Before you venture into your first game of blackjack, whether at home or in a casino, it’s useful to know the different types that exist. Essentially, blackjack always boils down to the same thing—you need to beat the dealer’s hand with a hand of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over 21. Nevertheless, there are several variations, each putting a different spin on the concept.
Naturally, online casinos offer countless variations with all kinds of themes and different betting ranges. But the main variants are the most important. In this blog, we’ll quickly go through them so you can get up to speed in just a few minutes!
Classic vs European Blackjack
Let’s start with the two most common blackjack variants. The standard version of blackjack is classic blackjack, also known as American blackjack. This version is played with one to eight decks of cards. In European blackjack, on the other hand, you play with only two decks, making it slightly easier to gauge which cards are still in play and what your chances are.
European blackjack, however, has stricter rules regarding doubling down, where you can only double with hands of nine, ten, or eleven. Additionally, in this version, the dealer draws a second card only after you have made your move as a player, meaning the dealer could unexpectedly have blackjack.
Spanish 21 and British Pontoon Blackjack
In addition to European blackjack, two European countries have their own versions of blackjack. Spanish 21 is played with six to eight Spanish decks where the cards with a value of ten are missing. Not very advantageous, you might think, because without tens it’s harder to hit blackjack. But there are some favourable rules, such as the possibility of late surrender and doubling down after splitting.
In the British version of blackjack, called Pontoon, the dealer plays with two face-up cards. There is an extra rule in this game, namely the Pontoon—this is a hand of an ace and a card with a value of ten. This hand beats all other hands.
Other Types of Blackjack
Want to dive further into the world of blackjack? There is plenty more waiting for you, with many fun variants that shake up the concept. Here are the most important ones you should know:
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack: In this version, you can place a side bet on the first two cards you receive. You can bet on a coloured pair, mixed pair, or perfect pair.
- Blackjack Switch: In this fun switch variant, you play with two hands and may switch the second card of each hand. However, your payout is reduced from 3:2 to 1:1 if you get blackjack.
- Progressive Blackjack: Here, all players place an extra bet on a progressive jackpot. You need a certain hand to win the jackpot, often one with an ace and a jack.
- Face Up 21: Also known as ‘double exposure’ blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are face up. A big advantage, but since you cannot double down after splitting and the dealer always wins on a tie (except with blackjack), this remains a challenging variant.
Playing Online Blackjack on Mobile Devices
Keen to try out these blackjack games but don’t feel like leaving home? Fortunately, all blackjack games in our and other online casinos can be played on mobile devices, such as your smartphone or tablet. This way, you can take a chance wherever you go, whether against a live dealer or not.
Play Free Online Blackjack
If you want to take it easy at first, you can also choose free demo versions of non-live blackjack games. This way, you can practice without betting real money and without any stakes.
Whether you play at Casino777.be or another online sports betting office, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at Casino777.be, the welfare of players is our highest priority. For more information on responsible gambling, visit our page with tips and tools.
