Sette e Mezzo is the newest star in Playtech’s portfolio.
In 2020, Playtech launched a plethora of live dealer titles, including Majority Rules Speed Blackjack. But the provider’s biggest star in the summer of 2020 is Sette e Mezzo.
Often referred to as the Italian Blackjack, Sette e Mezzo translates to Seven and a Half.
In this article, we’ll discuss the new live casino game as well as the best Sette e Mezzo strategy. Stay tuned for the comprehensive review of Seven and a Half, and learn how to play the Italian version of blackjack.
What Is Sette e Mezzo
Sette e Mezzo is a card game originating from Italy. Its rules are similar to those of blackjack. What’s more, it features certain characteristics of baccarat, which makes it the perfect blend. The similarity with baccarat lies in the lack of control over the dealt cards. Due to the rules, you won’t always be able to keep track of what’s to e dealt. In plain English, if you’re a card counter, you might want to reconsider your strategy.
In today’s iGaming, when many suppliers create new variants of traditional games, Playtech went a step further. Something we expect from the famous online gambling provider anyway.
Sette e Mezzo is a unique release on the market right now. Initially, it went live in Italy-oriented casinos only, followed with a blast on the global market. Since, the live dealer title skyrocketed, and it continues to be the talk of the town.
Dealers are typically female, clad in beautiful black dresses and delighted to see you win. The very game takes place in a red-tinted, dim-lit casino studio with elegant, subtle decorations.
The goal of this live casino game is to get to seven and a half without busting. More about card values and the interesting 40-card deck in a moment.
Also, the first thing a newcomer will notice that the cards are different than a traditional deck. We’d recommend taking it slowly in the first few rounds until you get used to the novelty. At the same time, those few games will help you absorb the rules. In no time, you will be able to play Sette e Mezzo online like a pro.
Card Values
Playing Sette e Mezzo online without knowing the deck and card values is impossible. So let’s dig in.
There are 40 cards in every round of this Playtech casino game, in contrast to blackjack’s 52. So, what’s missing? Eights, nines and tens are removed from the deck.
Additionally, the look of the cards is also completely different than what we’ve seen in casinos so far. Namely, the suits go as follows: Coins, Cups, Swords and Clubs. And here are the card values:
- Ace (A) is valued 1.
- Cards 2 through 7 keep their pip value.
- King, Cavalier and Jack (royals) are worth half a point.
Moreover, in Sette e Mezzo, there is also a Wild card. It is the King of Coins and it stands in for other numbered cards.
Let’s Play a Round of Sette e Mezzo
It’s time to put the knowledge to practice.
Before a round starts, all players need to wager. The game is playable with between 2 and 12 players. Typically, you’ll see 4 to 6 punters at one table. Your options include placing the main bet and one or both of the two side bets.
When the dealer calls on more bets, she or he draws one card out for the player and one for her or himself. If the bettor’s card’s value is lower than the croupier’s, more cards need to come out of the shoe.
The objective in Sette e Mezzo is to reach seven and a half. If you don’t bust, you get to choose if you’d like to Stand or Hit. Just like in blackjack, hitting implies receiving another card. Standing will let you keep your current hand as it is.
Also, if your hand is stronger from the get-go, you get to make one of the decisions above. After that, the dealer will continue drawing more cards until her or his value hits 5.
Side Bets, RTP & Payouts
Furthermore, the RTP of Sette e Mezzo from Playtech stands at a fantastic 99.31%. In this light, it is almost identical to Twenty-One. In other words, applying the perfect strategy results in great payouts. The odds of winning at Sette e Mezzo online are grand.
Also, there are two side bets in this Playtech live game:
- Partita Perfetta
- Mano Di Poker
If you place a Partita Perfetta side bet, you’re wagering on creating a pair with your first and the dealer’s card. Face card pays at 10:1; all other cards (numbered) pay 5:1, except sevens. A pair of sevens comes with a whopping 55:1 payout! Naturally, the RTP is lower than the optimal one – Partita Perfetta offers a 96.15% return to player value. While it’s not as high as the overall RTP, the payouts are great.
Mano Di Poker is akin to the 21+3 we all know. Form a poker hand with your first pair and the dealer’s card. Here are the Mano Di Poker side bet poker hands:
- Straight – 5:1
- Flush – 6:1
- Three of a Kind – 50:1
- Straight Flush – 75:1
- Royal Flush – 150:1
Beating the croupier’s hand results in a 1:1 even-money payout.
The most valuable hand in the game is the Sette e Mezzo Royal. It pays at 3:2. This hand is a combination that totals 7 and a half with the Wild Card (King of Coins).
Key Facts
With all that in mind, here’s the rundown of the important facts about Sette e Mezzo online:
- This is a game of skills.
- It’s suitable for blackjack and baccarat players.
- The RTPs are great – as high as 99.31%.
- The rules are easy to grasp.
- Applying the right Sette e Mezzo strategy results in wins.
On top of that, the aesthetic aspect has been covered to a T, so phenomenal job, Playtech!
Conclusion
Sette e Mezzo from Playtech is a fantastic casino game for all blackjack lovers. It’s proper refreshment if you feel like spicing up your favorite game of Twenty-One. Moreover, it takes place in the Ligurian Riviera of a professional casino studio, making it fun and immersive.
The rules are relatively simple and the payouts are similar. As you know by now, the Sette e Mezzo Royal pays 3:2, comparable with a natural in Twenty-One. However, remember that card counting will not help you as a strategy. Instead, use some of the tips that we at CasinosOnline gave you.
And to wrap up:
Fun fact: Did you know that the word “casino” originates from Italian? The more you know…
