Blackjack Variations: All You Need To Know
Blackjack is a game we’ve all heard of. We’ve seen it in films, on the tables of Las Vegas and for the most part we all know how to play it too.
But did you know there are a huge range of different variations available to play right across the United States’ online casinos?
There are dozens of different types of blackjack for betting fans to play, and at Gambler Saloon we know all there is to know.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting variation of blackjack to enjoy, take a look at some of the more popular versions below…
Blackjack
The standard game of blackjack is the version we are all familiar with and the most widely offered variation across casinos.
The aim of the game is simple, to get as close to 21 as possible, with efforts surpassing 21 being bust.
The rules of blackjack vary from casino to casino meaning the dealer has to stand on certain numbers, hit on others, while players will have the opportunity to double and split in various circumstances.
In blackjack the house advantage is usually 0.56%, around average in the various forms. Using the best game strategies below, the player’s advantage can reach 2%, instead.
BlackJack Strategy Trainer
The perfect blackjack strategy is a mix of many different strategies that are often used separately.
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BlackJack Cards Counting
Would you like to know if the next hand will be good for the player or for the house? In order to manage your bets accordingly?
Well, here is an easy way to do it.
European Blackjack
European blackjack is slightly different to the standard version as it only uses two decks in comparison to the two to four as in the standard game.
This is to the players advantage and sees the house edge drop to 0.39%. The dealer having to stand on a soft 17 is another rule within the game that benefits the player.
However, one aspect of the game that does fall in the favour of the dealer is that they don’t check for a blackjack, meaning you can play a full round, doubling or splitting before blackjack is revealed by the dealer. This in theory can result in you losing more money.
Other variations in the game are that players can only double on nine, 10 or 11.
The game is commonly found in most major online casinos and is a great alternative if you get a little tired of regular blackjack.
Face Up 21
Face Up 21 is an interesting game in which both of the dealers cards are dealt face up, meaning you know exactly what you need to beat.
However, with a house edge at 0.69% it is a little trickier. Rules such as players only being able to double on hard totals of 9, 10 and 11 make it a little tricker, although it is a fun game that gives you the chance to play even more tactically.
Pontoon
Pontoon is another game similar to regular blackjack except both cards are dealt face down for the dealer.
However, while this makes the game harder for the player, you also receive a better payout as winners are paid out 2:1 rather than the standard 3:2.
Players can only stand on hands 15 or higher, unless you have been dealt five cards and the House advantage lies at a relatively low 0.38%.
Super 21
Super 21 is a game played in exactly the same manner except with special bonus payouts if you’re dealt certain hands.
For example, if you are dealt a Diamond Blackjack, which is two diamond cards equalling 21, then you receive a payout of 2:1.
This also applies with a five card and six card 21 and you also receive a payout of evens for any six card hand that totals 20 or lower.
Spanish 21
A popular game in the online games rooms is Spanish 21, which operates in a similar manner to Pontoon.
In Spanish 21 though, all the 10s are removed from the deck, which doesn’t benefit the player. However, there are also a number of rules that do.
Resplitting is allowed on the game and you can double down once on absolutely any total. You can double after splitting and also surrender after doubling.
These rules give players a brilliant advantage and is one of the reasons it’s heavily played both online and off.
Within Spanish 21 there are also a huge range of special payouts, including bonuses for five, six and seven card hands and streaks of mixed and the same suits.
Multi hand 21
Multi hand blackjack is the same as regular blackjack in its gameplay, except you can play multiple hands at a time.
It’s fast paced and the natural progression for anyone comfortable playing single hand games of blackjack.
Want To Play Blackjack?
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