Game Rules
- Objective
- Number Of Decks, Composition Of Each Deck, And Shuffling Procedures.
- Scoring
- Playing Card Indices
- Betting
- Dealing Initial Hands
- Form The Player’s Complete Hand(s)
- Form The Dealer’s Complete Hand
- Determine The Outcome Of Each Remaining Game
- Resolution Of The Game Wager(s)
Additional Information
Objective
In a Blackjack-like Finnish 27 ™ game, a dealer and a player compete. The player makes a game wager. The objective of the player is to win the game wager. Each player acquires a hand of cards. The player with the highest value hand wins the game and the game wager.
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Number Of Decks, Composition Of Each Deck, And Shuffling Procedures.
The dealer uses a six deck shoe. Each deck includes thirteen ranks
of each of four suits and two Jokers. The thirteen ranks are Two,
Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Jack, Queen, King,
and Ace. The four suits are Spades, Clubs, Hearts, and Diamonds. The
dealer shuffles the cards before the first round of play. The dealer
reshuffles the cards after the shoe is depleted of about four and a
half decks. The player is notified whenever the dealer reshuffles.
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Scoring
Each card has a numeric value. A dealer adds up the numeric value of each card in a hand. Thereby, the dealer determines a hand total. The numeric values correspond to the rank of the cards in a poker game. An Ace can be played either as a high Ace or a low Ace. The high Ace has a numeric value of 14. The low ace has a numeric value of 1. One of the objectives of the player is to make a hand with a total numeric value of as close to 27 as is possible without going over 27. Accordingly, let us suppose. An Ace can be counted as 14 without causing the hand total to exceed 27. In that event, the Ace is a high Ace. The high Ace has a numeric value 14. Let us suppose. An Ace can not be counted as 14 without causing the hand total to exceed 27. In that event, the Ace is a low Ace. The low Ace has a numeric value of 1. A Jack has a numeric value of 11. A Queen has a numeric value of 12. King has a numeric value of 13. Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) count respectively as 11, 12, and 13. Suppose. The dealer deals a Joker to a player’s hand. In that event, the hand total is 27. A numeric value is required to make a hand total of 27. The Joker counts as the numeric value. All other cards are counted according to their numeric value.
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Playing Card Indices
Each card bears Finnish style indicia. The Finnish style has
indices 1, 13, 12, 11 appear on the Ace, King, Queen and Jack;
has no indices appear on the Joker; and has indices corresponding
to card rank appear on each of the remaining cards.
Betting
To begin a round, the player places a bet.
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Dealing Initial Hands
After the player places a bet, the dealer deals initial hands. The dealer forms the player’s initial hand and the dealer’s initial hand. The dealer deals a first card face up to the player. The dealer deals a first card face up to the dealer. The dealer deals a second card face up to the player. The dealer deals a second card face up to the dealer.
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Hard and Soft
There are two basic types of hands. Let us suppose. A hand of playing cards includes a high Ace. In that event, the hand is a “soft” hand. Let us suppose. A hand of playing cards does not include a high Ace. In that event, the hand is a “hard” hand. Let us suppose. The sum of the numeric values assigned to the cards in a hard hand does exceed twenty-seven. In that event, the holder of the hand does bust. Let us suppose. The sum of the numeric values assigned to the cards in a soft hand does exceed twenty-seven. In that event, the high Ace turns into a low Ace. The soft hand becomes a hard hand.
The rules assign numeric values to the cards in a hand. A hand total is equal to the sum of the numeric values. There are two basic types of hand totals. A “soft” hand has a “soft” total. For example, let us suppose. A “soft” hand consists of an Ace of Spades and a Jack of Diamonds. In that event, the “soft” hand has a “soft” total. The soft total is “soft twenty-five”. A “hard” hand has a hard total. For example, let us suppose. A “hard” hand consists of an Ace of Spades, a Nine of Diamonds, and a King of Clubs. In that event, the “hard” hand has a “hard” total. The “hard” total is “hard twenty-three”.
Initial Hands That Have A Value Of Twenty-Seven
Let us suppose. A hand includes a Joker. In that event, the hand has a value of twenty-seven.
Therefore, three different types of initial hands have a value of twenty-seven. The three different types are:
- A “Jo Jo” is an initial hand consisting of a pair of Jokers.
- A “Finnish 27” is an initial hand consisting of an Ace and a King.
- A “Joanca” is an initial hand consisting of a Joker and a card of any rank other than Joker.
Determine Whether A Predetermined Outcome Occurs
After the initial deal, the dealer determines whether a predetermined outcome occurs in accordance with the following set of rules.
