Types of Blackjack Variations

Blackjack offers plenty of different variations, letting you play the game with a different feel. The origins of the game can be traced to three countries: Spain, France and Italy. Blackjack dates back to the 17th century, when players in each country slightly adapted the rules to suit their own preferences and culture. As a result, many different versions appeared over the years, as Blackjack was tailored to the needs of local players. Today, you can enjoy the most popular variants in many land-based casinos as well as online casinos. In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at the best-known ones, and at the end we’ll compare them and highlight the key differences.

Blackjack variations

In the past, individual variations were played mainly in the regions they came from, with their traditions kept alive in local and regional casinos. With the arrival of the internet and online casinos, this limitation started to disappear very quickly, and today you can play the vast majority of variations online without having to travel halfway around the world. A great example of one such variation is Vegas Strip Blackjack, which you could previously play mostly in Las Vegas, but today you can play it from the comfort of your own home. What’s more, these days you don’t have to play only on a PC or laptop, but also on a tablet or smartphone with a casino app.

Some variants are essentially the same as the classic game, with the difference that they also offer an additional special side bet. Others were designed to allow players to make moves that are forbidden in the base game. One such option is Blackjack Switch, where you can swap cards between your two hands, giving you a completely different experience of the game.

Don’t forget one important thing about the rules. Keep in mind that due to different rules and specifications, such as the number of decks used, the gameplay and the dealer’s actions can differ, which also affects your chances of winning. Examples include variants where the dealer must check for blackjack, or other cases where the rules are adjusted depending on the Blackjack variation—such as when the dealer hits soft 17 and can’t play on.

Before you try specific variants, remember that you’ll need to adjust your playing strategy accordingly. Otherwise, you won’t be able to execute your winning plan with the same probability of success as in standard Blackjack. Blackjack is a casino game that gives you the chance to influence the outcome through your skills and knowledge of the game, not purely down to luck like other casino games.

European Blackjack

This Blackjack variant is very popular and is played in both land-based and online casinos. In the past, it was the most common Blackjack variant played across Europe, which is how it got its name. Its fundamentals are essentially the same as in the classic version of Blackjack. You and the other players play against the dealer, and your ultimate goal is to get as close as possible to a total of 21. The number of decks used can vary depending on the specific rules in each casino. In most cases, it’s played with two decks. However, you may also come across casinos where four or even six decks are used at a single table. In general, it’s always a good idea to look for variants that use fewer decks, as this is more advantageous—especially if you decide to count cards.

In European Blackjack, the dealer must stand on soft 17, but they don’t have to check for Blackjack every time. What sets this version apart from the classic game is that if the dealer has Blackjack and you have a hand totalling 21, it doesn’t count as Blackjack for you and you lose. In this respect, the dealer and the casino have an advantage over players. In cases where you also happen to have Blackjack, the result is a push, which means neither you nor the dealer wins—it’s a tie and you get your original stake paid back.

Double Exposure

The Double Exposure variant gives players a special advantage: when the dealer deals the cards, the dealer’s own two cards are both face up, so players can see both of them. This gives you a much better chance to use tactics, and the game becomes more entertaining for players, as you can judge far more accurately when to play and when not to.

Because all cards are exposed, this variant also comes with certain drawbacks. Most notably, the payout for Blackjack is only 1/1. Another is that the dealer automatically wins all ties, except in cases where you have a natural Blackjack. The game only allows you to split a pair once. Insurance and surrender are completely prohibited in this variation, because you know all of the dealer’s cards. Double Exposure is usually played with six or even eight decks. The rules for how the dealer plays can vary depending on each casino’s house rules. In most cases, the dealer stands on soft 17.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch was patented in 2009 by Geoff Hall. It’s a variant played with multiple hands—two hands—where the original stakes must be identical. What sets it apart from other versions is that you can swap cards between the hands. This gives you the chance to improve your final total and avoid going bust by going over 21.

