Blackjack Variants

Classic Blackjack

The classic version of Blackjack is extremely simple to understand. Players are dealt two cards each, then the dealer is dealt two cards. The players then have to make a series of choices, whether they want to take another card, split their hand into two hands or just stick with what they have. Once these choices have been made the dealer will go through the same process. The overall aim is to beat the dealer’s score without going over 21. If the dealer goes over 21 and you stay under 21 then you will automatically win. It’s a common misconception that the aim is to get to 21. It’s not. The aim is to beat the dealer. If you beat the dealer, then you’re a winner.

Progressive Blackjack

This is probably the most simple variant of Blackjack to understand. It’s essentially the same game as standard Blackjack. However, there is an additional side bet that can be placed where players can win a progressive jackpot if certain conditions are met. This allows players access to much higher prizes. The condition that has to be met varies depending on the version that you play, so make sure you check out the rules of the game before playing.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a simplified variant of Blackjack. This game, as is obvious from the name, originated in Spain. This is because the original decks of cards in Spain are different to traditional casino decks of cards. In Spanish 21 all of the 10 cards are removed from the deck. This doesn’t mean the face cards that are worth 10, just the card that has the number 10 on it. This reduces the total number of cards in the deck from 52 to 48.

While this might make it seem like a more difficult game, it actually has some other rules to make sure that it’s still fair on the player. Things like early surrender and even the ability to surrender after doubling down are offered when playing Spanish 21.

Pontoon

Pontoon is basically a British version of Spanish 21. The 10s are removed from the deck again. The main difference here is the name of the instructions. Instead of hit and stand players twist and stick instead. It’s another really fun game that offers a slight change to the classic Blackjack game.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch is one of the most innovative and fun versions of Blackjack that there is. When playing this game players are dealt two hands. After the two hands are dealt, the name of the game becomes apparent. Here, players are allowed to switch cards between the two hands. This gives the opportunity to make two good hands out of two bad hands. It includes a lot more strategy than standard Blackjack and requires players to be fully aware of what they are doing. However, if you are a good strategist you can create some fantastic hands when playing this game.

Because it’s slightly easier for players due to the ability to switch cards between the hands, a natural Blackjack pays out 1/1 instead of the usual 3/2. However, if you are a skilled player this slight increase in the house edge will have a marginal impact on you. Blackjack Switch is definitely one of the more fun variants of Blackjack that’s available.

Live dealer Blackjack

Live dealer Blackjack is one of the newer versions of the game that’s on the market. Canadian players who have tried this out in the past will recognize that the rules are similar to a standard game of Blackjack. However, what is different here is that there is a real life dealer to play against. Taking place over an HD video stream, this is the closest you can get to playing Blackjack in a brick and mortar casino without being there. As long as your internet connection is stable, you can enjoy the realest online Blackjack experience that there is with this variant.

Super Fun 21

This is actually very similar to classic Blackjack in terms of its rules. The real changes come with the payouts. A Blackjack will pay out 1/1 instead of 3/2. This might seem like a negative at first, but if you are able to get a Blackjack made up of the diamonds suit then the payout becomes 2/1. On top of this if a player gets a natural Blackjack then this is an automatic win, even if the dealer gets one too. In normal Blackjack this would be a tie, so it is a definite benefit to players.