Top 5 Blackjack Variations

Blackjack is an amusing card game played between a house dealer and a player. Therefore, it is literally a banked game since you won’t be playing against your fellow players. The main objective will be to land a total closer to 21 than the dealer without busting. Busting can only happen when your hand total goes over 21. You’ll have one, two, four, six, or eight decks depending on the version in play, to get started.

Blackjack variations

American blackjack

This is the most played blackjack game, often referred to as classic blackjack or 21. It is the oldest among all other versions. Playing the game is easy, provided that you understand all the rules. You should know when to split, double, or surrender without risking too much. Notably, the dealer in this version will take their hole card before you make any decision about your hand. You can split, but re-splits and double downs after a split are restricted.

European blackjack

To play European blackjack, you’ll have two decks and a few lenient rules. In this game, the dealer stands on soft 17 and does not check for a blackjack. Simply put, the dealer will not check for blackjack until you play the entire hand. Notably, this blackjack variation restricts re-splitting, but you may double after your splitting.  European blackjack differs from American blackjack in that you are only allowed to double down on hands valuing 9, 10, or 11.

Vegas strip blackjack

This blackjack version is similar to its American counterpart, with a few differences. Unlike the classic blackjack, the dealer in Vegas Strip Blackjack stands on soft 17. You can only split an ace once, and a 21 on post-split aces never counts as a blackjack. In Vegas Strip, re-splitting is allowed up to four hands per game.

Blackjack switch

Blackjack Switch differs from all other blackjack variants in that you’ll get two hands to play separately. You’ll then be allowed to change the second cards dealt to each of your two hands.

Blackjack perfect pairs

Here, the first two cards you are dealt become a pair. There are three types of pairs, each with different odds of payout. You can either get a mixed pair, colored pair, or perfect pair. What sets this version apart is that it has side bets, which lack in all other blackjack versions.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, blackjack is one of the casino product offered in both land-based and online casinos. The game has better winning chances, and the play will be fair. This is made possible by the use of RNGs. Besides, there are several blackjack variations to try out.