The Complete Guide To Blackjack Variants
Blackjack is a popular casino table game with simple rules, straightforward strategies, and entertaining gameplay. Beloved by both new and seasoned players, this classic card game has evolved, and numerous blackjack variants are now available.
Explore the top 10 blackjack variants to play online and use our tips to find the ones that best suit your gaming preferences. Using our comparison table, you can also compare different versions of blackjack and potential payouts.
What is Classic Blackjack?
Before diving into the different blackjack variants, it’s useful to learn about the foundation upon which they are all built. In order words, we should learn about classic blackjack, which is sometimes referred to as American Blackjack.
This version features the traditional rules of the card game. Its main objective is creating a hand as close to as 21 without going bust, but to win, your hand must also beat the dealer. Playing involves taking one or more actions and combining strategy with the luck of the draw.
In classic blackjack, the dealer must stand on a hand totalling 17 or more and the maximum payout is 3:2. To win this prize, your hole cards must be an A and a 10-value card, a combination known as a Blackjack. Any other win pays evenly, or 1:1.
Top 10 Blackjack Variants to Play Online
Once you’ve learnt how to play blackjack in its classic form, you can explore popular variants that feature slightly different rules, potentially higher payouts, or altered player gameplay.
1. Single Deck Blackjack
Most players who have mastered the basics of classic blackjack first move on to Single Deck Blackjack. This variant is available at many top blackjack casinos and, as its name suggests, is played with a single 52-card deck instead of the six to eight decks used in the classic version.
Played at land-based casinos, Single Deck Blackjack makes card counting easier. Online, however, the deck is shuffled after each round, making this strategy ineffective.
The rules of Single Deck Blackjack are generally the same, though there might be restrictions on re-splitting As or when you can double down. Nevertheless, due to the single deck, the game’s house edge can be as low as 0.15% with optimum play.
Here are the top characteristics of Single Deck Blackjack:
- Key rules: Played with a single deck of cards.
- House edge: About 0.15% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Players who enjoy strategy and card counting.
2. Blackjack Surrender
This is one of the main variants of blackjack that offer the optional surrender action. You can take this action after receiving your hole cards. By surrendering, you forfeit the game but receive half your Ante wager back, thus minimising losses from weak hands.
Used strategically, surrender can protect your bankroll and allow you to focus on games where you’ve got good odds of winning. However, you must use it carefully as surrendering too often will still deplete your bankroll.
Most blackjack variants with surrender offer late surrender, which means that you can only take this action after the dealer checks for Blackjack. Games with early surrender allow you to forfeit your hand before the dealer checks.
Here are the top characteristics of Blackjack Surrender:
- Key rules: Players can forfeit half their bet to surrender a hand.
- House edge: About 0.54% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Risk-averse players who prefer to limit losses with weak hands.
3. European Blackjack
European Blackjack is a popular and common variant found in both land-based and online casinos in the UK. One of its unique features is that the dealer only receives the second hole card after players complete their hands.
This version doesn’t usually include the option to surrender, and like in the classic version, the dealer must stand with both a soft and hard 17. You can usually double down on all hands, though some tables limit this action to hands totalling 9, 10, or 11.
Played carefully and using an appropriate blackjack chart, European Blackjack can have a return to player (RTP) percentage of over 99.5%. This is far higher than the vast majority of slot games and most other online casino games.
Here are the top characteristics of European Blackjack:
- Key rules: The dealer does not take a second card before all players act.
- House edge: About 0.57% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Players who enjoy using basic strategy and are generally cautious.
4. Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack is one of the land-based and online blackjack variants which feature the option to surrender. The game typically uses eight decks and the dealer must stand on soft 17.
In Atlantic City Blackjack, you can split pairs up to three times per game, but As can only be split once. Moreover, you can double down on any hand, including a split.
Atlantic City Blackjack’s house edge is about 0.5% if you use a basic blackjack strategy and chart on every round. The surrender option gives you a way to minimise losses when your hand is weak while the dealer’s requirement to stand on 17 gives you slightly more ways to win.
Here are the top characteristics of Atlantic City Blackjack:
- Key rules: Late surrender allowed and the dealer must also stand on soft 17.
- House edge: About 0.50% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Players who like classic blackjack but want better odds of winning.
5. Blackjack Switch
In Blackjack Switch, you can play two hands per round and switch the second card between hands. This version gives you more control and flexibility but compensates by making the dealer busts with 22 a push instead of a loss. In some cases winning with a Blackjack is an exception.
