Blackjack Variants

Players can enjoy various games of blackjack online. All the variants are similar to the original game of 21, but feature their own set of rules and strategies. These different ways of playing blackjack offer players alternative ways to test their blackjack skills.

Overview of Classic Blackjack

The game of blackjack was first played in the 17^th century. The goal is to get a hand total as close to 21 as possible. Players also wins if they have a higher hand total than the dealer or if the dealer busts.

With online blackjack, players have different variations to try. With these blackjack games, the rules may differ slightly. The house edge and strategies will differ as well. Let’s take a look at the eight most popular blackjack variations to brace the internet.

Blackjack Casinos with the Most Variations

European Blackjack

European blackjack is one of the most popular blackjack variants you will find.

Uses two decks of cards.

The Dealer receives their cards; one face-up and one face-down.

The dealer will not check for blackjack after everyone receives their cards.

Players are only allowed to double on a hard 9, 10 and 11.

Players are allowed to split up to 3 times.

Split aces will pay out even money.

Aces cannot be re-split.

No surrender option.

Even results will give players their bet back.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This variation offers one of the most twists and as well as some other rules changes.

Both the banker and player’s hands are exposed when the cards are dealt.

It is possible for them to be played with between six and eight decks of cards.

The dealer wins all tie hands.

If both the dealer and player have a natural blackjack, players will have their wager returned.

Winning blackjacks are paid out even money 1:1.

Players may only split once in the game.

After splitting, players may double down.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City follows most of the classic blackjack rules. The few differences include;

Players cards are dealt face up.

Dealer cards are dealt, one face up and one face down.

If the dealer’s face up card is an ace or ten, they look at their other card.

If they have a natural blackjack, they will flip the second card over.

If no one other player has blackjack, they all lose, and the round ends.

Players can split up to 3 times.

Aces only be split once.

Players are allowed to double down, even after a splitting.

Late surrender and insurance bets are also permitted.

Up to eight decks of cards can be used.

Bonus Blackjack

Players are required to place bets on the on the main game, before placing bonus

The main game bets are referred to as hand bets, and bonus bets are referred to as jackpot bets.

The game is played with two decks of cards.

The player’s cards are dealt face up.

The dealer’s cards are dealt one face up and one face down.

Bonus bets are decided on the basis of the first two cards the player receives.

If the cards are a jack and ace of spades, the bonus bet will payout 50:1.

If the cards are a jack and ace of hearts, diamonds or clubs, then the bonus bet pays out 25:1.

If both cards are from the same suit, the player will receive a payout of 5:2.

Players have the option to place an insurance bet against the odds of the dealer having a natural blackjack.

Players can double on any two cards and even after a split.

Players can split up to three times.

Aces can only be split

After splitting, only one card can be dealt to split aces.

In the event of a tie result, players will be given their bet back.

Spanish Blackjack

This blackjack variation is played with six and eight decks of 48-cards each instead of the classic 52-card deck.

The smaller deck comes from the removal of the 10

To compensate for this, when players have a natural 21, they will win even if the dealer has the same hand.

In this game, players have the option to surrender at any time in the game.

They can also, split pairs, double down, double after splitting pairs, re-split pairs, and take out an insurance bet.

The house edge for this variation is approximately 2%.

Pontoon Blackjack

This blackjack variation uses between two and eight decks of cards.

All cards are dealt face down.

Players are obliged to hit with a hand total of 14 or less.

The dealer wins in the event of a tie result.

If only the dealer has a natural blackjack, they win, and the round ends automatically.

Player’s will win, if both the players and banker has a natural 21.

Players can double down on cards 2-4 but only once per hand.

After doubling down, players can hit.

Players have the option to split up to two times.

Aces may only be split

Natural blackjack in this variation is referred to as Pontoon.

A dealer will play his hand last by flipping over the two cards originally dealt to him and playing out his round.

Super Fun 21 Blackjack

Invented by card counter, Howard Grossman, this variation offers players some unique and fascinating rules.

This blackjack game uses mostly a single deck of cards. However, it can also be played with multiple decks of cards.

Players are allowed to double on any number of cards, after splitting pairs, and on the same move as splitting aces.

Surrendering is permitted on any number of cards and even after doubling down.

Re-splits are permitted on up to four hands, including the re-splitting of aces.

A player’s blackjack will beat the dealer’s.

If the player has a hand total of 20 or six from six or more cards, they automatically win, unless it is after a double down.

A player’s hand total of 21 from 5 or more cards pays out 2:1, unless it is after a double down.

Dealers are obliged to hit on a soft 17.

Super Fun 21 blackjack has a house edge of approximately 1%.

There are several blackjack variations for casino players to enjoy. Each variation comes with its own strategies and rules. Try your lucky hand and improve your blackjack skills at top kiwi blackjack casinos.