Online Face Up 21 is a blackjack variant where both of the dealer's cards are dealt face up, so you always know the total you have to beat. The casino takes that edge back with tougher rules: blackjack usually pays even money and ties usually lose. Here's how it works, how to play it and what it costs.
Both dealer cards are face up, so every decision is made against a known total.
In the usual rules, blackjack pays 1 to 1 instead of 3 to 2 and the dealer wins ties.
Because ties lose, you sometimes hit a 20 against a dealer 20; standing can't win.
Computed for one common rule set (infinite deck, dealer hits soft 17), the house edge is about 1.45%.
No source publishes the rules or RTP of RTG's Face Up 21, so check the help screen before you play.
Developer
RealTime Gaming (RTG), per third-party game lists
Game type
Blackjack variant, both dealer cards face up (RNG)
Blackjack payout, common rules
1 to 1
Ties, common rules
Dealer wins, except player blackjack
House edge, common rules
About 1.45% (computed, dealer hits soft 17)
RTP of RTG version
Not published in the sources checked
What is online Face Up 21?
Online Face Up 21 is RealTime Gaming's take on the blackjack variant often called Double Exposure: the dealer's two cards are both dealt face up. GamblingNews includes it in its list of RTG table games (opens in a new tab), but no source we found publishes RTG's exact rules or its return to player. So this page explains the common rule set and shows how rule changes move the cost.
Seeing both dealer cards is a big advantage. In classic online blackjack you guess what the hidden card might be; here you know. The game balances that out by paying blackjack at even money and handing most ties to the dealer, and those two rules change strategy more than you might expect.
A hand of online Face Up 21 runs like regular blackjack, with the dealer's cards showing from the start. Under common rules, it goes like this.
Place your bet.
You get two cards face up, and so does the dealer.
If the dealer has blackjack, the hand ends at once. You lose unless you also have blackjack.
If you have blackjack, you're paid 1 to 1 under common rules.
Otherwise, choose to hit, stand, double down or split, knowing exactly what the dealer is showing.
The dealer then draws by fixed rules, usually hitting until 17 and, in many versions, also hitting soft 17.
Compare totals. Higher wins; ties go to the dealer in common rules, except a player blackjack.
The terms are the same as in any blackjack game. If any are new to you, see our glossary for double down, split and soft hand.
Face Up 21 rules vs classic blackjack
The table below shows the rules most Face Up 21 or Double Exposure games use, next to typical blackjack. RTG's version may differ in any row, so read its help screen and compare.
Common Face Up 21 rules compared with classic blackjack
Rule
Face Up 21 (common)
Classic blackjack (typical)
Dealer cards
Both face up
One up, one down
Blackjack pays
1 to 1
3 to 2
Ties
Dealer wins (player blackjack excepted)
Push
Doubling
Often limited, e.g. hard 9, 10 or 11
Often any two cards
Splitting
Often one split only
Often resplits allowed
Insurance
Not needed: you can see the dealer's hand
Offered against an ace
Each tough rule costs money. Even-money blackjack gives up half a unit on about 4.7% of hands, and losing ties turns many pushes into losses. Seeing both cards wins most of that back, but not all of it.
Face Up 21 strategy: playing against a known dealer total
Strategy in online Face Up 21 is simpler than blackjack in one way, because you know the dealer's total, and stranger in another, because ties lose. We computed these examples for the common rules (infinite deck, dealer hits soft 17). Values are in units per hand.
Sample Face Up 21 decisions (computed, common rules)
Your hand
Dealer shows
Stand
Hit
Best play
Hard 12
10 + 6 (hard 16)
+0.23
-0.03
Stand
Hard 16
10 + 7 (17)
-1.00
-0.34
Hit
Hard 17
10 + 7 (17)
-1.00
-0.39
Hit
Hard 12
10 + 2 (hard 12)
-0.04
-0.17
Stand
Hard 11
10 + 6 (hard 16)
+0.23
+0.49
Double (+0.98)
Hard 11
5 + 6 (hard 11)
-0.58
-0.20
Hit, don't double (-0.40)
Hard 20
5 + 6 (hard 11)
+0.09
-0.90
Stand
When the dealer has a stiff total (12 to 16) and must draw, stand on more hands than in normal blackjack; the dealer busts often. From a hard 16, the dealer busts about 61.5% of the time under these rules.
