Bonnie Evans | December 5, 2019 | Updated on: September 29th, 2023
Blackjack Variations in the US
Whether you are playing online in a land-based casino, you are bound to be faced with blackjack variations. When played in its purest form, blackjack is a popular and straightforward card game that has been around for decades. The variations twist the basic rules here and there, and somewhat add an extra dose of thrill to the game. For players who have been playing blackjack for a while, you may be getting a little bored with the traditional table game. It can be fun moving to a variant of your favorite game. You can expect crazy new rules set in place to make the games more entertaining.
It goes without saying that a thorough understanding of the blackjack rules and strategy is essential before taking on any of the new variations. The best part about all the different blackjack variations is that they have not lost the aim of the game is which is making it 21. The game differences are sure to catch your attention and test your skills. We have put together the top 10 blackjack variations that you are sure to come across when you play blackjack online in United States casinos.
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Blackjack and Its Different Variations
By most accounts, the game of Blackjack has a relatively unknown origin. Some books on the game acknowledge that it has roots in Spain, but this has not been verified. When Blackjack was first introduced to the United States, many casinos and gambling houses offered exceptional payouts that in turn stimulated casino players to play. Therefore, because of the unknown origin aspect of Blackjack, there are a variety of different variations of the game.
For the most part, though, the variations tend to have similar components such as the standard 52 card deck, casino dealer, and the non-usage of jokers. Additionally, most if not all of the variations allow for splitting and doubling down as well as treat the ace card as either 1 or 11. Some variations only count the ace as one card. It can be said that if casino players know how to play the original Blackjack game then learning the other variations are relatively easy and straightforward.
In the variations of the game of Blackjack, there are also other similarities that include hitting, where the casino player can ask the casino dealer for another card in order to obtain a certain number; standing, where the casino player chooses to remain with the card total they have with the hope of beating the casino dealer; and surrender, which is typically only available as a first decision.
In surrender, the casino player makes the decision to do this and the house subsequently takes half of the original bet and returns the other half to the casino player. This essentially ends the casino player’s interest in that hand. Some Blackjack variations use more than one deck of 52 cards making the results even more interesting and fascinating. In addition to this, many casinos tend to offer several different variations for casino players to choose from.
What distinguishes each Blackjack variation from the next is the house edge. The rules of Blackjack are generally made via casino regulations and/or laws that are established. While each of the casino’s regulations may differ, most of them follow the same pattern where the casino player is paid out if they beat the casino dealer. Soft and hard hands are also prominent in Blackjack variations and this is why it can be quite tricky for casino players to keep the particular variations distinguishable.
Key differences of Blackjack from other variations is the concept of both advantage play and card counting. Advantage play is an attempt to win more through the use of computation methodology. This means utilizing methods and techniques that give both a short and long term edge of the casino player in the game. While many casinos tend to frown upon this strategy, casino enthusiasts have often suggested that it can be quite useful to use for a certain length of time at the casino.
Card counting is a careful accounting of cards that have been exposed with the effort of the casino player to achieve more wins over the casino dealer. The casino players follow a simple strategy of placing large bets when they have the advantage and try to obtain a good hand.
Top 10 Common variations of Blackjack
Classic Blackjack
Blackjack is played using between one and eight decks. Both you and the dealer start the game with a hand of two cards. The aim is to get to 21 and beat the dealer with a better hand. Blackjack basic strategy variations that are found in the other games are all diverged from the classic blackjack gameplay.
European Blackjack
Played with two decks, the European blackjack is one of the best tables to play at. Players are dealt their hand face up and the dealer only deals his hole card once players have decided how they would like to play.
Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City is a popular blackjack variant that borrows the rules used in land-based casinos throughout Atlantic City. The basic rules of blackjack stand and the game is played using eight decks. The dealer can peek his hole card and players can split, surrender, or take the insurance option.
Super Fun 21
If you are looking to have fun while making money, sit at a Super Fun 21 table. The game adheres to all the basic blackjack rules but changes some of the payout structures according to the players’ number of cards. The odds aren’t the best in the casino however it is lots of fun to play.
Multi-hand Blackjack
If you are up for a challenge, the multi-hand blackjack variation is perfect for you. Players can play with anywhere between one and five hands. It is a standard game of blackjack and all the rules apply.
Perfect Pairs
If you are a fan of side bets, you should play classic pairs blackjack. Players are allowed to make a side wage that their first two cards will be of the same value. This bet can be made at the beginning of each round.
Spanish 21
Challenging the basic rules of blackjack, Spanish 21 plays with 48 cards. All the 10 value cards are removed from the deck, and six to eight decks are used. Getting to 21 seems a lot further than expected now, right?
Pontoon
This blackjack variation plays similarly to Spanish 21. It uses 48 cards and players cannot stand on 14 cards. Betting after buying and or doubling down is allowed.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure blackjack increases the players’ odd as both the dealer’s cards are dealt face up and visible to all players. This advantage does come with several rules to balance out the game.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack switch can be played online and offline. The variation is relatively new and was patented by Geoff Hall in 2009. Each player plays two hands and has the chance to switch their cards after the original deal.
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