Online Blackjack Game Rules

Blackjack 21 is one of the most popular table games in any casino. There are several variations of the game, some easier to play than others. If you’ve been meaning to learn how to play 21, below are the rules that govern the different types of the table game.

Classic Blackjack

This is what most people play out there. Depending on the online casino, players get 1-9 decks. The goal of the game is to produce cards whose value is closest to 21. Both the player and the dealer get two cards facing down per round.

Numbered cards (2-10) hold their numeric value. Face cards like the King, Queen and Jack count as 10 while the ace card is counted as 1 or 11. The ace is counted as 1 if counting it as 11 totals your cards’ value to a number higher than 21.

While the main goal is to hit the number 21, there are several other rules. For example, if a player produces two cards with the same value during the first round, they can choose to start a new bet. This way, they get two chances to beat the dealer. On the other hand, dealers stop drawing their cards if they get a value of 17 or more. They also can’t split their cards nor double their bets.

European Blackjack

Supported by online casinos like 888 casino, Casino Las Vegas and Euro Grand, European blackjack is a popular 21 variation with simple rules. Most European blackjack games use 6 decks but some only use 2 decks. Either way, the bottom line is to beat the dealer at drawing cards whose total score is closest to 21.

The cards hold the same value as any Planet 7 blackjack online game. However, there are some differences. Players can’t split 4s, 5s and 10-valued cards. They can split aces, but receive only one extra card if they choose to start a new bet. Players can also have their insurance bet removed but they cannot surrender to lose half their bets.

Progressive Blackjack

First released by Playtech, the progressive blackjack games allow players to participate in a jackpot through side bets. Rules in these games are similar to those of classic blackjack. However, one of the dealer's cards is usually revealed beforehand.

If a player decides to double down their bet, they can only pick one extra card. Splitting is allowed and so is insurance. However, the dealer pays back at a 2:1 ratio if they hit 21. To win the progressive jackpot, a player must produce four aces in one game. The 21 variation is played with 6 decks, so this is not impossible.

Playtech also rewards players who produce, two three or four aces even if not in the same suit. You earn €25 for two aces from different suits and €100 for aces from the same suit. The reward increased to €250 or €2,500 for three aces of the same suit.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City is one of the biggest casino gaming destinations in the US. And while there aren’t many games named after the city, Atlantic City blackjack is globally recognized. The 21 variation is played with 8 decks and the primary goal is to defeat the dealer without “busting.”

A dealer stands at 17 but they have the right to peek and check if their next card will produce a blackjack hand. Players can double down on two cards and split cards up to 3 times except for aces.

 Still on splitting, players can split 10-valued cards, something most blackjack variations don’t support. They can also surrender to lose half their bets. However, experts advise players not to surrender wisely and only as a way to lower the house edge.

Spanish 21

Based on its name, you can guess where this variation of 21 was invented. Spanish 21 is played with 6-8 decks. It follows most rules used in other blackjack games. However, you won’t find any 10-valued cards here. If both the player and the dealer hits 21, the player wins.

Rules about doubling down, splitting and standing are synonymous with classic blackjack games, and, there may be differences depending on your choice of a casino. Some allow doubling down up to 3 times while others only allow once. You can call surrender after the first two cards and double after a split.

Blackjack Switch

This is one of the newest variations of 21. Invented in 2009 by Geoff Hall, the game involves playing with two hands at a time. A player can also switch the top cards from each hand after the first round. In fact, being able to switch cards is the only reason Hall invented this variation.

Hall believes that switching cards can dramatically increase your odds of winning the game. The rules are simple and straightforward anyway. Place equal bets on two hands. If switching cards after the first round take your total score close to 21, make the switch. You can only switch cards once though, so be careful with your decision.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

Like Atlantic City, the Vegas Strip was inspired by a city—a section of a city to be specific. The game is played using 4 decks. As usual, the goal is to beat the dealer without totaling more than 21 points. The rules are similar to classic blackjack’s rules.

For payouts, you can find either 3:2 or 6:5 ratios. The first payout is always better though. You can double down and split cards. You can also split aces once. However, if you split an ace and hit 21, the result does not count as a blackjack.

To Conclude

If you've played blackjack before and loved it, consider playing some of its popular variations. Sure, most of them only have one different rule. But it's the differences that can help lower the house edge or increase your odds of winning.

The best casinos have at least five blackjack variations. And since most of them offer a free mode, sample a few of them to decide which one you love the most.