When the dealer already has 17 to 20, any total below the dealer's loses if you stand, so keep hitting until you're ahead or bust.
Double aggressively against dealer stiffs and much less against strong dealer totals.
Because a tie loses, you need to beat the dealer's total, not match it.
A full Face Up 21 strategy chart has many more cells than standard blackjack basic strategy. If RTG's game offers a practice mode, use it to learn the key plays.
Why ties lose: hitting a 20 against a dealer 20
The tie rule leads to plays that look wrong. Say you hold 20 and the dealer shows 10 + 10. If you stand, you tie and lose: -1 unit. If you hit, any ace gives you 21 and a win, and every other card busts you. With an ace about 1 time in 13, hitting is worth about -0.85 units. It's still a losing spot, but it loses less.
The same logic applies down the line. A player 18 against a dealer 18 should hit (worth about -0.54) rather than stand (-1). A 19 against a dealer 19 should hit too (about -0.69). These plays feel strange, but the arithmetic is simple: standing guarantees the loss, hitting doesn't.
Check RTG's tie rule before using this logic. If its version pushes ties, standing on a 20 against a dealer 20 is correct, and these plays would be mistakes.
Online Face Up 21 house edge under common rules
We computed the house edge of Face Up 21 with an infinite-deck model, which treats each card as drawn fresh from a full shoe. It's a close approximation for multi-deck games. Assumed rules: blackjack pays 1 to 1, player blackjack wins ties, other ties lose, double on hard 9 to 11 only, one split, split aces get one card each, and best play on every hand.
Face Up 21 house edge by dealer and doubling rules (computed, infinite deck)
Dealer on soft 17
Double after split
House edge
Hits
Not allowed
About 1.45%
Hits
Allowed
About 1.23%
Stands
Not allowed
About 1.06%
Stands
Allowed
About 0.84%
The dealer's soft 17 rule alone moves the edge by about 0.4 percentage points. Other changes, such as a different tie rule or wider doubling, would move it too. With correct play, the common versions sit roughly in the 1% to 1.5% range; with poor play, much higher. For the general idea, see house edge explained.
What real money Face Up 21 costs: worked examples
Expected loss is total stake × house edge. Using about 1.45% for the common rules with the dealer hitting soft 17, here's the average cost of 100 hands. Doubles and splits raise the money in play a little, so treat these as close estimates.
Expected cost of online Face Up 21 per 100 hands (computed, common rules)
Bet per hand
Base stake over 100 hands
Expected loss
$5
$500
About $7.25
$10
$1,000
About $14.50
$25
$2,500
About $36.25
$100
$10,000
About $145
That's cheaper than many table games, but only if you play correctly. Standing on a 17 against a dealer 18, or skipping a double against a dealer 16, adds to the cost each time. Set a session budget first; the bankroll management guide shows how.
Face Up 21 myths: counting, streaks and systems
Myth: 'Seeing both cards means the player has the edge.' The even-money blackjack and the tie rule more than offset it in the common rules.
Myth: 'Raise your bet after a loss and you'll catch up.' That's the Martingale. It doesn't change the edge; see the Martingale glossary entry.
Myth: 'A dealer bust is due.' Each hand is independent; the gambler's fallacy explains why streaks don't predict the next hand.
Correct strategy reduces the house edge; it can't remove it. Losses are likely over time.
Online Face Up 21 and casino bonus terms
Bonuses at offshore RTG casinos are built for slots. SlotoCash's own terms limit its welcome bonus to slots, Real-Series slots, keno and scratch cards and exclude table games by default. Silver Oak's offer page sets 60x wagering for blackjack and video poker, and its terms say 60x for table games. Decode doesn't publish table-game rules on its site.
At 60x, a $100 bonus means $6,000 of wagering. At about 1.45%, that's around $87 of expected loss before you can cash out, and that assumes the game counts at all. Our pages on the best bonus for blackjack and game weighting explain the trade-offs.
RTG Face Up 21: software and fairness
RealTime Gaming was founded in Atlanta in 1998, according to Wikipedia and other reference sites. PokerListings reports that it has used the SpinLogic Gaming name for its US-facing business since 2022, and LCB and GamblingNews report that RTG games are tested by Technical Systems Testing (TST). See our RTG software page for more.