Let us suppose. An initial hand has a value of twenty-seven. In that event, the initial hand is a predetermined-win hand except as noted below.
- Three types of initial hands have a value of twenty-seven. The predetermined set of game rules does rank the three types of initial hands in reverse order of their probabilities of occurrence.
- The Jo Jo has the highest rank.
- The Finnish 27 has a lower rank than the Jo Jo, and a higher rank than the Joanca.
- The Joanca has the lowest rank.
- Let us suppose. The dealer deals an initial hand to the player. The dealer deals an initial hand to the dealer. Let us suppose further. Both initial hands have a value of twenty-seven. In that event, the highest ranking initial hand is a predetermined-win hand.
- Let us suppose. The dealer deals an initial hand to the player. The dealer deals an initial hand to the dealer. Let us suppose further. Both initial hands have a value of twenty-seven. Let us suppose still further. The player’s initial hand has the same rank as the dealer’s initial hand. In that event, the initial hands are predetermined-push hands.
- Let us suppose. The player’s initial hand is a predetermined-win hand. In that event, a predetermined outcome does occur. The outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins.
- Let us suppose. The dealer’s initial hand is a predetermined-win hand. In that event, a predetermined outcome does occur. The outcome of the game is the dealer’s hand wins.
- Let us suppose. The initial hands are predetermined-push hands. In that event, the outcome of the game is the hands push.
Form The Player’s Complete Hand(s)
Let us suppose. A predetermined outcome does not occur. In that event, the dealer forms the player’s complete hand(s) in accordance with the following method of play.
The player and the dealer take turns playing their hands. The player goes first. The dealer must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under certain circumstances. Let us suppose. The dealer plays the player’s hand in a predetermined way. In that event, the dealer does not consult with the player for a decision on how to play the player’s hand. Let us suppose. The dealer does not play the player’s hand in a predetermined way. In that event, the dealer does consult with the player for a decision on how to play the player’s hand. Let us suppose. The dealer does consult with the player for a decision on how to play the player’s hand. In that event, the player selects an operation.
Under certain circumstances, the player can select the “stand” operation.
Let us suppose. The player selects the “stand” operation. In that event, the player’s hand is complete.
Let us suppose. The dealer has a “hard” hand. Let us suppose further. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of at least “hard” twenty-three. Let us suppose still further. The player’s hand total is less than the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the rules do not permit the player. The player can not select the “stand” operation.
Let us suppose. The dealer has a “soft” hand. Let us suppose further. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of at least “soft” twenty-five. Let us suppose still further. The player’s hand total is less than the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the rules do not permit the player. The player can not select the “stand” operation.
Under certain circumstances, the player can select the “hit” operation.
Let us suppose. The player selects the “hit” operation. In that event, the dealer deals one additional card to the player’s hand. The one additional card has a numeric value. The numeric value adds to the player’s hand total.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of two cards. Let us suppose further. The dealer has a “hard” hand. The “hard” hand has a hard total of less than “hard” twenty-three. In that event, the player can select the “double down” operation.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of two cards. Let us suppose further. The dealer has a “soft” hand. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of less than “soft” twenty-five. In that event, the player can select the “double down” operation.
Let us suppose. The player selects the “double down” operation. In that event, the player doubles the game wager. The dealer deals one additional card to the player’s hand. The one additional card has a numeric value. The numeric value adds to the player’s hand total. Afterward, the player must stand.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of two cards. Let us suppose further. The two cards have the same numeric value. In that event, the player can select the “split” operation.
Let us suppose. The player selects the “split” operation. In that event, the player places another game wager. The dealer splits the player’s hand into two post-split hands. Each post-split hand consists of one card.
Each post-split hand competes against the same dealer hand during the same round of play. Each post-split hand involves the player in the play of a game. The outcome of each game is independent of the outcome of all other games. Accordingly, the resolution of each game wager is independent of the resolution of all other game wagers.
The dealer selects a first of the two post-split hands.
Subsequently, the player plays the first of the two post-split hands.
Splitting of post-split hands is not allowed.
Once the player completes the first post-split hand, the next post-split hand is played. Play then moves to the dealer.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of two cards. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand is not a post-split hand. In that event, the player can select the “surrender” operation.
Let us suppose. The player selects the “surrender” operation. In that event, the player’s hand is complete.
Let us suppose. The dealer has a “hard” hand. Let us suppose further. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of less than “hard” twenty-three. In that event, the player must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under certain circumstances.
