Guide to blackjack variations

Blackjack is a game that has been able to transcend barriers, whether they're generational or geographical. Classic blackjack is thought to have originated in France over three centuries ago. Similar to other card-based casino games, which are huge hits, there have been several spin-offs and variations of blackjack, which have also found a strong market. Despite the differences between certain types of games, the way to win remains the same. Essentially, you must get as close to 21 as possible, beating the dealer in the process.

What are the differences between the blackjack games

The argument persists about whether blackjack is a game of strategy or luck. Unlike other casino games, which are entirely based on luck, some strategists and key mathematical minds believe there are ways to shift the odds in your favour. However, in digital casinos, there are ways to stop card counters from gaining an advantage. Traditional strategy still persists, and doubling down and splitting are the two most common. While many of the blackjack variations we'll discuss today have subtle differences, almost all allow you to double down or split, so they keep the foundation and fundamentals of the game the same.

If you have a total between 8 and 11, this is the optimum window to double down, especially if you have a soft hand, which means you don’t have an ace that counts as 11. However, you must pay attention to the dealer's total and what card they have in the hole; if they have an ace or you have more than 11, then you could lose the hand quickly. This is why it is vital to learn strategy, as doubling down also doubles your bet and means you can only take one extra card. If you do not execute this at the optimum time, you could lose your bankroll twice as quickly.

Every player begins blackjack with two cards, and if you end up with a pair, the dealer will give you the option to split your hand and play them as two different hands. However, similar to doubling down, you must also double your bet, so it is vital that you know when to implement this strategic move. Splitting aces is universally recognized as a good move. Splitting with double sevens, eights and nines is also wise. However, anything outside of this depends on the dealer's card. Reading up on how to use this most efficiently outside of these pairings is key to developing into a competent blackjack player.

Types of blackjack

Here are some of the most popular types of blackjack you will find. While traditional blackjack dominates the landscape, those who have a more specific taste or have been playing the game for years will have their own versions that they most prefer. We've collated some of the most popular blackjack variants below:

American Blackjack

There's a slight variation in American Blackjack and traditional. Instead of receiving the first and third card in the deck, the dealer gets the first two and then you get the second two. Before you decide to hit or stand, you'll be able to see the dealer's hole card, which is why some experienced blackjack players will choose this game instead of the traditional version. However, it ultimately depends on your hand's strength, which is why the argument remains about strategy or luck; you could have 20+ years of experience behind you, but if the dealer has an excellent hole card and you have a difficult hand, then the odds are stacked in their favour.

European Blackjack

Unlike American Blackjack, European Blackjack rules are identical to the traditional game. The only difference in European Blackjack is that the shoe contains two decks instead of six. The fewer the number of cards, the easier it is for some to card count and shift the odds in their favour.

Games with six or more decks in the shoe statistically increase the house edge. European Blackjack is one of the oldest variations of blackjack that continues to be popular in Europe and beyond. In terms of digital casino gaming, it is one of the most popular card-based casino games.

Spanish 21

Not all blackjack games have a country or continent in their title, but Spanish 21 may be one of the most popular variations of blackjack. Spanish 21 removes the number 10 from the deck, which is the best card you can have in your hand other than an ace. While this might seem like a fairly extreme change, some similarities mirror the traditional variations of blackjack.

For instance, the dealer will not take another card if they have a total of 17, but they will hit if they have 16. These four cards being removed entirely from the pack also changes the chance of winning with certain hands. While Spanish 21 certainly doesn't have the popularity of traditional blackjack variations, there's a heightened awareness of the game in the digital age, where knowledge and strategy take up a fairly sizeable portion of search engine results and more people take to the internet to find out more information about how to play specific variations of blackjack.

Blackjack Perfect Pairs

Blackjack outside bets have been one of the fundamental driving forces in keeping the game fresh and interesting for generations that now prefer playing at online casinos instead of land-based ones. While Blackjack Perfect Pairs is one of the most popular versions of the game in physical locations, the existence of blackjack outside bets adds another layer for those who want extra spice on top of their standard game.

Ultimately, a game of Blackjack Perfect Pairs works almost identically to the traditional game. While certain variations of blackjack will focus on changing critical rules or removing cards from the deck, Perfect Pairs revolves around paying out odds of over 30/1 for those players who can win the hand with a pair. This is the biggest win you can land in a game of blackjack, and given the similarity to roulette outside bets, it's no surprise that this particular version has become such a hit.

Other blackjack variations

The list of blackjack versions available is an expansive one, with many people creating their own unique rules to apply. Whether you're playing blackjack online or at a land-based casino, there is a chance you come across games such as multi-hand blackjack, blackjack switch and double exposure blackjack, all of which are original options that offer something completely different from your classic blackjack game.