Blackjack is such a popular casino game that dozens of blackjack variations have popped up over the years. Some of these blackjack variants have stuck around; others have gotten lost in the sands of time. A few have even become popular games on their own.

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• Casino Blackjack Variations

The following blackjack variations are the most popular today. If you play online blackjack, you’ll run across these variations at some point. The basic rules of each game are all similar, but there are just enough differences to set each game apart.

The best kind of online blackjack game is one that has a low house edge. A low house edge means the casino has less of an advantage against the player. Single deck blackjack games have more favourable odds than other games. You will find even find some single deck games where the dealer will stand on soft 17 - further decreasing the edge. If the dealer eventually gets a Blackjack, you win 2:1. Dealer’s Blackjack: You may lose all your bets or only original bet on a dealer’s Blackjack. Although rules variations may differ from one casino to another. Most casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City or across Europe tend to have similar rules variation. One of the more appealing aspects of blackjack is the fact that the rules are very simple. It should be noted, though, that there are different variations of the game. There are also certain aspects of the rules that can vary from one casino to the next. For example, one casino may use four decks while another may use eight. You might not be able to find an online blackjack format where all of these variations work in your favor. Try to check off as many boxes in your favor to maximize your winnings. Different Online Blackjack Games. There are dozens of online blackjack variations where the rules changes are a bit more drastic and unique than the ones above. Blackjack Variations Blackjack, also known as 21, must be one of the most popular offerings at gambling establishments as it poses as the only casino game where the tables are turned, allowing skilled players to extract an advantage that surpasses that of the house.

The Best Casinos for Blackjack Variations

Blackjack

Casino Blackjack Online

This is the classic game that we all know. Blackjack, also known as “21,” is the most popular type of blackjack in the world. The goal in blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. You can check out my blackjack rules page to learn more about the rules of blackjack.

The rules for blackjack can change a little from one casino to the next. The rules set listed here is the one found most often on the internet.

• 2-4 Decks
• Dealer hits soft 17
• Doubling allowed
• Splitting allowed
• 1-2 resplits allowed
• Doubling after splitting allowed
• Dealer checks for blackjack
• House advantage: 0.56% (varies but usually around this number)

European Blackjack

European blackjack is typically played with two decks of cards. There are a few player-friendly rules such as a small number of decks and dealer standing on soft 17.

The casino makes up for this by instituting the “dealer does not check for blackjack” rule. In other words, the dealer does not check for a blackjack until after you have played the entire hand. That means you stand to lose more money if you double or split during the hand. In other blackjack variations, the dealer checks for blackjack at the beginning of the hand and prevents you from doubling or splitting.

• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Dealer blackjack vs. player blackjack results in a push
• Dealer does not check for blackjack (this means the dealer only checks for a blackjack after you have played the entire hand)
• Players may only double down on point totals of 9, 10 and 11
• Player may double after splitting
• No resplitting
• Blackjack pays 3:2
• House advantage: 0.39%

Face Up 21

Face Up 21 is an interesting blackjack variation in which both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up. This extra information gives you a great advantage in decision-making. However, this additional information comes with a price…

• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Dealer blackjack vs. player blackjack results in a loss
• Blackjack pays even money
• Players may only double on hard point totals of 9, 10 and 11
• Players may double after splitting
• House advantage: 0.69%

Match Play 21

Match Play 21 is quite a bit different than traditional blackjack. 10s are removed from the deck and certain hands receive special bonus payouts. This is the same game as Spanish 21 except adapted for use at online casinos.

Casino Blackjack Variations Games

• All 10s are removed from the deck (face cards remain)
• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Player may double one time
• Splitting allowed
• Blackjack pays 3:2
• House advantage: 0.76% to 0.81% (varies)

Special Payouts:

• Match Play 21 pays 40:1 (player hand consists of three 7s of the same suit and the dealer’s face-up card is any 7)
• Player has 777 all spades: 3:1
• Players has 678 all spades: 3:1
• Player has 7 cards without busting: 3:1
• Player have 777 of the same suit: 2:1
• Players has 678 of the same suit: 2:1
• Player has a six card 21: 2:1
• Player has any three 7s: 3:2
• Player has any 678: 3:2
• Player has a five card 21: 3:2

Pontoon

Pontoon is similar to the blackjack variation known as “Spanish 21.” In this game, the dealer starts with both hole cards face down. The casino makes up for this lack of information by giving the player 2:1 payouts instead of 3:2 payouts.

