The game of Blackjack has been around for centuries and is still one of the most popular casino games today. One of the most appealing aspects of Blackjack is the fact that the rules are very simple to learn. It should be noted, though, there are different variations of the game. Also, there are certain aspects of the rules that can vary from one casino to the next.
Blackjack
This is the classic game of cards that we all know. Blackjack, also known as “21”, is the most popular type of online Blackjack variant among gamblers around the world. The aim in Blackjack is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding this value.
It’s important to note that the rules of Blackjack can vary from one casino to another. Here are the common rules that you’ll find at most online gambling sites.
- 2-4 decks
- Dealer hits soft 17
- Splitting allowed
- Doubling allowed
- 1-2 resplits allowed
- Doubling and splitting allowed
- Dealer checks for Blackjack
House advantage: 0.56% (varies according to your skill and strategy, but usually around this number)
European Blackjack
European Blackjack is considered to be the game from which Blackjack evolved to its current form around the world. This variation is typically played with two decks of cards, and there are some player-friendly rules such as a small number of cards and dealer standing on soft 17.
The gambling venue makes up for this by employing the “dealer doesn’t check for Blackjack” rule. In other words, the dealer doesn’t check for Blackjack until you’ve played your entire hand. Here are the common rules for European Blackjack.
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Dealer Blackjack vs. Player Blackjack results in a push
- The player may double after splitting
- The player may only double down on points totals of 9, 10, and 11.
- No resplitting
- House advantage: 0.36% (can vary)
Spanish 21
This Blackjack variant is featured in many land-based gambling venues and is a regular part of online gambling sites as well. In this game, all the 10 cards are removed from the deck. You might wonder that this would make up for a higher house advantage, but Spanish 21 makes up for this by offering many player-friendly rules. In fact, Spanish 21 is one of the best games in the casino for the player. The following set of rules is pretty standard.
- Dealer stands on soft 17 (in most online casinos)
- Resplitting is allowed (including Aces)
- Players may double after splitting
- Players may surrender after doubling
- The player may double down once on any points totals after any number of cards.
- House advantage: 0.38% to 0.78% (varies)
Blackjack Switch
This is an interesting variation in which you’re dealt two hands and are given the option to trade the second card dealt in each hand. This is a major advantage for the player but the casino makes up for it with two rules.
- Blackjack pays even money
- A dealer total of 22 points results in a push