We found no test certificate, RTP or published rule set for Face Up 21 itself. Before you play, check the help screen for the blackjack payout, the tie rule, the dealer's soft 17 rule and the doubling and splitting limits. Then use the table above to estimate the edge.
The RTG casinos below are offshore. They aren't licensed or regulated by any US state, which means no state regulator to complain to and no state protection for your balance. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has named several in cease-and-desist releases. Federal law (the UIGEA) targets payment processing rather than players, so check your state's own rules; our page on offshore casinos and the law explains more.
Where to play online Face Up 21: RTG casinos with an offer via our links
These casinos run RTG or SpinLogic software, according to their own sites or third-party reviews. None of the sources we found confirms Face Up 21 in any live partner's lobby, so they fit this page through RTG only; check the table games section before you deposit. All three are offshore casinos, not licensed by any US state; check your state's law first. We earn commission from these links, and our order is commercial.
SlotoCash Casino: $6,000 Welcome Bonus + 60 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply).
Decode Casino: $5,000 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply).
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply).
SlotoCash: the casino's own welcome bonus terms (opens in a new tab) set 25x (deposit + bonus), a $20 minimum deposit per bonus and no max cashout, valid on slots, Real-Series slots, keno and scratch cards. Its site advertises a different package, $7,777 and 300 spins over five deposits, so the terms shown at sign-up apply. The Michigan Gaming Control Board named SlotoCash in an October 8, 2026 cease-and-desist release (opens in a new tab). See the SlotoCash review.
Decode: its site shows a '$111 Free Chip + Crypto Bonus' headline with no terms visible. LCB, a third-party site, lists code DECODE111 at 111% up to $1,111, 25x (bonus + deposit) and a $25 minimum. Third-party reports say Decode doesn't accept players from Maryland, New Jersey, New York or Washington. Codes change; see the Decode review.
Silver Oak: its own offer page advertises $10,000 as a 100% match on each of the first ten deposits with no max withdrawal. The offer page says 30x (60x for blackjack and video poker) while its terms say 40x for slots, so confirm before claiming. Deposits start at $30. Michigan's board named Silver Oak on April 9, 2025. See the Silver Oak review.
Blackjack variants are entertainment that costs money over time. If it stops being fun, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) for free, confidential help, or see our national helpline page.
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
No source we found confirms Face Up 21 in these casinos' lobbies, so check the table games section before you deposit. All three are offshore and not licensed by any US state.
SlotoCash Casino#1 on our listBiggest bonus on our list
Published terms (casino terms): SlotoCash advertises up to $7,777 + 300 spins over five deposits on its own site. Eligible games: Slots, keno and scratch cards (progressive jackpots excluded).
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; reported as a Deckmedia N.V. brand (Curaçao). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, October 8, 2026.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $20 per bonus. Wagering 25x deposit + bonus. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap $5,000 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Published terms (reported): Decode advertises a $111 free chip and crypto bonuses on its own site; deposit-bonus codes and terms vary. Eligible games: Mainly slots; check each code.
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; third parties report Curaçao. Regulator notes: Third parties report it refuses players in MD, NJ, NY and WA.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $25 (reported). Wagering Varies by code (25x–35x reported). Max cashout: Varies by code. Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
What is Face Up 21?
Face Up 21 is a blackjack variant where both dealer cards are dealt face up, also known as Double Exposure. To balance that advantage, common rules pay blackjack at even money and give ties to the dealer. RTG's version appears in third-party game lists, but its exact rules aren't published. Our online blackjack page covers the classic game for comparison.
What is the house edge on Face Up 21?
Computed for one common rule set with an infinite-deck model, it's about 1.45% when the dealer hits soft 17 and about 1.06% when the dealer stands, assuming correct play. Rule changes such as doubling after splits move it further. No source publishes RTG's figure, so check its rules. Our house edge glossary entry explains the measure.
Does blackjack pay 3 to 2 in Face Up 21?
Usually not. Common Face Up 21 and Double Exposure rules pay blackjack at 1 to 1, and that's one of the trade-offs for seeing both dealer cards. A player blackjack typically still wins ties. Check RTG's help screen for its payout. For a variant with other rule trade-offs, see Super 21 or Pontoon.
Should you ever hit a 20 in Face Up 21?
