Best for: <\/strong>Experienced players looking for more challenging gameplay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n6. Spanish 21<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Blackjack always wins, even if the dealer is also holding a Blackjack.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here are the top characteristics of Spanish 21:<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/svg> Key rules: <\/strong><\/strong>No 10s in the deck, player Blackjack always wins, and surrender after doubling down is permitted.<\/li>\n<\/svg> House edge: <\/strong>About 0.40% with perfect strategy.<\/li>\n<\/svg> Best for: <\/strong>Bonus-seeking and adventurous players.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n7. Double Exposure Blackjack<\/h3>\n In Double Exposure Blackjack, both of the dealer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
There are other more subtle differences between Double Exposure Blackjack and classic Blackjack. There\u2019s no insurance bet in this variant and doubling down may be restricted to hands with totals of 9, 10, or 11.<\/p>\n
Moreover, on some tables, it\u2019s not possible to get a natural Blackjack after a split. In such instances, winning the game will pay 1:1.<\/p>\n
Here are the top characteristics of Double Exposure Blackjack:<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/svg> Key rules: <\/strong><\/strong>Both dealer cards are dealt face-up and dealer wins all ties except those with a natural Blackjack.<\/li>\n<\/svg> House edge: <\/strong>About 0.67% with perfect strategy.<\/li>\n<\/svg> Best for: <\/strong>Players willing to trade more information for lower odds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n8. Perfect Pairs Blackjack<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here are the top characteristics of Perfect Pairs Blackjack:<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/svg> Key rules: <\/strong><\/strong>Optional side bets which are independent of the outcome of the main game.<\/li>\n<\/svg> House edge: <\/strong>Over 13% for Perfect Pairs side bet.<\/li>\n<\/svg> Best for: <\/strong>Players looking for added excitement and higher win potential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n9. Pontoon<\/h3>\n Pontoon is commonly referred to as British Blackjack and features a twist in gameplay since both the dealer\u2019s cards are hidden. In addition, players can only stand once their hand has a minimum value of 15 points.<\/p>\n
In Pontoon Blackjack, players will automatically stand if they\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here are the top characteristics of Pontoon:<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/svg> Key rules: <\/strong><\/strong>Both dealer cards are dealt face down and a player must hit below 16.<\/li>\n<\/svg> House edge: <\/strong>0.38% with perfect strategy<\/li>\n<\/svg> Best for: <\/strong>Players who enjoy faster gameplay and are looking for a twist to the classic game.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n10. Quantum Blackjack<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here are the top characteristics of Quantum Blackjack:<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/svg> Key rules: <\/strong><\/strong>Multipliers can boost payouts on eligible hands.<\/li>\n<\/svg> House edge: <\/strong>0.53% with perfect strategy<\/li>\n<\/svg> Best for: <\/strong>Players looking for enhanced gameplay with the potential to win bonus payouts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\nComparing the Most Popular Blackjack Variants in the UK<\/h2>\n Get a better understanding of the key characteristics of the leading variants of blackjack through the following table.<\/p>\n
\n
\n\n\nGame<\/strong><\/td>\nDecks Used<\/strong><\/td>\nDealer Rules<\/strong><\/td>\nUnique Features<\/strong><\/td>\nHouse Edge<\/strong><\/td>\nMaximum Payout<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nClassic Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n None<\/td>\n 0.50%<\/td>\n 3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSingle Deck Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/td>\n Hits on soft 17, stands on hard 17<\/td>\n Game is played with a single deck<\/td>\n 0.15%<\/td>\n 3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBlackjack Surrender<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n Option to surrender and forfeit half the bet<\/td>\n 0.54%<\/td>\n 3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nEuropean Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n1 – 2<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n No hole card for the dealer until players act<\/td>\n 0.57%<\/td>\n 3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nAtlantic City Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n Late surrender allowed<\/td>\n 0.50%<\/td>\n 3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBlackjack Switch<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n Players can switch second cards between two hands<\/td>\n 0.58%<\/td>\n 1:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSpanish 21<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n No 10s in the decks<\/td>\n 0.40%<\/td>\n 3:2 + bonuses for certain hands<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nDouble Exposure Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Wins on ties, except natural blackjack<\/td>\n Both dealer cards are exposed and no insurance or surrender options<\/td>\n 0.67%<\/td>\n 1:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPerfect Pairs Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n Optional side bets available<\/td>\n Over 13% with side bets<\/td>\n Up to 30:1 from Perfect Pairs bet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPontoon<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Cards are hidden and must hit on soft 17 or lower<\/td>\n Players must hit on 15 or less<\/td>\n 0.38%<\/td>\n 2:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nQuantum Blackjack<\/strong><\/td>\n6 – 8<\/td>\n Stands on 17<\/td>\n Multipliers on random cards<\/td>\n 0.53%<\/td>\n 50:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nTop Tips For Choosing The Right Blackjack Variants<\/h2>\n All online blackjack variants found on reputable sites are fair and tested by independent labs, such as eCogra<\/a> or iTech Labs. This means that they provide the same random results you would get if you were playing at a land-based establishment.<\/p>\nPlaying 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.<\/p>\n
Consider The House Edge<\/h3>\n The odds of winning a blackjack game are far better than baccarat or roulette odds<\/a>, especially if you always use optimum strategies. However, there is a difference in the house edge of different blackjack variants.<\/p>\nBy 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.<\/p>\n
Check Out Rule Variations<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n
However, if you are looking for more adventurous gameplay, you may wish to explore Blackjack Switch, Quantum Blackjack, or Double Exposure Blackjack.<\/p>\n
Live Dealer Or Virtual Gameplay?<\/h3>\n Leading live casino sites in the UK<\/a> 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.<\/p>\nRelative 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.<\/p>\n
Evaluate Potential Payouts And Risk<\/h3>\n 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.<\/p>\n
You can sometimes offset part of the risk of placing side bets by taking advantage of online casino bonuses<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\nGamble Responsibly And Have Fun<\/h3>\n 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<\/a> by limiting your bets to what you afford to lose.<\/p>\nGambling 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<\/a>, you can protect yourself from addiction and focus on using strategy to try and beat the dealer\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n