Just like in the classic game, Blackjack Switch is normally played with between six and eight decks. The player must place two equal bets to play both hands and the dealer must hit on a soft 17 and stand on a hard 17.
Winning Blackjack Switch always pays evenly, even if you win with a Blackjack. Furthermore, splitting is allowed, but most games limit it to once per hand.
Here are the top characteristics of Blackjack Switch:
- Key rules: Switching second cards between hands is allowed and dealer’s 22 is a push.
- House edge: About 0.58% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Experienced players looking for more challenging gameplay.
6. Spanish 21
Spanish 21 stands out from other top blackjack variants by removing all 10s from the decks. Face cards, namely Ks, Qs, and Js, are kept in the deck and retain a value of 10 points. This means that the number of cards is low and each deck has 48 cards instead of the standard 52.
This feature makes it far harder to achieve a Blackjack but is compensated by more liberal rules. In Spanish 21, you can surrender after doubling down and the player’s Blackjack always wins, even if the dealer is also holding a Blackjack.
Winning hands with a Blackjack pays 3:2, just like the classic game. Moreover, all other wins pay 1 to 1. There are also additional bonus payouts available, such as having specific hand combinations, including 5-card, 6-card, or 7-card 21s.
Here are the top characteristics of Spanish 21:
- Key rules: No 10s in the deck, player Blackjack always wins, and surrender after doubling down is permitted.
- House edge: About 0.40% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Bonus-seeking and adventurous players.
7. Double Exposure Blackjack
In Double Exposure Blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, giving players a better indication of what they are up against. However, to counter this feature, this variant only pays evenly and the dealer wins all ties except those with natural Blackjacks.
There are other more subtle differences between Double Exposure Blackjack and classic Blackjack. There’s no insurance bet in this variant and doubling down may be restricted to hands with totals of 9, 10, or 11.
Moreover, on some tables, it’s not possible to get a natural Blackjack after a split. In such instances, winning the game will pay 1:1.
Here are the top characteristics of Double Exposure Blackjack:
- Key rules: Both dealer cards are dealt face-up and dealer wins all ties except those with a natural Blackjack.
- House edge: About 0.67% with perfect strategy.
- Best for: Players willing to trade more information for lower odds.
8. Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is one of the popular Blackjack variants that include optional side bets. For the most part, the game is identical to classic blackjack and has the same rules and gameplay. The main difference is that you can place one or more optional side bets alongside your Ante wager.
To win a Perfect Pairs side bet, your first two hole cards must form a pair. If they are the same rank but different colour, better known as a Mixed Pair, the payout is 5:1. If they are the same rank, the same colour, but a different suit, also known as a Coloured Pair, the payout is 12:1.
Two cards that have the same rank and suit are a Perfect Pair and they pay 30:1. In addition to this side bet, Perfect Pairs Blackjack may also offer the 21+3 side bet as well as others, such as Easy Match and Super 7s.
Here are the top characteristics of Perfect Pairs Blackjack:
- Key rules: Optional side bets which are independent of the outcome of the main game.
- House edge: Over 13% for Perfect Pairs side bet.
- Best for: Players looking for added excitement and higher win potential.
9. Pontoon
Pontoon is commonly referred to as British Blackjack and features a twist in gameplay since both the dealer’s cards are hidden. In addition, players can only stand once their hand has a minimum value of 15 points.
In Pontoon Blackjack, players will automatically stand if they’ve got a five-card hand. Hitting is possible at any stage, even after doubling down, and the dealer hits up to a soft 17. Moreover, the dealer wins on a push and must stand on a five-card hand.
Pontoon payouts are similar to those of classic Blackjack, except if you win with a Pontoon. In this case, your prize is 2:1 instead of 3:2. This prize is also awarded if you win with a five-card hand.
Here are the top characteristics of Pontoon:
- Key rules: Both dealer cards are dealt face down and a player must hit below 16.
- House edge: 0.38% with perfect strategy
- Best for: Players who enjoy faster gameplay and are looking for a twist to the classic game.
10. Quantum Blackjack
Quantum Blackjack is one of the top blackjack variants of live casino games but is also available in a virtual format. This game is based on classic blackjack but offers bonus payouts on certain hands.
In a live dealer setting, all participating players play the same hand according to their strategies and preferences. The virtual format is single-player but follows the same gameplay.