Yes, under rules where ties lose, if the dealer also has 20. Standing guarantees a loss, while hitting wins whenever you draw an ace, about 1 time in 13. That makes hitting worth about -0.85 units against -1 for standing. If RTG's version pushes ties, stand instead. Our casino math basics guide explains expected value.
Is Face Up 21 better than regular blackjack?
Not usually on cost. Under the common rules computed here, Face Up 21's edge is about 1% to 1.5%, while regular blackjack with good rules and basic strategy is often lower. Face Up 21 suits players who like making decisions against a known total. Compare the rules in our blackjack hub page before choosing.
Can you count cards in online Face Up 21?
No. Online RNG blackjack reshuffles every hand, so there's nothing to track from one hand to the next. Card counting is only of historical and theoretical interest online. Seeing both dealer cards is the only information advantage in this game, and the rules already price it in. Our page on counting cards online explains more.
Can I use a casino bonus on Face Up 21?
Often not, or only with heavy wagering. SlotoCash's terms exclude table games by default, and Silver Oak sets 60x wagering for blackjack. Even when a game counts, high wagering on table games usually costs more than the bonus is worth. Read the eligible games list first. Our wagering requirements guide shows the math.
Is online Face Up 21 legal in my state?
That depends on your state's law. Seven states license real-money online casinos, while the RTG casinos that offer games like Face Up 21 are offshore and not licensed by any state. State law decides what's allowed for players, so check yours. Our state guides and the page on whether online gambling is legal in the US explain more.
Is online Face Up 21 legal in Colorado?
No. The Colorado Division of Gaming said in September 2025 that the only online gaming in Colorado is sports betting, so no site is licensed to offer online blackjack variants such as Face Up 21. The division also says betting from Colorado with online casinos is illegal even if the site is licensed elsewhere, and that players have no recourse through a Colorado agency. Live blackjack is available at land casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. Read our Colorado gambling laws page and the sports betting laws overview.
What happens if the dealer has blackjack in Face Up 21?
The hand ends right away and you lose your bet, unless you also hold a blackjack. Because both dealer cards are face up from the deal, there's no peek and no chance to double or split first. Under common rules a player blackjack wins ties, so two blackjacks pay you rather than pushing, and a lone player blackjack pays 1 to 1. RTG doesn't publish its rule set in the sources we checked, so confirm both points in the help screen. The push entry explains how ties normally work in classic blackjack.
How often does the dealer bust in Face Up 21?
From a hard 16, the dealer busts about 61.5% of the time under common rules where the dealer hits soft 17, computed with an infinite-deck model. That's why you stand on more stiff hands than in normal blackjack. With a hard 12 against a dealer 10 + 6, standing is worth about +0.23 units per hand against about -0.03 for hitting. When the dealer already has 17 to 20, the picture flips: they won't draw, so you have to hit until you beat their total. See blackjack basic strategy for the standard-game comparison.
Should you take insurance in Face Up 21?
There's nothing to insure. Insurance in classic blackjack is a side bet that the dealer's hidden card completes a blackjack when an ace is showing. In Face Up 21 both dealer cards are visible from the deal, so you already know whether the dealer has blackjack, and common rule sets don't offer the bet. If RTG's version shows an insurance button, read its help screen before using it. Our insurance entry explains how the side bet works in standard games, and how to play blackjack covers the classic table.
When should you double down in Face Up 21?
Double hard when the dealer has a stiff total and must draw, and much less often when the dealer is already strong. Computed under common rules, a hard 11 against a dealer 10 + 6 is worth about +0.98 units if you double, against +0.49 for a plain hit. The same 11 against a dealer hard 11 should be hit, not doubled: hitting is worth about -0.20, while doubling drops to -0.40. Many versions limit doubling to hard 9, 10 or 11, so check RTG's rules. The double down entry covers the basic move.
Can I play Face Up 21 on my phone?
If a casino carries it, probably through the mobile browser, but no source confirms Face Up 21 in any partner's mobile lobby. SlotoCash's support page says no app or software is needed for instant play, Decode's site describes instant play on mobile without an app, and Silver Oak's mobile page covers iPhone, Android and tablets in the browser. Check the table games list on your phone before depositing. These casinos are offshore and not licensed by any US state. Our instant play vs download guide and Decode mobile casino page have more.
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