Let us suppose. The dealer has a “soft” hand. Let us suppose further. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of less than “soft” twenty-five. In either event, the player must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under certain circumstances.
The player must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under the following circumstances.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of one card. In that event, the player must select the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of at least two cards. Let us suppose further. The player selects the “hit” operation. In that event, the dealer deals one additional card to the player’s hand. Afterward, the player’s hand is either a “soft” hand or a “hard” hand.
- Let us suppose. The player has a “hard” hand. Let us suppose further. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of less than “hard” fifteen. In that event, the player must select the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player has a “soft” hand. Let us suppose further. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of less than “soft” twenty-four. In that event, the player must select the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand is a “hard” hand. Let us suppose further. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of at least “hard” twenty-five. In that event, the player must select the “stand” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand is a “soft” hand. Let us suppose further. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of at least “soft” twenty-seven. In that event, the player must stand.
Let us suppose. The dealer has a “hard” hand. Let us suppose further. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of at least “hard” twenty-three. In that event, the player must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under certain circumstances.
Let us suppose. The dealer has a “soft” hand. Let us suppose further. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of at least “soft” twenty-five. In either event, the player must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under certain circumstances.
The player must play the player’s hand in a predetermined way under the following circumstances.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of one card. In that event, the player must select the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of two cards. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand is a post-split hand. Let us suppose still further. The player’s hand total is less than the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the player must select the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of at least two cards. Let us suppose further. The player selects the “hit” operation. The dealer deals one additional card to the player’s hand. Let us suppose still further. Afterward, the player’s hand total is less than the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the player must select the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand is a “hard” hand. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand total is equal to the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the player must select the “stand” operation.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand is a “soft” hand. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand total is greater than the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the player must select the “stand” operation.
Determine Whether A Predetermined Outcome Occurs
After all player hands are complete, the dealer examines each game to the determines whether a predetermined outcome occurs in accordance with the following set of rules.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand does consist of a card assigned a value of eight, a card assigned a value of nine, and a card assigned a value of ten. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand does not include a Joker. In that event, the player’s hand is a predetermined-win hand.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand does consist of three cards. Let us suppose further. Each of the three cards is assigned a value of nine. Let us suppose still further. The player’s hand does not include a Joker. In that event, the player’s hand is a predetermined-win hand. A predetermined outcome does occur. The outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins.
Let us suppose. The player’s hand total exceeds hard twenty-seven. In that event, the player busts. The player’s hand is a predetermined-lose hand. A predetermined outcome does occur. The outcome of the game is the dealer’s hand wins.
Let us suppose. The player surrenders. In that event, a predetermined outcome does occur. The outcome of the game is the player surrenders.
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Form The Dealer’s Complete Hand
Let us suppose. A predetermined outcome does not occur in at least one game. In that event, the dealer forms the dealer’s complete hand.
- Let us suppose. The dealer has a “hard” hand. In that event, the dealer makes a decision on how to play the “hard” hand in accordance with the following predetermined strategy.
- Let us suppose. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of less than “hard” twenty-three. In that event, the dealer must perform the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose. The “hard” hand has a “hard” total of at least “hard” twenty-three. In that event, the dealer must perform the “stand” operation.
- Let us suppose. The dealer has a “soft” hand. In that event, the dealer makes a decision on how to play the “soft” hand in accordance with the following predetermined strategy.
- Let us suppose. The “soft” hand has a “soft” total of less than “soft” twenty-five. In that event, the dealer must perform the “hit” operation.
- Let us suppose The soft hand has a soft total of at least soft twenty-five. In that event, the dealer must perform the “stand” operation.
Let us suppose. The dealer performs the “hit” operation. In that event, the dealer deals one additional card to the dealer’s hand. The one additional card has a numeric value. The numerical value adds to the dealer’s hand total.
Let us suppose. The dealer performs the “stand” operation. In that event, the dealer’s hand is complete.
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Determine Whether A Predetermined Outcome Occurs
After the dealer’s hand is complete, the dealer examines each remaining game. The dealer determines whether a predetermined outcome occurs in accordance with the following set of rules.
Let us suppose. The dealer’s hand total exceeds hard twenty-seven. In that event, the dealer busts. The dealer’s hand is a predetermined-lose hand. A predetermined outcome does occur. The outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins.
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Determine The Outcome Of Each Remaining Game
Let us suppose. A predetermined outcome does not occur in at least one game. In that event, the dealer determines the outcome of each remaining game in accordance with the following set of rules.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand total is closer to twenty-seven than is the dealer’s hand total. In that event, the outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins.