At the start of a new round, between one and three cards are randomly chosen and assigned multipliers. If one or more of the multiplier cards are present in your hand and you win the game, your payout will be boosted accordingly.
Here are the top characteristics of Quantum Blackjack:
- Key rules: Multipliers can boost payouts on eligible hands.
- House edge: 0.53% with perfect strategy
- Best for: Players looking for enhanced gameplay with the potential to win bonus payouts.
Comparing the Most Popular Blackjack Variants in the UK
Get a better understanding of the key characteristics of the leading variants of blackjack through the following table.
| Game | Decks Used | Dealer Rules | Unique Features | House Edge | Maximum Payout |
| Classic Blackjack | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | None | 0.50% | 3:2 |
| Single Deck Blackjack | 1 | Hits on soft 17, stands on hard 17 | Game is played with a single deck | 0.15% | 3:2 |
| Blackjack Surrender | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | Option to surrender and forfeit half the bet | 0.54% | 3:2 |
| European Blackjack | 1 – 2 | Stands on 17 | No hole card for the dealer until players act | 0.57% | 3:2 |
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | Late surrender allowed | 0.50% | 3:2 |
| Blackjack Switch | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | Players can switch second cards between two hands | 0.58% | 1:1 |
| Spanish 21 | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | No 10s in the decks | 0.40% | 3:2 + bonuses for certain hands |
| Double Exposure Blackjack | 6 – 8 | Wins on ties, except natural blackjack | Both dealer cards are exposed and no insurance or surrender options | 0.67% | 1:1 |
| Perfect Pairs Blackjack | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | Optional side bets available | Over 13% with side bets | Up to 30:1 from Perfect Pairs bet |
| Pontoon | 6 – 8 | Cards are hidden and must hit on soft 17 or lower | Players must hit on 15 or less | 0.38% | 2:1 |
| Quantum Blackjack | 6 – 8 | Stands on 17 | Multipliers on random cards | 0.53% | 50:1 |
Top Tips For Choosing The Right Blackjack Variants
All online blackjack variants found on reputable sites are fair and tested by independent labs, such as eCogra or iTech Labs. This means that they provide the same random results you would get if you were playing at a land-based establishment.
Playing online gives you access to a wider range of blackjack variants that you can access from your desktop or mobile device. The following tips should help you play the right ones for you.
Consider The House Edge
The odds of winning a blackjack game are far better than baccarat or roulette odds, especially if you always use optimum strategies. However, there is a difference in the house edge of different blackjack variants.
By simply playing Pontoon instead of Double Exposure Blackjack, for example, you are lowering the house edge by about 0.29%. The lower the house edge is, the higher the likelihood of winning.
Check Out Rule Variations
Every variant of blackjack features at least one different rule to the classic game. If you prefer simpler and more traditional gameplay, the classic version, Single Deck Blackjack, or Blackjack Surrender are probably best.
However, if you are looking for more adventurous gameplay, you may wish to explore Blackjack Switch, Quantum Blackjack, or Double Exposure Blackjack.
Live Dealer Or Virtual Gameplay?
Leading live casino sites in the UK offer both virtual and live formats for many table games, including blackjack. However, certain blackjack variants might only be available in either format, so you need to consider how you wish to play.
Relative beginners tend to prefer virtual gameplay since they can take their time. Live gameplay is usually quicker so as not to keep players waiting but also offers enhanced realism and the ability to interact with the dealer and participants.
Evaluate Potential Payouts And Risk
Most blackjack variants offer similar maximum payouts and risk. However, several games, including Perfect Pairs Blackjack, offer optional side bets with significantly higher payouts. While tempting, these payouts also have high house edges, so are much riskier than the main game.
You can sometimes offset part of the risk of placing side bets by taking advantage of online casino bonuses. Some of these bonuses are suitable for either live or virtual table games and provide matched bonuses, cashback, or casino chips that extend your bankroll.
Gamble Responsibly And Have Fun
While it offers a more strategy-based way to play, blackjack is ultimately a game of chance and there is no way to guarantee winning a game. No matter which variant you play, you should always practice safer gambling by limiting your bets to what you afford to lose.
Gambling online is designed as a form of entertainment and using limits on session times or deposits can help you manage your activity better. By gambling responsibly, you can protect yourself from addiction and focus on using strategy to try and beat the dealer’s hand.
FAQs
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Resources
- https://ecogra.org/product-certification/
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/safer-gambling
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