Online Blackjack is an exceptionally popular casino game In the United States, so it should not come as a surprise that it has spawned many variants. While all Blackjack variants will follow the same basic rules of Blackjack, each will introduce its own unique twist on the rules to make it a unique experience.
In this Blackjack Variants guide, we will give you a brief overview of some of the most popular versions of Blackjack. With this information, you’ll be able to get an idea of which versions you think you will enjoy. Let’s dive in and have a look at some of the most popular Blackjack variants you can find in the USA!
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Best Blackjack Variants – What Makes them Different?
When it comes to the difference between different variations of Blackjack, the changes can be relatively minor, or more significant. Below is a list of some of the most common areas of the rules tweaked between Blackjack games.
- When the Dealer Must Stand – All versions of Blackjack will state the dealer must stand when their hand is a certain value or higher. This is often 17, but the change can often be whether the dealer holds a Hard or Soft 17. Many Blackjack versions will make the dealer hit when holding a Soft 17, but not always.
- Payout for Blackjack – When you hit 21 with your first two cards (Ace and a 10-value card), this is known as Blackjack and carries a special payout. In most versions, this is 3:2, but this is often changed. Some versions that make the game easier, get rid of this completely and Blackjack pays 1:1, the same as any normal win.
- Doubling Down and Splitting – Many Blackjack variants will have rules around Doubling Down and Splitting. This includes how many times you can split, if you can double down after splitting, and so on.
- Surrender – Some versions of Blackjack allow players to surrender, while others do not.
- Number of Decks – Blackjack variants can change how many decks of cards they use in the shoe. Normally, this is between six and eight, but some variants can even use one.
Popular Online Blackjack Variants USA
Now that you know how developers tweak their Blackjack games, let’s take a look at some of the most popular variants of Blackjack found in the USA.
Single Deck Blackjack
Once upon a time, this was the standard version of Blackjack. As the name suggests, Single Deck Blackjack uses just one deck of 52-cards in the shoe. However, casinos quickly found that this made it to easy to count cards and figure out how many high-value cards remained.
Today, it is a little difficult to find Single Deck Blackjack but it is out there. Landing Blackjack earns you a 6:5 payout, instead of the more traditional 3:2.
Pontoon
Pontoon is a popular variation of Blackjack that is played primarily in the UK and Australia. Unlike traditional Blackjack, in Pontoon, the dealer’s cards are dealt face down, and the players are not allowed to view them until they have completed their hands. The goal of the game is to get a hand with a total value of 21, or as close to 21 as possible, without going over. In Pontoon, the player must have a hand that is equal to or less than 21 to win. A Pontoon hand, which consists of an ace and a ten-value card, is the best possible hand in the game.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure Blackjack is an exciting variant that makes the game much easier for new players. Unlike most versions of the game, where only one of the dealer’s cards can be seen, in Double Exposure Blackjack, you can see both cards. This takes all the guessing out of the equation and makes it much easier to know if you must hit. Because of the easier nature of Double Exposure, Blackjack pays out 1:1, same as any other win.
Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is a variation of the classic game that allows players to make a side bet on whether their first two cards will be a pair. The goal of the game is to get a hand with a total value of 21, or as close to 21 as possible, without going over. If the player’s first two cards are a pair, they win the Perfect Pairs side bet. There are three types of pairs: a perfect pair (two identical cards), a colored pair (two cards of the same color and rank), and a mixed pair (two cards of the same rank, but different colors).
Blackjack Switch
In Blackjack Switch, players are dealt two hands and are allowed to switch the second card of each hand with each other. This gives the player more opportunities to create a winning hand. The goal of the game is to get a hand with a total value of 21, or as close to 21 as possible, without going over. The dealer also has to hit on a soft 17. The payout for a Blackjack in this game is 1:1 instead of the usual 3:2 in traditional Blackjack.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack is similar to traditional Blackjack, with a few notable differences. The dealer is dealt only one card at the start of the game, and they do not receive a second card until all players have completed their hands. Also, players are not allowed to surrender in European Blackjack, which means they must play out their hand to its conclusion. The goal of the game is to get a hand with a total value of 21, or as close to 21 as possible, without going over. If the dealer has a hand with a value of 17 or more, they must stand.