What Is Aways 6 Blackjack? Rules & Strategy Revealed

If you thought you’d seen every type of blackjack variant possible, think again. Always 6 Blackjack is a new game released in March 2026.

This innovative new live dealer blackjack game offers something totally unique, because the dealer's upcard is always a 6!

Who Created Always 6 Blackjack?

Always 6 Blackjack was created by Evolution Gaming, a leading provider of live online casino games.

Founded in 2006, they have grown from zero to over 4,000 staff and 100 gaming tables that broadcast live games 24/7. With games like Crazy Time and Lightning Roulette in their portfolio, they’re probably my favourite live dealer studio.

How Does Always 6 Blackjack Work: Game Rules

The aim of Always 6 Blackjack is the same as classic blackjack, where you need to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without busting.

Played with 6 decks, other similarities include blackjack paying 3 to 2 and the dealer must stand on 17 and draw to 16.

How the game works:

• Players place their bets

• Optional bets include Bet Behind, Perfect Pairs and Lucky Ladies

• The dealer already shows a 6 as their upcard (unsuited)

• Players are dealt 2 cards face up and the dealer gets 1 more card face down

• Players have the chance to hit, stand, double down or split (when the first 2 cards are of equal value)

• If the value of the player's first 2 cards is 21, they have blackjack

Always 6 Blackjack Side Bets

While Perfect Pairs is a common side bet in blackjack, Lucky Ladies is a new side bet introduced by Always 6 Blackjack. You win if you get a single Queen card or any combination of 20 points.

Check out the following 6 possible Lucky Ladies winning combinations:

• Queen of Hearts Pair. Two Queen of Hearts cards.

• Two Queens. Two Queen cards of different suits.

• Suited 20. Two cards that total 20 of the same suit.

• Any 20. Two cards that total 20, without matching suits.

• One Queen of Hearts. The players' first two cards contain a Queen of Hearts and any other card.

• Any Queen. One of the player's first two cards is a Queen of any suit.

The Perfect Pairs and Lucky Ladies side bets get paid even if you lose your main blackjack bet.

One thing to note is that the above-mentioned side bets pay higher but have an increased house edge.

This means that while they are a fun addition, these types of bets should be approached with caution, as payout frequency can be low.

Always 6 Blackjack House Edge, RTP and Payouts

How can you play against the dealer if they always have the worst possible card in their hand?

Normally that would be a massive edge for the player, so Evolution have made one big change to the rules, to ensure the game’s house edge stays roughly the same as regular blackjack.

Although still get paid 3 to 2 for Blackjack itself, in Always 6 Blackjack, a normal winning hand pays 0.61 to 1, not 1 to 1.

However, the theoretical RTP (return to player) is 99.34% for the main blackjack game, which is similar to the classic version. Perfect Pairs offers 93.89% and Lucky Ladies 91.42%, showing how these side bets could drain your bankroll quickly.

Here are the payout tables:

Perfect Pairs

Lucky Ladies

Why Does the Dealer Always Show a 6 Card?

In traditional blackjack, the dealer's upcard offers players essential information to help them to decide what to do next.

And it's well known that a 6 is one of the weakest cards, with the math showing it does poorly against stronger upcards like Aces, 10s, 9s and even 8s.

By fixing the dealer’s upcard to a 6, this creates a strategic twist. The same initial condition creates less strategy variance and allows quicker decision making each hand.

Furthermore, the player/dealer dynamic is changed with the dealer always starting in a disadvantaged position. This means that although the payouts odds are lower in Always 6 Blackjack, you win more often.

I should point out that even though Blackjack is a low variance game with a relatively high RTP, it still gives the house a small edge and so you can’t make a profit in the long run. That’s why we play blackjack for fun, not to make money!

Strategy Tips with The Dealer Showing a 6

So, what is the best strategy for Always 6 Blackjack? While it's important to remember that the outcome of games is based on luck and the house always has an edge, the right strategy can make a difference.

In this classic blackjack basic strategy guide, we can see that if a blackjack dealer shows a 6, they are likely to bust 42% of the time. With this in mind, it may be wise to stand more often, even when you have lower card totals.

A more aggressive doubling-down strategy is another thing to consider. If the dealer has a higher chance of busting, well-timed double downs could lead to greater rewards.

Just remember to only bet what you can afford. Bigger wins come with bigger risks and you should always play responsibly so blackjack stays fun and affordable.

Always 6 Blackjack Strategy Chart

Below are blackjack strategy chart tailored for the dealer always showing a 6. Use them as a quick reference when you play Always 6 Blackjack.

S = Stand

D = Double

H = Hit

P = Split

Hard Hands

Soft Hands

Paired Hands

Look Out for Always 6 Blackjack at PlayOJO

Always 6 Blackjack is another progressive game from Evolution Gaming that has broken new ground. Blending immersive live dealer action with a clever, strategic twist, this game will give even the most experienced players a fresh challenge.

Look out for the Lucky Ladies Side Bet too, for some never-before-seen fun. Good luck!