This comprehensive article will discuss the various blackjack variations available online. Read on to discover which one could be the best for you to play.
Most Popular Blackjack Variants
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games available at Indian casinos and around the world. Though American Blackjack, known as Classic Blackjack, is one of the most widely played blackjack variants, other versions are worth paying attention to.
Even though the concept of reaching 21 but not going over it is the same in all variations, some rules can change.
Although not all Indian casinos offer these variations, it’s better to know about them to see which may pique your interest, along with the different Blackjack strategies you can adopt.
Here is a list of the most popular types of blackjack you can encounter online.
1. American (Classic) Blackjack
Without a doubt, American Blackjack is the most played variant and available at most casinos – both online and offline. The rules of the classic game are simple: each player gets two cards, and they play against the casino dealer.
The American Blackjack comes with several rules to follow:
- A player can double down or spit their hand into two separate hands
- The decks of cards used differ based on the casino, affecting the house advantage. The more cards decks in use, the higher the house edge
- The blackjack dealer takes their hole card (checks the card) before the player makes any decision
2. European Blackjack
European Blackjack is the second most popular blackjack variant in the world. While it’s similar to American Blackjack, there are slight rule differences.
Players can only double down on hands of 9, 10, or 11 points. The dealer stands on soft 17 but does not peek for blackjack (21). Additionally, you can only split once with a hand worth 10 points.
3. Vegas Strip Blackjack
Another popular blackjack variant is Vegas Strip Blackjack. The game is played using four decks of cards. Like other blackjack versions, the goal is to get a high hand total without exceeding 21. However, in this version, the dealer stands on soft 17 and peeks for blackjack. The game has more options for players:
- Doubling down on any hand or even after splitting is allowed
- Players can split a total of four hands, but you can only split an ace once
- It pays 3 to 2, but some games can payout 5 to 2
4. Progressive Blackjack
A Progressive Blackjack variant is similar to American Blackjack, and it follows the traditional rules. However, it comes with a progressive jackpot. A particular portion of a players’ bets, including side bets, is contributed to this jackpot until a player wins. The jackpot is usually between $10,000 and $50,000, or even more..
5. Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack is not so different from the classic version of the game. The dealer can stand on soft 17 and peeks for blackjack. Additionally, a player can double down on two cards and split up to three times.
Unlike European Blackjack, the Atlantic City variation allows players to split an ace once, and only one card can be dealt for this to happen. In addition, players can surrender late in this blackjack version.
6. Multi-Hand Blackjack
Multi-Hand Blackjack is among the most interesting versions of the game. While the hand limit can vary, you can usually play up to five hands at once. With this, players have a greater chance of beating the dealer and scoring high payouts.
In addition, you can split to create more hands and double down on any of them. Though the rules can vary, Multi-Hand Blackjack usually follows traditional blackjack rules.
7. Double Exposure Blackjack
In this blackjack version, the dealer receives two upcards to start with, which is a great advantage to players. However, Double Exposure Blackjack has a higher house edge than standard blackjack, which might not be a good deal for Indian players.
Besides that, the dealer wins a tie, except if it’s a natural blackjack. Players’ natural blackjack pays even money, and you can only split once. While the game has a higher house edge, it does offer the potential to win.
8. Single Deck Blackjack
As the name suggests, a Single Deck Blackjack variant is played with a single deck of 52 cards. It offers the lowest house edge among other versions, around 0.15%. However, the casino tries to balance the low house edge by paying out 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2. This raises the house advantage to 1.45%.
9. Blackjack Switch
Another popular blackjack variant, Blackjack Switch allows gamblers to get two hands to play separately. What differentiates Blackjack Switch from other variants is that you can switch cards between hands. In addition, you can sell or buy cards to make your hand stronger. While this can increase your winning chances significantly, it costs additional money.
10. Super Fun 21
Super Fun 21 has a lot in common with classic blackjack. You’ll win in this blackjack regardless of the dealer’s hand if you have a total hand of 20 across six or more cards.
The game is famous for its thrilling action, and it uses the same traditional format with a single card deck. The game pays out 3 to 2 but can payout 2 to 1 if you hit a natural blackjack in diamonds.
11. Pontoon
This is a version of the blackjack variant Spanish 21. Two to eight players can participate in the game. In Pontoon, players receive one face-down card and need to set a wager. Then they can look at their hands after receiving another one.
The best hand in the game is 21, containing a ten and an ace. The second best hand is the Five Card Trick – it’s a five-card hand, and it must total 21 or less. Pontoon and Five Card Trick hands win over other three-card hands.
12. Perfect Pairs Blackjack
This blackjack variant is prevalent at most Indian online casinos. The game is based on the Perfect Pairs side bet. In this version, many winning options are available depending on your first two cards and the amount of side bet placed.
