Blackjack Variations – Every Blackjack Type Explained and Ranked
At their core, blackjack games revolve around hitting and standing your way to beat the dealer without surpassing 21. But blackjack is so much more than that. There are heaps of blackjack variations; you could try a new one each day of the month (oh – now there’s an idea).
You can double down for free in Free Bet Blackjack, chase side bets in Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and strategize around missing 10s in Spanish 21. Each of these types of blackjack has unique benefits and payouts, and blackjack players love them for different reasons.
We’ll explore the different variations of blackjack and help you decide which game fits your style.
Quick Overview of Basic Blackjack Gameplay
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games because it’s easy to learn, and with a basic strategy, your winnings can stay consistent.
The basic rules are simple: you and the dealer receive two cards, and only one of the dealer’s is dealt face-up. Add your card values to get as close to 21 as possible without busting (going over 21). A regular win pays even money, but a “natural” blackjack – getting 21 with your first two cards – pays 3:2 or 6:5, depending on the table rules.
Dealer blackjack beats everything unless you also have blackjack. If both hands tie, it’s called a blackjack push.
Got that? You betcha. Now, let’s explore different types of blackjack.
How many variations of blackjack are there?
There are over 20 blackjack variants, thanks to unique rule variations and side bets. Many casinos, including Las Vegas casinos, offer a few blackjack games to keep it fresh. We’ll cover the most popular types of blackjack here.
How should I deposit to play blackjack?
The best deposit method to play blackjack is through crypto. Cafe Casino is the best crypto casino online, which means unbeatable perks for you. You can deposit with crypto and receive higher deposit matches, higher withdrawal limits, and lower deposit minimums.
American Blackjack, AKA Classic Blackjack
Beginning with the O.G. of blackjack types, American Blackjack, often called Classic Blackjack, is the most traditional game in casinos. If there were a blackjack history museum, this blackjack variant would be the centerpiece, with visitors ooo-ing and ahh-ing over the house edge. It can reach as low as .5% with an optimal blackjack strategy.
Most casinos offer it as a regular online game or with a live dealer. It can be played as single-deck, double-deck, or with six or more.
European Blackjack
European blackjack sticks to many classic rules but with a few twists to keep you on your toes.
European blackjack rules state that the dealer doesn’t take a hole card until players finish their hands.
You can only double down on hard totals of 9 to 11, there’s no surrender (however, Bruce Springsteen is okay), and you only receive one card when you split aces, among a few others.
Spanish 21
This blackjack version offers a fresh challenge with one or more decks of 48 cards where all 10s are removed. In Spanish 21, you can double down after splitting, and take late surrender. The dealer stands on soft 17, and there are various side bets, like “Match the Dealer,” to help boost your payout.
How does removing the 10s affect the game and the odds?
With fewer ten-value cards, your odds of hitting blackjack or landing a strong hand go down. This tweak gives the house a bigger edge, but the game’s other rules add some perks to even things out for the player, like bonuses for unique hands, flexible doubling rules, and the player’s natural blackjack always beats the dealer’s.
Pontoon
Pontoon is another popular blackjack variant available at many online casinos and land-based casinos alike. The rules can vary, but essentially, a “pontoon” is a blackjack – i.e., reaching 21 with two cards. A pontoon pays double. You can also achieve a “Five Card Trick” where you reach 21 or less with five cards.
You can usually split and play up to four hands, and the dealer wins a tie. Always check the paytable to know exactly what rules apply.
Blackjack Switch
Many blackjack tables offer Blackjack Switch. This version lets you trade cards between two hands for a better chance of winning. You place equal bets on both hands; then, the dealer deals two cards to each hand. If your hands aren’t great, you can swap the top two cards from each to improve them. But whether it works depend-switch card you change.
What’s the catch?
Ah ha – it sounds too good to be true. The rule that balances the table is that a dealer 22 doesn’t bust. The hand is considered a push unless you have a natural blackjack, in which case you still win. Also, the dealer hits on soft 17, which gives them more chances to improve their hand. That rule alone can make it harder to beat the dealer.
Super Fun 21
Super Fun 21 is a popular blackjack variation that’s Super… cool. (ha – you thought you got us). It’s played with one, two, or six decks of cards and offers more flexibility than other variations of blackjack.
You can double down on any number of cards (including three, four, or more), surrender at any time, and even win automatically with six cards totaling 20 or less. Blackjacks usually pay even money, except for diamond blackjacks, which pay 2:1.
It’s a variation that’s Super Fun (alright, you win).
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
In this type of blackjack, Perfect Pairs spices up regular blackjack with an interesting side bet. Before the round starts, you can wager on whether your first two cards will form a pair. If they’re the same rank, like two 7s, you win the side bet. You can also receive bonus payouts depending on how perfect the pair is. For example, exact matches (same rank and suit) pay more than mixed ones, usually with 25:1.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Walk down the Las Vegas Strip on a lively Friday night, and you’ll likely catch glitzy casinos like the Golden Nugget dealing rounds of Vegas Strip Blackjack.