• Any two-card hand that totals exactly 21 points is called a “pontoon.”
• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Pontoon pays 2:1
• Five card trick pays 2:1
• Player may only stand on a total of 15+ or after five cards
• Dealer wins all ties
• House advantage: 0.38%

Super 21

Super 21 uses the same basic rules as blackjack but it offers special payouts for certain hands.

• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Splitting is allowed
• Blackjack pays even money
• Diamond Blackjack (two diamond cards that total 21): 2:1
• Five card 21: 2:1 (non doubled hands only)
• Six card 21: 2:1 (non doubled hands only)
• Six cards that total 20 or less (instant win): even money
• House advantage: 1.16% to 1.20% (varies)

Casino Blackjack Variations Play

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

Perfect Pairs Blackjack uses regular blackjack rules but it allows for an extra side bet at the beginning of each hand. The Perfect Pairs side bet is a wager that your first two cards will be of the same value. This side bet is not affected by the outcome of each round.

• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Splitting is allowed
• Players may double down once
• Blackjack pays 3:2
• Players may play up to 5 hands at a time
• House advantage: 0.42%

Side Bet Payouts:

• Mixed Pair (any two cards of the same rank): 5:1
• Colored Pair (any two cards of the same rank and same color): 10:1
• Perfect Pair (any two cards of the same rank and suit): 30:1

Multi Hand Blackjack

Casino Blackjack Variations Slot Machine

Multi hand blackjack is just a blackjack variation in which you can play more than one hand at a time. This is one of the most popular blackjack variations for players who get comfortable with single hand blackjack. The multi-hand version adds excitement and keeps the game running at a quick pace.

Most real money gambling sites use the following rules:

• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Players may only double on point totals of 9, 10 and 11
• No resplitting is allowed
• Dealer does not check for blackjack
• Insurance is resolved at the end of the hand
• House advantage: 0.63%

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is very similar to the card game Pontoon (described above). In this game, all the 10 cards are removed from the deck. The removal of all 10s would normally result in a higher house advantage, but Spanish 21 makes up for that by offering players a bunch of player-friendly rules. In fact, Spanish 21 is often one of the best games in the casino for the player.

Spanish 21 is played mostly in live casinos, so the rules can vary quite a bit. The following set of rules is pretty standard:

• Dealer stands on soft 17 (at most casinos)
• Blackjack pays 3:2
• Resplitting is allowed (including Aces)
• Player blackjacks beat dealer blackjacks
• Players may double down once on any points total after any number of cards.
• Players may double after splitting
• Player may surrender after doubling
• House advantage: .38 to .78% (varies)

Special Payouts

Spanish 21 offers a variety of special payouts. These payouts vary from one casino to the next, but the following payouts are the most common. Most casinos do not offer these bonus payouts after doubling or splitting.

1. 5 Card 21 pays 3:2
2. 6 card 21 pays 2:1
3. 7 card 21 pays 3:1
4. 678 of mixed suits pays 3:2
5. 777 of mixed suits pays 3:2
6. 678 of the same suit pays 2:1
7. 777 of the same suit pays 2:1
8. 678 of all spades pays 3:1
9. 777 of all spades pays 3:1
10. If the player has 777 of the same suit and the dealer shows a 7 of any suit, a bonus payout of $1,000 is given to the player. This bonus jumps to $5,000 is the player wagered $25 or more at the beginning of the hand.

Blackjack Switch

This is an interesting variation in which you are dealt two hands and are given the option to trade the second card dealt in each hand. This is a major advantage but the casino makes up for it with two rules:

• A dealer total of 22 points results in a push
• Blackjacks pay even money

Other Blackjack Switch rules:

• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Resplitting is allowed
• Dealer checks for blackjack
• Doubling allowed on any points total
• House advantage: 0.16% to 0.58% (varies)

Sources for house advantage numbers on this page

Most of the numbers for the house advantage of these games comes from the Wizard of Odds website. The Wizard of Odds is a trusted gambling website that deals heavily in mathematics for sound gambling advice.

I also got blackjack house advantage information from this site.

I relied on these two sources heavily but also cross-referenced them with a variety of other resources.

Why do many gamblers prefer blackjack to classic online slots, roulette, and baccarat? This is because it is a fast way to win money and have fun. Nowadays there are different variations of this famous game and each of them will provide you with exciting gambling experience. Are you eager to start?

If you are a true fan of this game, you should certainly check us, the GW online casino. No doubt, you’ll find the game that will provide you with unforgettable emotions.

