Blackjack is a game with many variations. Here’s a detailed look at the five most popular types and how they differ from each other.
American Blackjack
American Blackjack, also known as Classic Blackjack, is widely played. A key difference is when the dealer receives their hole card. In American Blackjack, the dealer gets their hole card (the one that stays face down) before the player makes any decisions. This impacts the player’s strategy as they know sooner if the dealer has blackjack. Players can split up to three times and have flexible doubling down rules.
European Blackjack
In European Blackjack, the dealer only gets their hole card after the player has decided how to play their hand. This means players must make decisions without knowing if the dealer has blackjack. European Blackjack has more restrictions, such as only allowing doubling down on totals of 9, 10, or 11, and limiting splits to once per hand. These rules make the game more straightforward.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip Blackjack is named after the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. It follows traditional American Blackjack rules with some variations. The dealer peeks for blackjack when showing an ace or ten-value card. Players can double down on any two cards and split pairs up to three times, making it popular in casinos.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch offers a unique twist by allowing players to play two hands simultaneously. Players can switch the second cards dealt between their two hands, offering more strategic options. This variation also includes different payout rules and a higher house edge, adding a new layer of excitement to the game.
Blackjack Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs is a variation that includes a popular side bet. Before the cards are dealt, players can bet on getting a pair with their first two cards. If the first two cards are of the same value or face card, the side bet wins. This variation adds an extra layer of anticipation and potential reward to the standard game.
Key Differences in Blackjack Games
Different blackjack games vary in several key aspects:
Dealer’s Move on Soft 17
In some versions, the dealer must hit on a soft 17 (a 17 that includes an ace), while in others, the dealer must stand. This affects the strategy for certain hands.
Doubling Down
Rules about doubling down vary. For example, in European Blackjack, players can only double down on totals of 9, 10, or 11. Some versions allow doubling down only to a certain extent, while others offer more flexibility.
Splitting Hands
The number of times a player can split their hand differs across versions. American Blackjack allows up to three splits, creating four hands, while European Blackjack limits players to one split per hand.
