21: Russian Version

«21: Russian Version»: Complete Rules and Best Strategies

In this game, not only calculation and logic are important, but also the ability to take risks, anticipate the opponent’s moves, and use cunning tactics at the right time. Mastering the rules of this game is easy, but becoming a master requires learning strategy.

🎯 Goal of the Game:

To collect a combination of cards with a point total higher than the banker’s, but not exceeding 21. If the sum of your cards exceeds 21 (bust), you automatically lose.

📊 Card Scoring System

The game uses a standard 36-card deck. Card values are distributed as follows:

• Number cards (6, 7, 8, 9, 10): equal to their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): are worth 2, 3, and 4 points respectively.
• Ace: is a unique card. As long as the total point count does not exceed 21, the Ace is counted as 11. If the total exceeds 21, the Ace automatically counts as 1.

♠️♦️ Game Flow:

1. The banker deals you one face-up card and themselves one face-down card.
2. After seeing your card, you place a bet.
3. Now you can:
   • Take an additional card by clicking «HIT».
   • Stop with your current point total by clicking «STAND».
   • Make a risky move by playing «IN THE DARK»: (explained below).
4. After your decision, the banker plays. They are obliged to:
   • Draw cards if they have 16 points or less.
   • Stand on 17 points or more.
5. Determining the Winner.
   • You win if the banker busts or your point total is greater than the banker’s. The payout is 1:1.
   • Push (Tie), if the point totals are equal. Your bet is returned.
   • You lose if you bust or the banker’s point total is greater.

Limitation: The maximum number of cards per player is 5.

👑 Special Combinations and Their Hierarchy

In the game “21: Russian Version,” there are special combinations that beat a regular 21-point hand. They are ranked in the following hierarchy (from highest to lowest):

1. Two One-Eyed Cards: A combination of two of the three cards: Jack of Diamonds, King of Diamonds, Queen of Spades.
2. Golden Point (Two Aces): Two Aces dealt as the first two cards.
3. Natural (or Point): A combination of the first two cards totaling 21 points (e.g., Ace and Ten).
4. Combinations 678 or 777: Three consecutive cards — 6,7,8 or three Sevens.
5. Five Pictures: Any five face cards (Jack, Queen, King).
6. Regular 21 Points: Any other card combination summing to 21.

Thus, the hierarchy of combinations is as follows:

Two One-Eyed Cards > Golden Point > Natural > 678/777 > Five Pictures > Regular 21

Note

Example: The player gets the Jack of Diamonds and Queen of Spades (“Two One-Eyed”), and the banker gets two Aces (“Golden Point”). The player wins because their combination is higher-ranking.

🌙 What is “Playing in the Dark”?

If your first card is a Six, you have the option to play “in the dark.”

• In this case, the Six is worth 11 points.
• The banker deals you a second card face down.
• Then, the banker draws cards for themselves according to the standard rules.
• After that, your second card is revealed, and the final result is calculated.

This is a risky but potentially very profitable move, as you have a chance to get 21 points immediately (11 + 10).

🧠 Strategy and Tactics for Winning

Success in the game depends not only on luck but also on the right strategy.

Basic Recommendations

• Always hit if you have 11 points or less.
• More often stand if you have 17 points or more.
• The decision for hands from 12 to 16 points depends on the banker’s face-up card.

How to Play Against a Banker’s Weak Card (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

If the banker’s face-up card is low (Two through Six), they have a high chance of busting, as they are forced to draw to 17.

• Your tactic: play cautiously.
• If you have 12-16 points — stand («STAND»). There is a high probability the banker will bust on their own.
• If you have a “soft” hand (e.g., Ace + 5 = 16, where Ace counts as 11), you can take a card, as you have a buffer in case of a bust.

How to Play Against a Banker’s Strong Card (7, 8, 9, 10, Ace)

If the banker’s face-up card is strong, they rarely bust. Relying on their mistake is a bad strategy.

• Your tactic: play aggressively.
• If you have 12-16 points — hit («HIT»). Standing with a weak hand against the banker’s strong card almost guarantees a loss. It’s better to take a risk and try to improve your combination.

Working with a “Soft” Hand (with Ace as 11)

A hand with an Ace that can be counted as 11 gives you great flexibility.

• With combinations like Ace + 2, Ace + 3, Ace + 4, Ace + 5, Ace + 6 (13-17 points), you can confidently take additional cards. Even if you bust, the Ace turns into 1, and you often stay in the game.
• With strong “soft” hands Ace + 7 or Ace + 8 (18-19 points), it’s better to stand, as you are already in a winning position.

Advanced Tactics

• Bankroll Management: Don’t bet everything at once. Increase your bet after a win and decrease it after a series of losses.
• Attention to Special Combinations: If many face cards remain in the deck, the probability of the “Five Pictures” combination increases.
• Observation: Try to remember which cards have already been played. If many low-value cards are out, the probability of the banker or you busting decreases.

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Ready to put this knowledge into practice? Join the online game «21: Russian Version» and test your skill and luck!