Blackjack is a well-known traditional casino game, and its popularity has grown due to its simplicity and ease of play. The game has become even more popular online with its successful integration into online casinos.
There are more than a hundred variations of blackjack, ranging from the classic American Blackjack to subtle variations that offer additional side bets, increasing the potential for larger profits. Given the range of options that cater to all player preferences, this article explores some of the most popular online blackjack variations players highly favor.
American Blackjack, called Classic or Standard Blackjack, is the same game you find in a land-based casino: Dealer vs. players. Either using one, two, four, six, or eight decks, the main goal of American Blackjack is to outperform the dealer by obtaining a higher point total, getting closer to 21. Players can double their bet on any two cards. Splitting your hand is allowed, meaning players can split up to three times, resulting in four separate hands.
Players can also enjoy live dealer blackjack games for a chance to experience a live casino setting and to play blackjack for real money. Players are immersed in a realistic environment where they can interact with a live dealer stationed at an actual gaming table within a casino studio. The game uses real cards, and various camera angles enhance the viewing experience.
One of the initial adaptations of blackjack was the creation of European Blackjack. Similar to roulette, it was inevitable for a European version of this traditional card game to be introduced. The gameplay of European Blackjack involves the utilization of two decks, each consisting of 52 cards, resulting in a higher advantage for the house.
Players must have a hand value of 17 or above to participate in the game, whereas the dealer must draw another card if they have a hand value of 16 or lower. Unlike other versions, European blackjack only reveals one face-up card for the dealer and does not include a hidden card. The dealer will only receive an additional card once the players have completed their hands and placed their bets.
The European version of the game carries a slightly heightened level of risk as compared to its US counterpart. The main difference lies in the fact that European blackjack typically utilizes 2, 6, or 8 decks of cards. The dealer is not obligated to stand on all 17s, allowing them to opt for a hit if their hand adds up to 17 points or higher.
Progressive Blackjack takes the traditional game to the next level by introducing a side bet that actively contributes to a continuously increasing progressive jackpot. Participants have the option to make an extra wager, providing them with an opportunity to vie for the constantly accumulating jackpot.
Players must typically acquire a specific card combination to win the desired jackpot. For instance, a common requirement might involve obtaining four aces of the same suit. This element brings the game an added thrill and anticipation as participants try to outwit the dealer and aim to attain the challenging jackpot.
Players looking for a traditional gameplay experience and the chance to win a large amount of money often opt for Progressive Blackjack, which adds extra excitement and potential for a lucrative result.
Nevertheless, players must recognize that the likelihood of winning the progressive jackpot is typically minimal, and they should approach the game with a well-balanced mindset that incorporates both enjoyment and the potential to win the jackpot.
Table game innovator Geoff Hall, who is well-known in blackjack, created Free Bet Blackjack, a variation of the game. The key difference compared to traditional blackjack games is that players are not required to put in extra money when they split or double down on their hands. However, there is a catch: the Push 22 rule.
When the dealer’s total reaches 22 without exceeding it, the Push 22 rule deems all player hands to be a tie. This rule is disadvantageous for players as it further raises the house’s advantage. However, the dealer can take additional cards when their hand totals a soft 17; the payout for blackjack is still 3:2 rather than 6:5.
The casino provides complimentary opportunities for players to double their bets on their first hands if the total value is nine, ten, or eleven. In addition, players can divide their paired hands at no cost, excluding hands with pairs of cards worth ten, like tens, jacks, queens, and kings.
Multi-hand Blackjack is a recent adaptation that permits players to engage in multiple hands concurrently. At the start of the game, players can choose the number of hands they wish to play, and certain games even permit up to five hands per round.
The main goal of multi-hand blackjack remains unchanged from traditional blackjack – to outscore the dealer without exceeding 21 on any hand. Multi-hand blackjack offers players additional opportunities to use various strategies and place multiple wagers.
Each player receives two cards that are exposed for each hand, whereas the dealer receives one that is revealed and another that remains hidden. Players can take an additional card, stay with their current hand, increase their bet by double the original amount, or divide their hands into two separate hands.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack, one of the initial versions of blackjack with additional side bets, shares several rules and prerequisites with American Blackjack. However, it stands apart with its unique side bet feature. When players anticipate that their first two cards will have identical values, such as two kings or two sixes, they can place an extra side bet. This side bet pays out at a ratio of 6:1.
If the two cards share not only the same value but also the same color, players can receive payouts at a ratio of 12:1. The most substantial payout of 25:1 is exclusively awarded to those who successfully obtain two cards of the same value, color, and suit, often known as ‘Perfect Pairs’.