Alongside Classic Blackjack: The five most Popular Versions of Blackjack

Blackjack might be considered the archetypal casino game. It has had a huge influence on popular culture, and millions of individuals have realized the significance of the number “21.”

While thousands of Americans play online blackjack in casinos around the country, many are unaware of the various versions. Other variants of the game, like so many others, exist that provide players with ample opportunities for their money.

In this post, we look at various other types of blackjack and explain the rules and benefits that distinguish them from popular games.

1 – Classic Blackjack

Classic blackjack remains the most popular type of the game, whether in a physical or online blackjack real money casino — not just in the United States, but across the world.

Without a doubt, this variant is a gambler’s favorite for a reason. The house edge is modest, the rules are simple to learn, and the game is more sociable than poker.

As previously stated, the home has a small advantage. That so, it’s crucial to remember that just because you see that enticing 0.5% edge figure doesn’t imply you’re taking full advantage of it.

When looking at games with the lowest house edges, the famous 0.5% presupposes you’re making all the proper plays. The good news is that learning what the proper motions are isn’t very difficult, although it does require some practice.

Players compete against the dealer to achieve 21, or be the closest to it, without exceeding 21. Each player is dealt two cards and must choose whether to “hit” (get another card) or “remain” (keep their current cards only). If any player or dealer receives more or over 21 points on their cards, they “bust” and lose the hand.

2 – European Blackjack

There is a European variant of blackjack, just as there is a European version of roulette. European blackjack, like roulette, gives somewhat better odds to players than its American (or standard) equivalent.

To begin, European blackjack usually uses two decks of cards. This implies that the cards are more predictable than in other blackjack variants that use a half-dozen or more decks in a single game.

Another feature of European blackjack that favors players is that the dealer stands on a soft 17.

Another feature that distinguishes European blackjack is that the dealer blackjack vs. player blackjack game ends in a tie or a push. Only when their cards reveal 9, 10, or 11 may they double down. Finally, blackjacks payout is at a 3:2 ratio.

When you do the arithmetic, you’ll find that European blackjack has a house edge of 0.39%. In other words, it costs roughly 20% less than traditional blackjack.

3 – Face Up 21

Face up 21 places a lot of power in the hands of the players while taking away some of the house’s advantages.

Both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up in this variation of the game. It goes without saying that being able to view two cards rather than just one offers gamblers a huge advantage in determining how to wager throughout the hand.

When it comes to this game, though, the news isn’t all positive for gamblers. A dealer blackjack, for example, defeats a player blackjack, and blackjack only pays even money.

Face Up 21 is similar to European blackjack in that players may only double down on numbers 9, 10, and 11.

This version of the game has the worst house edge on the list at 0.69%, making it the worst on the list so far. While the total house edge is reduced, it may still be a better alternative than conventional blackjack if you modify your betting strategy to the regulations that require the dealer to display both cards after dealing.

4 – Perfect Pairs Blackjack

Perfect Pairs blackjack offers a one-of-a-kind possibility to earn big for players who believe that a great betting strategy is more essential than a fantastic playing approach.

Perfect Matches With a betting twist, blackjack follows the same principles as traditional blackjack. Players can place an additional side wager at the start of each hand. This side bet is a wager on whether the first two cards dealt with you will have the same number.

You will get paid 5:1 if your pair consists of any two cards of the same value (either the same number or the same face card). If the two cards are the same value, color, and suit, you will be rewarded at a 10:1 ratio. If the two cards are of the same rank and suit, the jackpot is won. You get rewarded 30:1 if you hit a “Perfect Pair.”

5 – Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is arguably the most popular variation to conventional blackjack.

All of the ’10’ cards are removed in Spanish 21. You may think that this would give the house a significant advantage, but the rules are stacked in the players’ favor, so it all balances out in the end. Spanish 21 is regarded as one of the most player-friendly games in the casino, even more so than traditional blackjack.

Spanish 21 has one huge interesting payoff component. If a player gets 777 of the same suit and the dealer has a 7 in any suit, the player receives a $1,000 extra. This increases to $5,000 if the player has staked more than $25 at the start of the hand.

The house advantage for Spanish 21 varies depending on how you play, but it is about 0.38%, making it the lowest on the list. The disadvantage is that it may be about 0.78% depending on various house regulations, which makes it less tempting than some of the other games on the list.

Subscribe to our mailing list

Get the latest game reviews, news, features, and more straight to your inbox