If you’re a newbie gambler, it’s likely you are not yet familiar with the different casino games out there. Many of these games come in different variants and blackjack is one of them. While the core rules of each blackjack version remain the same, each has unique twists that change the gameplay.
For this reason, this guide will put you through the most common blackjack variations and how to choose the most suitable one for you.
Classic Blackjack
Also known as traditional or American blackjack, Classic blackjack is the standard version most people are familiar with. It is probably the most popular because the game rules are straightforward. First, each player and the dealer receive two cards and the goal is to reach 21 or get closer to it than the dealer without busting. Players can also choose to hit, stand, split pairs or double down under specific conditions.
This version is the best choice for beginners because it follows the standard rules and is available in nearly every USA Blackjack casino. So if you prefer simple gameplay, classic blackjack is the way to go.
European Blackjack
European blackjack is similar to classic blackjack but it has one significant difference. Here, the dealer only receives one card at the start of the game and gets their second card after all players have placed their bets. It’s a seemingly slight change that affects the strategy.
Now players must decide their moves without knowing if the dealer has a strong hand. This variant also increases the house edge a little bit and makes it more challenging than the American counterpart. It however remains a great option for players who enjoy a small twist and increased challenge.
Spanish 21
Another popular variant is Spanish 21 because of its fast pace and favorable player rules. This version introduces new rules, bonus payout and a big difference where the dealer removes all 10-value cards from the deck. As a result, it becomes much harder to form strong hands.
To balance this though, the game offers several bonus payouts for special hands. For instance, a five-card 21 or a six-seven-eight combination gets you an extra prize depending on the online casino. Players also have more flexibility and can double down at any time even after hitting.
For those who enjoy action-packed games with more opportunities to win through bonus payouts, Spanish 21 is an excellent choice. Sure it requires a different approach but the extra features make it more rewarding.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is one of the most unique versions of the game. Instead of receiving only one hand, each player gets two separate hands and the ability to swap the second hand between the two hands. It’s an interesting feature that allows players to improve their chances of winning by making strategic switches.
However, there’s a catch. This variation balances the rule by giving the dealer a push instead of a loss when his hand equals 22. These rule adjustments may seem minor but they have enough impact to cause players to adjust their strategies.
Double Exposure Blackjack
As the name suggests, double exposure blackjack is a variant that involves both of the dealer’s cards dealt face-up. This is much different from the traditional version where the dealer has only one card face-up. At first glance, this might seem like a huge advantage for the player but there are rule changes to balance things out.
For instance, the dealer always wins whenever there’s a tie except for a natural blackjack. Another rule adjustment is that a winning hand pays even money instead of the standard 3:2 payout.
If you choose Double Exposure, make sure you sharpen your skill because any little mistake goes in favor of the casino. Barring this, it is a great choice for players who prefer making decisions based on complete information.
How to Choose the Right Blackjack Variant
With so many variations of blackjack available, choosing the right one depends on your preferences and playing style. You can use the following tips as a guide to help you choose:
- As a beginner, start with Classic or European blackjack because of their simplicity and availability
- If you like strategy and control, try Blackjack Switch or Double Exposure Blackjack
- If you want excitement and bonuses, go for Spanish 21, which offers extra payouts and special rules
Conclusion
From all we’ve shared, it’s clear that there’s a blackjack style for everyone regardless of your preferences. The interesting thing is that this isn’t even all the existing variations out there; these are only the most popular ones. So feel free to explore if you want to learn more about other blackjack variants.
More importantly, try a few different versions to determine which one you like best and see which one feels the most enjoyable. Good luck.