Blackjack is one of the most well-known and loved casino games across the globe.
You likely know the classic version of blackjack, but this fun table game comes in many different variations.
Here, you’ll learn about the different versions of blackjack, their quirks and rules. You’ll then be ready to pick the right blackjack game for your playing style!
Recap Of Blackjack
Starting with how to play blackjack, it’s simple: the dealer hits up to 17, while you can choose to either hit, stand, double down, or split. Aim to get to 21 without exceeding it, in order to beat the dealer’s hand.
Over time, blackjack evolved and online platforms have joined the original land casinos. During this period, many of the variations we’ll discuss have cropped up.
Different variations of blackjack emerged as casinos created new rules, adding novel twists and strategies to blackjack.
Online blackjack developed with new elements like side plays, and quicker gameplay. Variants like Spanish 21 and Blackjack Switch match this trend.
As we’ll discuss, different variations might have different rules, affecting your playing strategy and the game progression.
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Different Blackjack Variations
Let’s take you through seven different variations of blackjack:
Classic Blackjack
Classic blackjack is the traditional and well-known variant. Your objective is to win against the dealer. Try to get a hand as close to 21 as you can without exceeding 21. You’d expect the dealer to stand on 17, whereas you can double down on any two cards or split pairs one time.
This version typically has up to eight full card decks. Wins are awarded at a 3:2 ratio to your coin size. It’s a simple game for you to learn blackjack basics.
European Blackjack
European blackjack has similar rules to Classic, except it uses two decks. And the dealer doesn’t take their second card until after you’ve played your hand.
This major rule difference alters strategy. You need to choose to double down or split cards, but before knowing if the dealer has blackjack. Further restrictions mean you can only double down on hands totalling 9, 10, or 11, and you aren’t allowed to resplit pairs.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip blackjack is played with four decks. If the dealer has an Ace or a 10 card, they will check for blackjack right away. And they will always stand on soft 17.
Simple rules mean you can double down on any two cards, even after a split. Splitting is allowed on up to four hands, though you may only split Aces once. The simplicity makes Vegas Strip an easy and enjoyable version to play.
Atlantic City Blackjack
You play Atlantic City blackjack with eight decks. Much like Vegas Strip, the dealer stands on soft 17 and checks for blackjack, which helps to reduce your risk. You can double down on any card value and after splitting.
Atlantic City gives you plenty of gameplay options. You can surrender late: forfeit half your coins after seeing the dealer’s second card. You may split up to three times, but resplit Aces only once.
Single Deck Blackjack
Single Deck blackjack features a single 52-card deck, which maximizes RTP and favors those who achieve a perfect blackjack strategy. On the other hand, Single Deck’s odds for rewards are 6:5, not the more widely 3:2.
On the plus side, you can double down on any card pair and split once.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a quickfire blackjack game. You get dealt between six and eight 48-card decks, which do not include number 10 cards.
Although this lack of 10s increases the house edge, the favorable rules let you double down after splits and late surrender.
You can resplit Aces and double on any hand. A 21 would trump the dealer’s 21. And you could hit a bonus for five, six, or seven-card hands which add up to 21, plus hands like 6-7-8 or 7-7-7.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch gives you two hands instead of one, with a special twist. You can swap the second card between each hand. This lets you turn a weak hand into a better one.
However, there are drawbacks. It only offers even plays (1:1) instead of 3:2. And if the dealer gets to 22, they will push against all your hands, except when you have a blackjack hand.
How to Choose the Right Blackjack Game?
Let’s discover how to find the best blackjack variation.
- Think about how much risk you’re comfortable taking: Some variations favor you over the dealer, and the reverse is true for others. For instance, Vegas Strip rules give you an edge, while European blackjack offers the house a marginal edge since the dealer’s second card only arrives after you’ve already played.
- What’s your blackjack player style? Do you like a simple game of Classic blackjack? Or a more detailed Switch Blackjack experience?
- How do you want to win? Spanish21 offers the chance at bigger possible wins. Or you may just want quick gameplay rounds instead with Single Deck blackjack, which offers fast and simple gameplay.
Conclusion
You’ve just discovered the most popular blackjack variations, how they differ, and tips to choose the best blackjack game to match your playing style.
Despite the variations with slightly different ways to play and win, blackjack is simple. Explore all options to find the ideal choice. Whichever you choose, blackjack provides a fun, challenging game.
Like any social casino game, check out the rules for each game before playing and remember to play responsibly.
Is your preferred blackjack version available at McLuck social casino online? Browse our lobby and explore our range of free to play titles, with the help of social casino guides like this one.
