Blackjack is a very popular casino game, both in its brick-and-mortar capacity and its online one. We’ve been enjoying some version of it for more than 300 years now, which tells you something!
While the classic version of 21 remains one of the most played, there are actually numerous variations of Blackjack available nowadays. Each one has its own unique set of advantages, and the good news is that, once you have a handle on the basics of Blackjack, you’ll be able to enjoy the many different versions of it with ease.
Atlantic City Blackjack
The dealer in an Atlantic City Blackjack game has to keep drawing cards until their hand is worth at least 17 points. You’ll be paid out for winning card combinations at the end of each round at a rate of 1:1 unless you total 21. In this case, you’ll be paid out at 3:2. Draws push.
European Blackjack
In European Blackjack games, the dealer receives one card facing-up but may not look at the second, face-down card until all players have made their decisions about the game.
Single Deck Blackjack
It’s all in the name in Single Deck Blackjack games, which are played with 1 deck of 52 cards as opposed to variations of 21 that involve 4, 6, or even 8 decks. The house edge for Single Deck Blackjack is therefore much lower, 0.15%, in comparison to multi-deck games where it ranges from between 0.46% and 0.65%.
For obvious reasons, this online Blackjack real money variant is a firm favourite with players.
Spanish 21
In standard Blackjack games, if the player and the dealer both get to 21, bets push. In Spanish 21, however, the player will win automatically if this happens. This rule extends to if both you and the dealer get Blackjack, too. Another big difference is that, in Spanish 21, players can Double Down anytime.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
You can Double Down after any initial hand in Vegas Strip Blackjack. You can also Split as many as 4 hands and Doubling Down after Splitting is allowed. You can Double on any total, too.
Make Your Way to 21
Playing Blackjack is one thing, mastering it another entirely. Becoming an expert in Blackjack begins with understanding what the house edge is and recognising its effect on your game. Another vital aspect is learning Basic Strategy.
This can be defined as a set of guidelines that show you the best way to play every possible hand dealt you when the only information available is what you’re holding and the dealer’s facing up card. Think of it as the mathematically correct way to play every hand.
Applying Basic Strategy over time will see you maximising your wins and minimising losses. Because Blackjack has a fixed set of rules, it’s subject to mathematical analysis and predicting outcomes is possible.
The low house edge and fact that Blackjack outcomes are not as reliant on luck as other casino games makes it so popular. Shore up on your knowledge of Basic Strategy, choose a variation that interests you, and see if you can create a hand totalling 21 the next time you’re in the mood for a great game.
