Ultimate List of Blackjack Variations

Blackjack casino games are played quite a lot in both land-based and online casinos primarily because they are believed to have the lowest house edge. After years of playing classic blackjack, casino experts started developing variations of the game to make it more interesting for regular players.

While you can still play classic blackjack games in casinos nowadays, you should be aware of the differences between the conventional game and its latest variations, just in case you decide to spice your gameplay up a bit. In this text, we’ll talk about the most popular variants of blackjack games you can find in almost any casino.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch is one of the most beloved blackjack variations. One of the crucial differences between this game variant and the classic game is that players have to bet on two hands instead of one and have the option to swap the top cards of the two hands they’re dealt. However, the payout ratio is 1:1 rather than the classic 3:2. 

European Blackjack

Two decks of cards are used for the European version of blackjack. While players get two face-up cards, the dealer gets only 1. The other dealer’s card, also known as the hole card is not shown until the player acts. This variation is still one of the most popular blackjack games online.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a game with plenty of blackjack rule variations. Players can double down on any number cards and even after splitting or hitting. Moreover, players can surrender after doubling down, and this move is known as a double down rescue. Aces may be hit and re-split, and there are some extra payouts for hitting a five-card 21.

Many players believe that Spanish 21 has the most player-friendly rules compared to some other blackjack variations. Another thing you should know is that 10’s are removed from the deck in this game, so don’t expect to find them here. However, face cards all have a value of 10 and they are still in play, so there are plenty of opportunities to hit a blackjack.

While this was once known as the best blackjack game in Las Vegas, many players have complained that it can’t be found that often anymore. Yet, there are many online casinos in which you can play Spanish 21 at any time.

Pontoon

The first time you decide to play Pontoon instead of standard blackjack, you might not be sure if you are actually playing the right game. Namely, Pontoon has so many differences in rules compared to the classic game as well as any other variations of blackjack.

To name but a few, you can double down or draw more cards when you split aces, five-card hands win as long as they don’t go over 21, and more. For all these reasons, Pontoon is believed to be one of the most action-heavy blackjack variants.

Free Bet Blackjack

Free Bet Blackjack is one more of the most sought-after blackjack casino games primarily because it offers a variety of moves that can be done for free. For instance, players get free double downs or a free split of any pair that does not equal 20. Moreover, there’s also an option for a free double down after a free split. 

Double Attack Blackjack

Double Attack has borrowed rules from several blackjack variations. For this game, casinos use Spanish 21 decks with no 10s. Most of the other rules are typical but there’s a twist that gives players a chance to boost their investment — a player can choose to double the initial bet after seeing the dealer’s upcard.

Live Dealer Blackjack

One blackjack variant that has received a lot of praise in recent years is Live Dealer Blackjack. Namely, today’s cutting-edge technology has helped every aspect of our lives advance, including online gaming. That’s why today you can play live blackjack games online and feel like you’re in a brick-and-mortar casino.

This is possible thanks to HD cameras set in land-based establishments around the world, where live dealers are waiting for you to start a game through the internet. You can even choose the dealer you like the most and enjoy live blackjack action from the comfort of your couch!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many blackjack variations that can be found in both land-based and online casinos. The ones we have listed here are among the most popular, but variants of this exciting card game keep popping up all the time. You’ll also frequently come across many blackjack games with side bets designed to make the game even more interesting.

If you are more into online gaming, you’ll have live dealer blackjack games at your disposal in almost every online gaming hub. Furthermore, there are numerous operators that launched blackjack games apps you can download and have the game at the tip of your fingers whenever you feel like trying your luck!

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