Stravaganza, stupid name for a card game or what?
OK, so it’s got a stupid name, but it actually plays quite well… and is an interesting alternative to Blackjack.
A couple of the top Playtech online casinos have recently added a new card game called Stravaganza (as well as an excellent new Baccarat game with a Progressive Jackpot…)
So what’s Stravaganza all about?
Stravaganza is played with 5 decks of cards. The object of the game is to have a point total higher than the dealer. Card values are similar to Blackjack: number cards count at face value, picture cards are worth 10, and the Ace is worth 1. However, unlike Blackjack, you can’t bust: the higher your hand value, the better.
Depending on your card total, you can choose to:
- Play on – place a second bet (same size as the first), get a third card, and keep playing. You can always do this.
- Sit – keep playing with two cards and your original bet. You can do this if your point total is 10 or more.
- Money back – get your full bet back, and end the round. You can do this if your point total is 5 or less.
- Rescue bet – get half of your bet back, and end the round. You can do this if your point total is between 6 and 9.
There are also Bonus payouts: 3 of a kind, 5s – Ks pays at 3 to 1 and 3 Face cards pays out at 1.5 to 1.
In Stravaganza you also have the option of a Progressive Jackpot Side Bet. If you place a jackpot bet you’re in to win a jackpot that is the minimum 10000 x your jackpot bet size (it’s currently sitting at around $25K at Centrebet Casino for example).
Did we enjoy it? Yes, surprisingly so. I’d personally recommend it to any player looking for a change from their usual Blackjack variant or even 3-card poker players may like this one.
So where can I play Stravaganza?
BetFred Casino (UK owned and operated) – play Stravaganza in red
Centrebet Casino (Australian owned and operated) – play Stravaganza in blue
Add comment June 6th, 2007