Do you like playing blackjack? There are many different types of blackjack games. Each type of blackjack has its ways to win and its own rules. This article will explain the different types of blackjack and help you find the right one for you.
What is blackjack?
Blackjack is a popular casino game with various variants. The objective of the game is simple: get a higher total than the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. Here are some of the of the basics of the game:
- Number of decks: 1–8 (varies by casino or game variation)
- Goal: beat the dealer’s total without going over 21.
As I mentioned, there are many variants of the game, all of which require both skill and luck.
Types of blackjacks
Before getting to know the different types of blackjack, it’s essential to understand that while there are only minor differences in the rules and overall structure between these variants, these small variations have a big impact on the gameplay experience.
The different types of blackjacks are:
- American Blackjack
- European blackjack
- Spanish 21
- Pontoon
- Super fun 21
- Vegas strip
- Blackjack switch
- Perfect pairs
American Blackjack
American blackjack is a timeless favorite variant of blackjack among players. Typically played with 1–8 decks. A few rules of this variant are:
- The dealer stands on all 17s and never hits again.
- A “late surrender” is when, by folding you save half your bet when the odds are looking against you.
European blackjack
European blackjack is a widely popular variation loved by everybody at casinos worldwide. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the objective of the game remains the same as in normal blackjack: beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. However, some differences set European blackjack and American blackjack apart.
- Deck count: typically played with 2, 6, or 8 decks.
- Dealer’s rule: no obligation to stand on all 17s. They can hit if their hand totals are 17 or more.
- Surrender options: no “late surrender” is available, which means players can’t fold and save half their bet.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a variant of blackjack played with 6–8 decks. Some key rules of Spanish 21, which set it apart from other variants of blackjack, are:
- Double down on any number of available cards.
- No insurance penalties
- Played with a Spanish deck containing 48 cards, no 10s
- Dealer can hit on 17+
- Has a match-play option, which means you can double your bet if you think you can beat the dealer’s hand.
Pontoon
Pontoon is an Australian variant of blackjack. Some key rules of pontoon that set it apart from other variants of blackjack are:
- Played with 2, 6, and 8 decks of cards
- Double down only on 9, 10, and 11
- No pair splitting is allowed.
- Unique British terminologies included “twist” instead of “hit me” and “banker” instead of “dealer.”
Let us say you are dealt 9 hearts and 5 diamonds, totaling 14. You choose to “twist” and receive another card. You get 7 clubs, making your total 21. You “stick” and hope the banker busts.
Superfun 21
The Superfun 21 is a blackjack variant that is similar to traditional blackjack but with a little more twist. It has more options and is more flexible than the traditional one. The Super Fun 21 contains:
- Splitting pairs, including aces, for endless possibilities.
- Doubling down on any hand, no matter the number of cards.
- Late surrender for a safety net
- The dealer hits on the soft 17, tilting the odds in your favor.
- Payouts are even money, except for diamond blackjacks, which pay out 2-1.
Vegas strip
Vegas strip blackjack is where four to eight decks of 52 cards are shuffled and dealt. The objective remains the same here too: outscore the dealer without breaking 21. It offers a slightly more favorable playing field than normal blackjack. Some features of this variant of blackjack contain
- Dealer sands on the soft 17, and that gives you an edge.
- Double down on any two cards to boost your bet.
- Split a pair up to four times to maximize your chances of winning.
Atlantic City blackjack is also similar to Vegas strip blackjack, with only slight variations in double-down and splitting pairs.
Blackjack switch
Blackjack switch is a variant of blackjack in which you will receive two hands instead of one, and you have the power to switch the top cards between them. Other features of the blackjack switch are
- Improve one or both hands.
- Create new winning combinations.
- increases your chances of beating the dealer.
Perfect pair blackjack
The perfect pair of blackjack contains two rules: two cards dealt to each player and aiming for the 21 without going over, which are the same as in normal blackjack, but what makes the difference is a side bet that rewards you with a bonus payout for hitting a “perfect pair.” A perfect pair can be:
- Two cards of the same rank (ex., two kings)
- Two cards of the same suit (ex., two diamonds)
- Two cards of the same color (ex: two black cards, like a club and a spade.)
Landing a perfect pair can reward you with a bonus payout ranging from even money to 30-1.
Conclusion
And there you have it. Now that you know all about the different variants of blackjack from all over the world, from European to Vegas strip, perfect pairs to switch, each variant is different, with one thing staying the same: to outsmart the dealer and rake in the wins.
