The traditional casino classic known as blackjack has many different exciting variations. The traditional blackjack rules remain popular, yet different versions of blackjack have developed over time with their own distinctive rules and tactics. Different blackjack versions meet the needs of beginner players searching for basic play and skilled gamblers who want tougher gameplay.
The selection of an appropriate blackjack variant leads to improved gameplay experience and strategic development. In this guide, we tackle the most popular blackjack variants while offering advice and suggestions tailored to the preferences and abilities of each player.
Classic Blackjack
Also known as American Blackjack, the classic variant is the most purest available form of blackjack online and at retail casinos. There are limited side bets outside of the standard insurance bet. Players can double down on most playing hands, and there are loose rules about splitting pairs. With Classic Blackjack, the dealer gets the two cards upfront before the players have made their moves. It’s common to find several Classic Blackjack tables at real money and online social casinos.
European Blackjack
While European Blackjack follows the same rules as American Blackjack, there are subtle differences. For example, the dealer automatically wins with blackjack and maintains their hand when they possess a soft 17 in European blackjack. The rules allow players to double down when they have 9, 10, or 11 points and to split their hand when they have 10 points. In European Blackjack, you can split two Queens, but you cannot split a 10 and a Jack together. Blackjack still pays 3:2.
Spanish 21
How does playing with no tens in the deck sound? That’s exactly what’s at stake, with this unique online blackjack variant. As an added bonus, there’s no push if you and the dealer have 21. The player always wins.
Because of the lack of tens, Spanish 21 enhances payouts for five to seven-card hands to get to 21. Also, Spanish 21 supports a late surrender.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
The blackjack variation, Las Vegas Strip Blackjack, keeps growing in popularity. Four decks are used. Vegas Strip Blackjack calls for the dealer to stand on soft 17.
Players have the option to double down their bet either before or after they have split their cards. Up to four hands can be split. Players may split Aces once, receiving only one additional card. While most Vegas Strip blackjack tables offer a 3-to-2 payout rate, certain tables provide a reduced 6-to-5 payout.
Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack’s roots come from the land-based Atlantic City Casinos. Atlantic City Blackjack follows most conventional blackjack rules and greatly resembles classic blackjack. Players can double down at will with any two cards while splitting up to three times.
Players are permitted only one split for an ace in Atlantic City blackjack. In American blackjack, players have the ability to split 10-point cards. Jacks and Kings can bet split playing the Atlantic City variant. Atlantic City Blackjack permits players to surrender their hands close to the end of the game to retrieve a portion of their wagers.
Multi-hand Blackjack
Depending on your philosophy, two blackjack hands are better than one. That’s exactly what you get, and more so with Multi-hand Blackjack. Multi-Hand Blackjack stands out because players have the chance to play multiple hands simultaneously even on mobile devices. Players have the opportunity to play up to five hands during a single game session, while hand limits will differ.
Through this game design, players have better chances to beat the dealer and achieve large victories as opposed to waiting for one game to finish to jump into another one.
When you play three hands and lose two while winning one hand, you likely came out ahead. Multi-Hand Blackjack enables players to increase their earnings by splitting cards and doubling down. Multi-hand blackjack follows classic blackjack principles. However, playing multiple blackjack games at once can make it difficult, if not impossible, to use basic strategy charts.
Blackjack X-Change
Players begin Blackjack X-Change with two cards, and they can switch cards. Since its 2009 introduction, this blackjack variation has gained popularity because players can transfer cards between two hands, which enhances game excitement and diversity.
Through buying or selling cards, players try to improve their hands by obtaining better cards. Players can boost their odds of winning if their hand contains weak cards by paying money to purchase better cards, or at the least, avoid big losses.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Perfect Pairs blackjack uses the Perfect Pairs side bet mechanism from blackjack. Winning Perfect Pairs blackjack depends on the first two cards dealt to you as well as how much you wager on the side bet. The simple gameplay of Perfect Pairs provides bigger profit opportunities yet presents stronger odds along with an increased house edge.
Winning Perfect Pairs requires matching the initial two cards dealt. If not, you lose, and play continues. Paid pairs include mixed, colorful, and perfect. Perfect pairs are identical cards.