- Let us suppose. The dealer’s hand total is closer to twenty-seven than is the player’s hand total. In that event, the outcome of the game is the dealer’s hand wins.
- Let us suppose. The dealer’s hand total is as close to twenty-seven as is the player’s hand total. In that event, the outcome of the game is the hands push.
Resolution Of The Game Wager(s)
The dealer resolves each game wager in accordance with the following set of rules.
- Let us suppose. The outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins. In that event, the dealer pays the player one to one odds on the game wager.
- Let us suppose. The outcome of the game is the dealer’s hand wins. In that event, the dealer collects the game wager.
- Let us suppose. The outcome of the game is the hands push. In that event, the dealer returns the game wager to the player.
- Let us suppose. The outcome of the game is the player surrenders. In that event, the dealer splits the game wager into two equal halves. The dealer collects one half. The dealer returns the other half to the player.
Bonus Payouts For Predetermined Combinations Of Cards
Let us suppose. The outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins. In that event, the dealer examines the player’s hand in search of a predetermined combination of cards in accordance with the following set of rules:
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of an Ace and a King. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand is not a post-split hand. In that event, the dealer finds. The player’s hand does include a predetermined combination of cards.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand consists of a pair of Jokers. In that event, the dealer finds. The player’s hand does include a predetermined combination of cards.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand does consist of a card assigned a value of eight, a card assigned a value of nine, and a card assigned a value of ten. Let us suppose further. The player’s hand does not include a Joker. In that event, the dealer finds. The player’s hand does include a predetermined combination of cards.
- Let us suppose. The player’s hand does consist of three cards. Let us suppose further. Each of said three cards is a card assigned a value of nine. Let us suppose still further. The player’s hand does not include a Joker. In that event, the dealer finds. The player’s hand does include a predetermined combination of cards.
Let us suppose. The outcome of the game is the player’s hand wins. Let us suppose further. The dealer finds. The player’s hand does include a predetermined combination of cards. In that event, the dealer pays the player a bonus in accordance with the following pay table.
Predetermined Combination of Cards | Bonus Payout |
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Finnish 27 (an Ace and a King) | 1:2 odds |
Jo Jo (a pair of Jokers) | 1:1 odds |
8-9-10 mixed suits | 1:2 odds |
8-9-10 hearts, clubs, or diamonds | 1:1 odds |
8-9-10 spades | 2:1 odds |
9-9-9 mixed suits | $90 |
9-9-9 same suit | $990 |
9-9-9 and any 9-9 initial dealer’s hand | $9,990 |
House Edge
The house can expect to retain an average portion of the game wager in the long term with strictly average luck. People refer to the average portion of the game wager as a house edge. The house edge is expressed as a percentage of the game wager. A positive percentage indicates a long term gain for the house. A negative percentage indicates a long term loss for the house.
Under certain circumstances. The player makes decisions about how to play the player’s hand.
Let us suppose. A player consistently uses the basic strategy to make decisions. In that event, this particular set of rules gives the house an edge of about 0.67%. Accordingly, each ten dollar bet would cost the player about seven cents on average.
Let us suppose. A player does not consistently use basic strategy to make decisions. In that event, the house edge could be much higher than 0.67%.
Let us suppose. A player has the ability. The player can consistently predict the outcome of the game before even placing a game wager. In that event, the player would have an edge over the house. The house should probably invite the player to play a different game.
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Basic Strategy
Basic strategy is a strategy for the play of the player’s hand. Basic strategy loses the least amount of money to the house in the long term with strictly average luck.

A Total-Dependent-Basic-Strategy Table
A set of hand totals consists of the player’s hand total and the dealer’s hand total. Given the set of hand totals, the basic strategy for the play of the player’s hand is displayed in a total-dependent-basic strategy table.
To use the total-dependent-basic-strategy table, find the cell located at the intersection of the row with the label corresponding to the player’s hand total and the column with the label corresponding to the dealer’s hand total. Use the playing option indicated by the letters(s) contained within said cell.
- Let us suppose. The letter(s) indicate a first option else a second option. In that event, proceed as follows.
- Let us suppose. The game rules allow the player to use the first option. In that event, use the first option.
- Let us suppose. The game rules do not allow the player to use the first option. In that event, use the second option.
Player Hard

Total-Dependent-Basic-Strategy Table for the Player’s Hard Hand Totals.
Player Soft

Total-Dependent-Basic-Strategy Table for the Player’s Soft Hand Totals
Player Pair

Total-Dependent-Basic-Strategy Table for the Player’s Pairs
Key

Total-Dependent-Basic-Strategy Table Key