[squashington]

I played this game frequently at Fort McDowell Casino in Arizona. It's called Action Jack there.

Lots of variance but it's def +++++EV when played correctly. Basically you want to bet the minimum ($5) when you're not the house and risk the maximum ($1k+) when you are.

So if you're the dealer and put out 1k the other players then put out their bets. You can only lose AND win up to that 1k. So if the guy to your left bets 1k on your deal you're playing heads up against him.

The difference between normal BJ is that the bank/house/dealer doesn't can't see both the players cards.
Every player is dealt 1 card up and 1 card down. Future hits are dealt face up starting to the left of the dealer. The dealer doesn't have to stay or hit on anything. There's been many times I've stayed on 12 because I was positive the biggest bets at the table had busted. Plus you have absolute position every time you're the dealer.