But first, you should get familiar with the basic rules of this awesome game. If you’ve just started gambling, the information below will be extremely useful. It will help you avoid a lot of mistakes. And, of course, look through the list of our games to make the best choice.

Gameplay and Rules

Although there are so many variations of blackjack, all of them have common features. Whether you play Vegas Strip or Spanish 21, your aim is to have a hand value as close to 21 as possible. At the same time, you have to beat the dealer. Obviously, each card can bring you a certain amount of points. Cards from 2 to 10 have their original value, while each face card brings 10 points. Aces add either 1 or 11 points.

Casino Blackjack Rules

In addition, it’ll be a great idea to learn the basic terminology before you start playing the game. First of all, you should know that there are special actions in the game. There are “Hit” and “Stand”. The former is used to indicate that you need more cards. You opt for the latter when you think it’s time to stop. Also, there are “Split”, “Surrender” and “Insurance”.

All of them are used to save part of money if there’s a risk that you’ll lose. However, take into account that they may be not available in some variations. Every game has a house edge to ensure that the operator will get some profit. As you can see, blackjack is an exciting and, at the same time, simple game. It won’t take you a lot of time to become a professional player.

Casino Blackjack Variations

Enjoy Best Blackjack Games with GW

GW offers games that can satisfy both beginners and professional players. The variety is so rich that it may be a tough task to choose one game. To guide you through, we have compiled this list of the best options.

1. Atlantic City Gold

Developed by Microgaming, this game is really worth looking at. It’ll definitely amaze you with its wonderful graphics and exciting gameplay. Furthermore, pleasant sound effects are another benefit.

Atlantic City is played with 8 standard decks that include 52 cards each. This variation has several special features such as Late Surrender, Insurance bets, and an opportunity to Re-split up to 3 times. At the same time, Aces can be split just once. Another pleasant bonus is that a payout is 3:2. In case the dealer gets blackjack, Insurance will be 2:1.

Besides, players can customize the game to their liking using adjustable control and speed features. This variation is a great opportunity for beginners to become better acquainted with the world of gambling. It’s really easy-to-play and offers a convenient layout. Additionally, it can attract the punters that prefer playing live dealer games.

2. 3D Blackjack

The game allows you to enjoy realistic graphics and high RTP of 99.54%. The rules are the same as in the classic American Blackjack. The interface is intuitive, so even a beginner will be able to play this game without any problems. Besides, its betting range starts from $0.50 to $500.

The great fact is that players have an opportunity to adjust sounds and buttons, so you can play it the way you like. Also, it’s possible to check the bet history and read the basic rules of the game right from the menu.

3. Vegas Strip

Do you like the thrill of playing blackjack, but don’t have an opportunity to visit Las Vegas? Don’t take it too hard. There’s an amazing game with a user-friendly interface, pleasant background piano music, and dynamic gameplay. These are just a few reasons why Vegas Strip is so popular with the card game fans.

It’s played with 4 standard decks. The cards are reshuffled after each hand. Although the graphics leave much to be desired and there is no Surrender option, you can still have fun playing it. Fortunately, the advantages such as a low house edge and an opportunity to double down on any two-card total add to positive gaming experience. The payout is 3:2, and RTP is 99.65%.

4. Single Deck Blackjack

Developed by NetEnt, this variation is played with only one deck that includes 52 cards. They’ll be reshuffled with every new hand. In addition, you can split your hands several times but you won’t be able to double down after it. Besides, a Ten or an Ace you get after splitting brings you 21 points.

The great news is that you can opt for Insurance in case Ace is a dealer’s visible card. It’ll pay at the ratio of 2:1. Additionally, the game’s RTP is 99.55%, and it’s possible to bet anything from $1 to $40. You’ll be able to enjoy this game even from your mobile device, so you can win money wherever you go.

5. Spanish 21 Blackjack

Spanish 21 is another famous game developed by the Microgaming company. It allows players to bet from $1 to $500 per hand. Although you may be not satisfied with its graphics, you’ll certainly like the gameplay. Spanish 21 offers a 99% RTP and a 3:2 payout. Mind that the rules here differ from those of the classic blackjack. First of all, there are no Tens in this game.

So, only face cards have a value of 10. Also, take into account that the game is played with 8 traditional decks. If you realize that you’re not going to win, you can surrender and save half of your bet. Blackjack is truly one of the most exciting games for gamblers. It’s a great chance to test your luck and skills.

And thanks to the newest games and technologies provided by GW you can get a chance to enter the world of the best blackjack variations. So don’t waste your time and start making money wins straight away!