The dealer usually hits on soft 17, and the game is played with six to eight decks. Doubling down is allowed and you can do it on any two starting cards. In this Blackjack variant, you can also use a special side bet called Super Match. This is linked to the rule that allows you to switch cards. This rule is very favourable to you as a player compared to the casino, which means there are also other rules that benefit the casino. A major downside for you is that whenever the dealer has a hard 22, the result is a push. The only exception is when you have Blackjack.

Progressive Blackjack

In the past, it was only possible to win a life-changing amount on slot machines. Luckily, times change, and today you can play plenty of other games where you have a chance to win a huge jackpot. Progressive Blackjack is one of those options. The rules largely match the classic version, and it’s typically played with six decks. The jackpot grows with every round, because each time a player places a bet, a small portion of it is added to the jackpot total. However, simply taking part in the game doesn’t qualify you for the jackpot. To do that, you need to place a special optional side bet. The size of this bet is set by the casino in advance, and every player who wants to compete for the jackpot must place it. Progressive Blackjack also features additional special combinations offering excellent payouts. For example, if you get three aces—even assuming they’re of different suits—the payout is 250/1. If they’re the same suit, the payout is as high as 5000/1, which is a lot.

Atlantic City Blackjack

This variant comes from Atlantic City. A key feature of this version is that it uses 8 decks of cards, which of course gives the casino the edge. Another change from the classic rules is the option of late surrender, meaning that if you find yourself in an unfavourable situation, you can choose to give up half your bet without having to play on. This way, you can exit the hand and keep at least part of your stake, rather than losing the full amount.

Other rule changes in Atlantic City Blackjack allow you to split pairs up to three times and double down on any two starting cards. Since an Ace is the strongest card in the deck, if you have a pair of Aces you can only split them once. If you choose to do so, you will receive only one card to each Ace. The payout for blackjack is the standard 3/2, however some casinos may use a 6/5 payout variant, which is less favourable for you. The dealer must stand on soft 17 and try to play Blackjack.

Vegas Strip

Vegas Strip is one of the most popular Blackjack variants, attracting plenty of players thanks to its interesting rules. As mentioned earlier in the article, in the past it was only possible to play this Blackjack variant in Las Vegas, which is reflected in the name of this variation. Today, you can play it in an online casino too.

Vegas Strip can be played in single-hand mode as well as multi-hand mode. How many hands you play is entirely up to you, and you choose this before the game starts. Although the game was originally played with just one deck of cards, today four decks are used. The reason the number of decks has increased over the years is that casinos want to prevent and make it harder for professional players to count cards, which can increase a player’s chances of winning. Card values remain the same as in classic Blackjack.

You also have the option to double down on any first two cards on your first move, after the dealer has dealt the cards. You can split into a maximum of four hands. You can split two ten-value cards even if they’re different (e.g. Q and K). The payout for Blackjack is the same as in classic Blackjack at 3/2; however, some casinos offer a 6/5 payout, which is better for the dealer (and therefore the casino) and worse for you as a player. It’s best to avoid such casinos. The dealer must stand on soft 17 and aim to make Blackjack.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

Multi-Hand Blackjack, as the name suggests, is about playing multiple hands at once. In this variant, you can play up to five hands simultaneously. You’ll mainly find it in online casinos, and it’s worth noting that each hand is completely independent of the others, so you need to approach each one with a different strategy. You must place a separate bet on each hand, which reduces the number of players that can sit at the table. This game is especially for those who like to take risks and enjoy a challenge.

Bonus Blackjack

Bonus Blackjack is one of the game variants that gives you the chance to land an exclusive bonus. If you want to go for this bonus, you first need to place a side bet and then make one of the required winning combinations. One such winning combination, which rewards players at odds of 50/1, is having the Ace of Spades and a Jack in your hand. It’s also worth noting that there’s a special payout when you have just two cards of the same suit. For this combination, the payout is 5/1. All other rules match classic Blackjack. Don’t forget to check out our list of Blackjack bonuses.

Summary of variations and their differences

There are truly loads of different variations out there. Some are more popular, while others are less well-known and played. We’ve picked out the most interesting ones for you, and to wrap things up we’re bringing you a summary of each variant and the key differences. You’ll find everything in a clear table.

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