It’s typically played with four decks and sticks to traditional rules with a few tweaks. You can split aces only once, and a 10-value card after a split pays 1:1 instead of 3:2. You can also double down on any two cards, including after you make a split.
Atlantic City Blackjack
While Vegas tends to get all the attention, Atlantic City holds its own as one of the world’s most iconic gambling cities. Atlantic City Blackjack was designed to attract players to New Jersey’s casinos with more liberal rules. That’s why blackjack players love it.
Played with eight decks, the dealer must stand on soft 17. You can surrender after the initial deal and double down on any two cards. Many versions also offer side bets like 21+3 and Pairs.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure Blackjack flips the script by revealing both of the dealer’s cards upfront.
What’s the catch?
But it wouldn’t be possible to leave it at just that. The rules balance this by making it tougher to win. The dealer wins all ties except for blackjack, and blackjack pays even money instead of the usual 3:2.
Free Bet Blackjack
Usually, when you double down or split in blackjack, you’re required to bet extra. But in Free Bet Blackjack, also called 22 Blackjack, you can double down on your first two cards with hard totals of 9, 10, or 11 and split all pairs except 10s without risking extra money.
Some casinos offer a Push 22 side bet, where you win a payout if the dealer’s hand hits 22 and your total stays under a specific value, such as 29. In some casinos, a Push 22 pays 50:1, but other casinos pay 20:1, and others 8:1, so always check the paytable first.
What’s the catch?
They always say there’s no free lunch. Adding to that, there’s no free blackjack, either. While the “free” doubles and splits are a beneficial twist, the dealer gets a major advantage: if they end up with 22, it’s a push instead of a dealer bust. However, you still win if you have a natural blackjack. Plus, you won’t get a free bet on soft 9, 10, and 11, which slightly limits your options.
Tips For Experimenting With Blackjack Variants
Experimenting with blackjack types is part of the fun and why so many players flock to the felt. Each blackjack variant has unique rules, side bets, and payouts, so always ensure you’re clear before betting, practice for free before using real money, and manage your bankroll to enjoy the game for longer.
Understand The Rules
Playing blackjack is straightforward and rewarding, but different rule variations can impact your strategy and odds. Always take a few extra minutes to study the game’s rules. It helps you make smarter decisions at the table.
Practice With Free Play
If you want to improve your blackjack game, the great news is you don’t need to risk a dime to do it. Most casinos, including Cafe Casino, have a Practice Play or demo mode, so you can practice blackjack for free.
In this mode, you can play blackjack online with a preset practice balance. While the money isn’t real, the gameplay, rules, and flow mirror the real thing.
Manage Your Bankroll
The most important advice for all casino games is to manage your bankroll – it’s the foundation of a solid basic strategy. That’s the same if you’re flexing your skills in high-roller blackjack or dipping your toes into your first real money game.
Decide ahead of time how much you’re willing to lose or win. Once you hit that limit, take a break. Return the next day with a fresh mindset and bankroll to keep the fun going.
Snag a Bonus
Before playing blackjack at an online casino, remember to take advantage of any bonuses on offer. At Cafe Casino, you can score free blackjack rounds when you refer a friend. Once they sign up and make their first successful deposit, your account gets a boost with a cash bonus.
Blackjack Variant With The Lowest House Edge
All blackjack types boast a low house edge, and that’s exactly why we love the game. However, two versions reign supreme.
Standard blackjack has a fabulously low house edge of .5%, provided you play with a solid basic strategy straight from a blackjack chart. Slightly edging it out is Atlantic City blackjack with a .39% house edge – again, when playing with a perfect strategy.
One reason standard blackjack boasts such a low house edge is that it’s often played with a single deck. In the battle of single-deck vs. double-deck blackjack, single-deck wins for the lowest house edge of .5%. With fewer cards, it’s easier for players to count cards and track high-value ones. However, most versions of online blackjack have two decks or more, which slightly raises the house edge.
Round Up – What type of blackjack is best?
Each blackjack variation has its perks, and the “best” one depends on what fits your style.
Classic Blackjack tops the list with straightforward gameplay and a super low house edge. Atlantic City Blackjack comes in strong with player-friendly perks like late surrender and doubling after splits.
Spanish 21 adds fun bonuses but bumps up the house edge by ditching 10-value cards. Free Bet Blackjack sounds great with free doubles and splits, but the Push 22 rule and a higher house edge (around 1%) knock it down a few pegs.
If maximizing payouts is your priority, look for blackjack tables offering 3:2 payouts or games with progressive jackpots. With progressive blackjack at online casinos, you can opt into the jackpot before placing bets and win big with suited blackjacks or special bonus hands.
There are so many different variations of blackjack, and each one is worth it if you know how to play. Always read the rules before settling in at a table, and practice for free in Practice Play to get the hang of the game. When you’re ready, don’t stand back and wait. Hit up the table and play.
Disclaimer: The information provided in our casino blog posts is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we discuss popular casino strategies and offer tips for various games, please note that no strategy can guarantee a win. Casino games are based on chance, and outcomes are unpredictable. We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and never bet more than they can afford to lose.
