed card is not protected. If it is the highest-value dealer card, it may be burned.
How is an Ace valued for the dealer burn?
An Ace counts as 11 when determining which dealer card is highest for the burn decision.
What happens if the dealer has a tie for the highest card?
If two or more dealer cards are tied for the highest value, any one of those tied highest cards may be burned.
What happens if my two retained cards form a pair?
If your two retained cards are equal in blackjack value, the pair must be split. This includes mixed ten-value cards such as 10-King, Jack-Queen, or similar combinations.
Can I split again after the first split?
Yes. After the initial mandatory split, a resulting hand that forms another equal-value pair may be split once more, subject to a maximum of four total player hands.
Can I double after splitting?
Yes. Doubling after a split is allowed on eligible two-card hands.
How are split Aces played?
Each split Ace receives one additional card only.
Does the dealer hit soft 17?
Yes. The playable prototype uses an H17 rule: the dealer hits soft 17 and stands on hard 17 or higher.
Does the dealer peek for blackjack?
No. There is no dealer peek. The dealer does not reveal the concealed cards until after the player has completed all player hands.
Does a two-card 21 count as blackjack?
No. A two-card total of 21 is treated simply as 21 and pays at the normal even-money rate when it wins.
What happens on a tie?
Equal final totals push.
Is the online game real-money gambling?
No. The website version is a prototype demonstration only and does not offer real-money wagering.
Is 21 Burn patented?
A patent application has been filed for 21 Burn, and the game is currently identified as Patent Pending.