While the game offers a higher winning potential, Indian players should keep the high house edge in mind. The game rules are simple; you win in this version if your first two cards are a pair. Otherwise, you lose, and the traditional rules continue.
13. Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is another exciting blackjack variant that you’ll find in most Indian casinos. The significant difference in this version is that players always win by getting a blackjack, even if the dealer gets a blackjack. Another difference is that all the 10 cards are excluded from the deck – this makes getting a blackjack a daunting task for players.
Spanish 21 is played with six to eight decks of cards. It also comes with specific rules: players can double down on their first two cards or after splitting.
You can try most of these Blackjack Variants for free on BC.Game, Casumo, and other online casinos.
Which Blackjack Variation Should You Choose?
One of the difficult decisions to make as an Indian blackjack player is choosing the best variation for you. You need to consider some factors before making your decision. The game’s goal is the same – beating the dealer without going over 21. However, each Blackjack variant’s rules may differ.
If you’re looking for a high payout, then a game with side bets is the perfect option. In addition, blackjack variants with a lower house edge are a good option for Indian players.
You should also consider the gameplay when choosing a variant. Some blackjack rules set players against each other while some focus on the casino dealer’s hand. Indian players should also consider the odds, payouts and rules.
Learn more about this classic card game, check out our Online Blackjack India page.
Blackjack variants with the lowest house edge
Aside from the rules variation, each blackjack variant comes with a different house edge. So you need to consider this before choosing the game that best suits you. The table below shows blackjack variants with the lowest house edge.
| Variant | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 0.35% |
| European Blackjack | 0.39% |
| Multi-Hand Blackjack | 0.63% |
| Double Exposure Blackjack | 0.69% |
| Single Deck Blackjack | 0.58% |
| Blackjack Switch | 0.17% |
| Super Fun 21 | 1.30% |
| Pontoon | 0.39% |
| Perfect Pairs Blackjack | 0.42% |
| Spanish 21 | 0.38% |
Blackjack variations that payout the most
One of the reasons why blackjack is so popular among online casinos is its high payouts. These variants come with a low house advantage. Below are some blackjack versions that payout the most.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch allows you to play two hands simultaneously, offering you a better chance to win the dealer. It has a high RTP of 99.87%.
Pontoon
Pontoon offers multiple options for Indian players to win. Players can double down on hands of 2, 3, or 4, and you can also split. It comes with a high RTP of 99.70%
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 offers a bonus payout if a player hits 21 on five cards, straight of 6-7-8, and triple sevens. It offers an RTP of 99.58%.
The best variants to try when you’re new to a casino
If you’re a beginner, you should get familiar with the classic blackjack before getting started. The rules are simple and easy to grasp. Here are some blackjack versions that you can try out as a beginner:
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip Blackjack offers players more options. You can split up to four hands and double down after splitting.
Single Deck Blackjack
New Indian blackjack gamblers should play variants with a low house edge. Single Deck Blackjack offers the lowest house advantage among other variants. This gives beginners a better winning chance.
European Blackjack
Beginners should try out European blackjack once they get the hang of American Blackjack. In European Blackjack, dealers don’t peek for blackjack.
Types of Blackjack to Play if You’re a Pro
An excellent way to perfect your blackjack skills is to build a strong foundation in American Blackjack. You need to practice the game well to become a professional player. Here are some blackjack variants to try out if you’re a pro.
Multi-Hand Blackjack
Multi-Hand Blackjack allows you to play up to five hands simultaneously, giving you a better chance to beat the dealer.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
If you’re a pro player with a good blackjack strategy, you can try out Perfect Pairs Blackjack. Though it comes with a high odds and house edge, the payout is also huge.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch allows you to play with two different hands. The exciting part is that you can switch cards between the two hands, giving you a better chance at winning.
Progressive Blackjack
The Progressive Blackjack has a progressive jackpot for Indian pro blackjack players to enjoy. However, remember that it requires having a huge bankroll.
Blackjack Variations You Should Avoid
Whether you are a novice or a pro player, we recommend that you avoid games with a high house edge. Here are some blackjack variants that you should avoid.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is one of the variants that you should avoid. Though players can also always win with blackjack, the rules exclude all 10-value cards from the decks. This makes it difficult to hit a natural blackjack.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
If you don’t have a huge bankroll, then you should avoid wagering on this blackjack variant, as the house edge is high.
So Many Blackjack Variants, and So Little Time
Blackjack is not a game of just luck – you have to have the skill to win at the table. If you’re a beginner, you can start by playing easier or classic versions of Blackjacks. You can play the demo mode for free, and practice before wagering real money. For a premium, immersive experience, you can head over to the live dealer games and start winning!