European blackjack is one of the most popular blackjack variants played in land-based and online casinos across the globe. It’s also considered to be the game from which most other blackjack formats are derived, including Vegas Strip and Atlantic City.
European blackjack is played pretty much the same as standard blackjack, except for a couple of rule changes. In this article, we’ll explain in detail how European blackjack is played, as well as provide you with a couple of tips and tricks that could help you beat the dealer.
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European Blackjack Rules: The Basics
European blackjack is played with six 52-card decks. Much like other blackjack variants, the game is played against the dealer. Essentially, the goal is to beat the dealer by having a total card value of 21 or a total as close as possible to that number.
If the value of the player’s hand exceeds 21, the player has busted and lost the game. The card values in European blackjack are fundamentally the same as in other blackjack variants:
- Face cards — All worth 10 points
- Aces — Worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which number suits the player the most
- Number cards (2-10) — Face value of the card
The game of European blackjack begins with the dealer dealing two cards — both facedown. Then the dealer gets one faceup card and receives the other card once the player has played their hand. This is called the European no hole blackjack rule and it says the dealer can take his hole card only after players have made their move.
Gameplay
If the player gets dealt a blackjack, they will get paid immediately, provided that the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, too. If the dealer also has a blackjack from the first two cards, that is called a push, which means that neither side wins, and the players will get their initial stake back.
Assuming that you don’t have a blackjack, you are left with several options:
- Hit — Ask for another card. You can keep hitting until you go bust or decide to stand. Dealers are required to hit on a soft 17.
- Stand — Keep the existing cards and end your turn. You should only do this if you’re confident that your hand is better than the dealer’s.
- Double down — Double your bet. You can only double down on hands with a value of 9,10, and 11.
- Split — If you are dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands. If you choose this option, your bet will be doubled because you will be playing two hands instead of one.
- Insurance — This is a unique side bet you can use if the dealer’s faceup card is the ace. If the dealer turns out to have a blackjack, you get paid 2:1.
Once you select one of these options, the dealer will receive his hole card and one of the three scenarios can happen:
- The dealer bust; the players win the money.
- The dealer doesn’t bust; the player’s and the dealer’s hand are compared. The one who has a total closer to 21 wins.
- If both sides have equal hands, then the game is pushed and the players will get their initial stake back.
European Blackjack vs US Blackjack
There are a couple of differences between European and US blackjack. The first one is seen in the manner in which the cards are dealt. In US blackjack, the dealer receives one faceup and one facedown card at the beginning of the round. In European blackjack, the dealer receives one faceup card and then another card only when the player has made their move.
Another difference between the two blackjack versions is that European blackjack is played with two or six decks while American blackjack uses between six and eight.
Finally, there are some notable differences related to the types of bets allowed. In American blackjack, players are allowed to surrender and give away only half of their stake if they believe that they have little chance of winning. This option is not available in European blackjack.
European Blackjack House Edge
European blackjack has a house edge of 0.40%, which is 0.05% higher than the house edge in American blackjack. This means that, in the long run, American blackjack is slightly advantageous for players. Still, the house edge in European blackjack is still significantly lower than those of slots, roulette games, and craps.
European Blackjack Basic Strategy
Blackjack is predominantly a game of chance, but there are a couple of ways to increase your chances of winning. Below, we’ve listed three tips that could help you out:
- Learn how the rules differ. Although the core principle is the same in all blackjack variations, there are several notable differences between European and other blackjack types. It’s vital to be aware of these differences, as that can increase your chances of success.
- Learn the optimal strategy. High-skill players always know what move to make depending on the cards they have been dealt. Only if you use the optimal blackjack strategy, can you hope to beat the dealer.
- Practise the game for free. There are several platforms where you can hone your European blackjack skills. These are fantastic for beginners who can learn the ropes of the game and practice different strategies before playing the game for real money.
Get In On the European Online Blackjack Action
Much like its other variants, European blackjack is a game that requires both luck and skill. There are several differences in terms of rules and betting options between European and other forms of blackjack, but these are relatively simple to learn.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the fundamentals of the game. Now, it’s time to test your newly acquired knowledge in a real-money blackjack online casino!
FAQ
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What is the payout in European blackjack?
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Is European blackjack better than other variants?
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Does the dealer always stand on soft 17 in European blackjack?
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Where can I play European blackjack?